I wanted to share my experience from the Golf Championship 2024 at Torresdale last weekend for the Flight Division. I played in Flight C, the last group with 8 participants. I had the lowest handicap, 17, using 95% of the full handicap.

I often struggle in these championships, particularly after having a stroke and developing aphasia. When I play golf with others, I explain that aphasia makes it hard for me to stay focused. However, they usually brush it off, saying it’s just a golfing issue.

Over the weekend, I made a conscious effort not to get nervous with each shot, and for the most part, I succeeded.

I performed well, tying for first place but losing in the playoff based on the scorecard match. Ultimately, I secured second place. Raza Bokhari won with a 98/89 (Net 80/71), while I finished with a 93/92 (Net 76/75) over the two days.

This Championship was the first time I didn’t buckle under pressure in the past four years at Torresdale.

After the first round, I was three strokes behind. I played alongside Jim Stevenson, who led and tied with Jay Darling. While I was in a good position after the 8th hole, I had a terrible hole on the 9th, a par three, where I ended up with an eight after struggling in a bunker. I thought my chances were over. However, from the 10th to the 13th hole, I scored Par, Bogey, Par, Par after a rough start.

In a Championship, every shot counts – no gimmies. I missed a few tricky putts but also made some excellent ones.

Overall, it was a fantastic day!