IN sport the power of the mind can sometimes mean the difference between winning or losing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Champion golfer Graeme Todd-Wilson’s mind power and sheer desire to succeed was one of the reasons why he recently became Nowra Club Champion for the 22 time.
A malignant cancer cut out of your back, a double hernia and consistent headaches would sideline most sportspeople but Todd-Wilson handles adversity with ease.
The malignant cancer was cut from his back in June 2013 and the double hernia diagnosed in December last year.
Not long after the operation, which also saw the removal of lymph nodes under his armpits, he was back on the course took part and won the inaugural Shoalhaven Heads golf open.
The headaches, however, have been something he had to deal with for years.
The headaches are so debilitating he can’t play as much golf as he likes.
“Normally I only play golf around Nowra Club championship time,” he said.
Once he steps out onto the course – look out.
“I get into the zone and when get into the zone it feel like I can do anything,” he said.
He is known as the freak because he does not practice but just turns up and plays.
Todd-Wilson took the title with on a count back with a consistent 70/66.
Ben Taylor fought hard to return an impressive 73/66 for second also on countback from Mark McClellan who had to settle for third.
Afterwards, Todd-Wilson was the first to congratulate his opponents and was even prepared to offer a younger golfer some advice.
Meanwhile, you have to wonder where Todd-Wilson would have ended up if did have battle headaches.
A professional career could have beckoned but Todd-Wilson has no regrets about not being able to join the pro-ranks.
While he wants to win and do well, he loves the sport for other reasons.
“You get to make friends and meet people,” he said.
He once got to play golf with an Indian Prince who was visiting the Southern Highlands.
His results have also caught the eye of rich clubs.
“Some clubs wanted to pay me to play for them,” he said.
As a proud Shoalhaven resident and representative player he politely declined their advances.
The strength of his game is touch – not strength.
“Chipping and putting are defiantly the strengths of my game,”
“When I was younger I worked hard on my chipping and putting.”
This training continues to pay off for him today.
Golf has taught him never to talk things for granted
“I have a four foot putt and my opponent has a 20 putt – you don’t presume he will miss and I will sink mine,” he said.
He knows sport has many funny twists and turns.
Don’t be surprised come Nowra Golf Club champion time next year that Todd-Wilson notches up another victory.
His first Nowra Golf Club champion win was in 1983 and has won consistently over the year.