Jack McLeod is a deaf golfer who has qualified for the NSW Open, which starts tomorrow at Castle Hill. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / News Corp Australia
HE was born profoundly deaf but no disability was going to stop courageous Jack McLeod chasing his sporting dreams.
"I am just the same as everyone else,'' McLeod says proudly.
McLeod, 17, will today conquer any self-doubts by lining-up to play in his first NSW Golf Open at Castle Hill.
He will tee-up alongside some of Australia's finest including Nick O'Hern, Steven Bowditch, Peter O'Malley, Brad Hughes, Terry Price and James Nitties.
But McLeod has already won his own battle - merely by standing on the first tee.
McLeod uses two cochlear implants to hear what many of us take for granted - the sound of a one-wood hitting a tee-shot, the sound of a putt hitting the back of the cup.
"I was born deaf,'' he said. "But I am living the same life as everyone else.
"I am no different - just the same as everyone else.
"I had the right cochlear implant when I was 12 months old and left one when I was 11 years old.
"It is just a way of life. You have to have a good attitude, especially with golf.
"I am always having fun and not letting anyone get over the top of me. I have been (teased) but that was a long time ago and I am over it now.''
McLeod qualified for the NSW Open at Long Reef last week along with 80 rival amateurs and professionals.
He shot five-over 76 and then won through in a play-off.
McLeod is a Bayview junior but won a scholarship at Bonnie Doon, in Sydney's east. He plays off two at both courses.
He hopes to shoot a ''couple under'' at Castle Hill.
"But that will be a tough ask because Castle Hill is a tough track - it's long,'' he said.
"There a few big names playing but I am just in there for the experience.
"I'm not expecting to win it. I just want to get to know the pros and have some fun.
"It's very exciting.''
McLeod won last year's World Deaf Golf Championships individual men's event by a staggering 13 strokes.
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