A Norfolk golf player who lost his leg to bone cancer has secured a stunning victory at the English Open for golfers with a disability.
Brad Smith’s exceptional performance at Stoke by Nayland golf club, in Colchester, saw him win by an impressive eight shots over the previous champion, Oliver Hirst-Greenham.
He plays at Royal Cromer Golf Club and had been working as an assistant professional at Thetford when the cancer struck.
In 2017, Mr Smith was diagnosed with bone cancer and had his right leg amputated. Despite this, he has continued to pursue his passion for golf and achieve remarkable success.
His two consecutive rounds of 70 were key to his commanding lead.
He said: “It’s always nice to win your home event, so it feels good. I played two solid rounds this week. Hopefully, I’ll pick up a few spots in the world rankings, and I feel like I’m on a good run of form at the moment.”
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His victory at the English Open follows his recent win at the Irish Open for golfers with a disability.
“Winning in Ireland was really nice and gave me a lot of confidence coming into this week. I’ve won that twice now. I’ve learnt every time finishing a tournament where I’ve gone wrong in the past, what you can improve on, and how you can control your nerves.”
Mr Smith started the final day with a two-shot lead after an opening round of 70 and soon extended his advantage with a memorable eagle on the par-5 4th hole.
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“I hit a driver and then a 4-iron to about two-and-a-half foot which was quite nice,” he said.
A birdie on the 8th and solid play throughout the day secured his win, despite some late bogeys.
His win was celebrated with plans for a quiet evening at home. “I’m going to drive two hours home and I might stop off and get a nice bottle of wine or a few beers,” he said.
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