Date: March 08, 2018
Author: Christian Hamilton

Mills rides hot putter to Blind Open lead

Sydney’s Rod Mills leads the 2018 ISPS Handa Australian Blind Golf Open with an impressive opening round of nett 66 at Rosebud Country Club today.

Mills, who plays at Barnwell Park Golf Club, continued his stellar form after an impressive two days at the recent Victorian Blind Open, finishing second in the B3 division behind Queensland’s Brad Carver.

Mills praised a straight driver and a hot putter with only 33 putts – a fantastic putting round.

Michelle Watts, also of New South Wales, leads the women’s field with a fantastic opening nett 72, four shots clear of Western Australia’s Jenny McCallum.

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The Rosebud Country Club has been a strong supporter of blind golf, playing host to the Victorian and Australian Blind Golf Open since 1990.

Blind Golf Victoria president Doug Sloan said the event wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of the Rosebud Country Club.

“They’re just phenomenal. They assist us with finding caddies and help us throughout the day. The course is very user-friendly and they really make us feel welcome,” Sloan said.

“It’s not just the matter of golf; it’s the matter of socialising and sitting down, talking about your game. We’ve achieved a lot since we have been down at Rosebud Country Club.”

Rosebud Country Club general manager Danny McGrath said the club was honoured to play host to the championships each year and be a part of such an inspiring event.

“Golf is a sport which can be played by anyone regardless of age, gender, ability or disability. Many of us would be in awe of how well the golfers can hit the ball with limited to no vision,” McGrath said.

The championship is a truly unique event with free entry.

Final round tee times from 8:30am on Friday.