Englishman Kipp Popert authored a 10-stroke turnaround on the final day to win the third iteration of the Australian All Abilities Championship.
Three strokes behind Canadian Kurtis Barkley after two rounds of the three-round AAAC, world No.1 Popert carded an exceptional three-under 69 on the last day to haul in, pass then beat Barkley by seven strokes after he shot a closing 79 at Victoria Golf Club. Popert finished the championship at two-under, the only competitor to complete the three days in red figures.
Popert has triumphed over a form of cerebral palsy called Spastic diplegia that affects his lower body and has endured numerous surgeries to his legs by crafting a commendable career in golf. The 24-year-old with degree in applied golf management from the University of Birmingham devised a “system” to playing Victoria that was in full flow today.
“My approach was that we have a system and I just followed it to a T,” Popert said. “I was hitting it really well so just wanted to see how low I could go.
“To be the champion here is an absolute honour. I had three Tim Tams yesterday, so there must be something in those.”
The second AAAC champion (Swede Johan Kammerstad won both the first two editions) was full of praise for the venue, which brought out the best in his game.
“I love it here. This is the first time I’ve played a competition here in Australia. I’ve been here a few times before, one of my best mates lives here. Growing up in the south-east of England, I’ve been practising links golf for a while and I had to use a few of those shots out there today.”
The 12-player All Abilities field played all three rounds at Victoria (the men’s and women’s fields both toured Kingston Heath for one round within their 72 holes) and drew huge ovations on numerous occasions throughout the three days. There were numerous electric moments. Italy’s Tommaso Perrino outrageously holed a long bunker shot at the 18th on Friday afternoon, sparking one of the loudest roars of the week.
Sydney’s Geoff Nicholas finished as the leading Australian, in seventh place. Cameron Pollard was one shot, and one position, further behind.
