While Tiger Woods was lifting the Claret Jug for the third and most recent time in 2006, Wayne Perske was reflecting on his lone experience of competing at The Open Championship.
From that high point of qualifying for golf's oldest Major Championship and playing practice rounds with the likes of Pádraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and compatriot Geoff Ogilvy at Royal Liverpool, Perske would endure years of physical struggle.
Born with degenerative spine disease scoliosis, he called time on his professional career in 2015, and four spinal fusion operations have left him with 12 screws in his lower back.
Having thought he would never be able to play golf again, he is overjoyed to now be playing alongside the best golfers with disability as he prepares for next week’s G4D Tour event at Wentworth Club, home to the prestigious BMW PGA Championship.
“Playing a DP World Tour staged event, especially at Wentworth, is a dream come true for me." Perske said.
“I played most of my career in Japan and thought I'd never get to play an event like this one. Wentworth is a bucket list course and I feel so lucky to be able to play it. I've watched some of my golfing idols play there since I was 12 years old.
“I'm very excited to get to play against some of the other top-ten rated players. Living in Australia makes it hard to compete against the rest of the world. We are just so far away! I love seeing the guys and I enjoy the rivalries.”
Among those is countryman Adam Scott, who also teed it up on the links of Hoylake almost two decades ago and will be a friendly figure to catch up with in Surrey.
"We don't get to meet up very often so this will be an awesome week catching up with some old mates and meeting some new ones," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing Rory (McIlroy) play and maybe meeting (actor) Tom Holland!”
Now, with a renewed passion for the game, Perske continues his rookie year competing in All Abilities events (golf for the disabled) with a second start on the G4D Tour.
His debut came at the G4D Open - staged in partnership by the DP World Tour and The R&A - at Woburn in May, when he finished tied fourth in the 80-strong field as Kipp Popert edged out defending champion Brendan Lawlor to win the title.
A field of eight men and two women will compete over the West Course from September 16-17, with fans invited to watch the action for the final round of the two-day event.
Like all the others in action at Wentworth, Perske has overcome the odds to be able to be here.
“I feel so privileged to be able to share my story and hopefully inspire others with similar experiences," he said. "Playing All Abilities (G4D) golf has changed my life.”
Still to come on the G4D Tour this season
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| G4D Tour @ BMW PGA Championship | September 16-17 |
| G4D Tour @ Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters | October 14-15 |
| G4D Tour Series Finale @ DP World Tour Championship | November 15-16 |
Integral to reaching this point in his life has been the support of his wife Vanessa and his children, Lais, 19, and Billy, 17.
Perske combines playing competitively in events with his job as Director of Golf at Wellness Australia Golf, where he helps people living with disabilities.
"Golf couldn’t be a better sport for people with a disability, even for those who’ve had catastrophic injuries," he said.
"It brings them back with a purpose. Even for me, my wife Vanessa says the spark is back in my eye.”
