Tara Murray
Doreen golfer Laura Burns is hoping it’s second time lucky at the World Deaf Golf Championships later this year.
Having been part of the Australian team for the championships in 2022, Burns will have the chance to compete at home with the championships at the Gold Coast this time.
“To be selected for the World Deaf Golf Championships for the Australia team is one of my best achievements in my life and I am honoured to be selected for the second time,” she said.
“My first time representing Australia was a fantastic experience, I was very excited and nervous to attend the World Championships in Hawaii in 2022, I finished 17th out of 35 in the ladies competition.
“I had a great time meeting and competing against talented golfers from different countries. I am looking forward to being with the Australian team and to seeing all the golfers again in the Gold Coast in August.”
Burns qualified for the event last year after her results at the Australia deaf golf championships representing Victoria.
It was a three day competition and the top 5 in each category qualified, with Burns finishing third.
“My expectations heading to the world deaf championships is to play well, improve my ranking, have fun and try my best to make my country and my family proud.”
Burns said took up golf after playing netball previously. When injuries became too much, her dad suggested golf and it went from there.
“I have been playing golf for seven years, I enjoy it most times and like to play on different courses around Victoria,” she said.
“I play four-five times a month, I am a member of Deaf Golf Victoria and have a monthly competition on various courses,
“I practice on my own both on the course and driving range during the week and weekends, my current GA handicap is 12.7.”
Burns said there wasn’t much difference between normal gold and deaf golf.
In order to keep an even playing field, the golfers need to remove hearing aids or cochlear implants during the championships.
Burns, who is current Deaf Golf Victoria order of merit winner said she would love to see more ladies join deaf golf.
“My family have been amazing and very supportive, I love playing golf with dad on the weekends, very competitive
“I like being part of the deaf golf community because I enjoy learning Auslan and makes it easier to communicate with other deaf people, especially on the golf course where we have to take our hearing aids.”
Deaf Golf Australia is calling on donations to help Burns and the rest of the team make the championships.
To donate: asf.org.au/projects/deaf-golf-australia.
