A Buderim (QLD) father who was left paralysed from the neck down following a spinal cord injury is now competing on Golf Australia’s national All Abilities circuit, winning his first tournament and chasing a Brisbane 2032 Paralympic dream.
Less than two years after a catastrophic cycling accident changed his life, Chris Perry claimed victory in the Men’s Inclusive Stableford division at the Queensland Inclusive Championship at Pacific Harbour Golf Club on Bribie Island in May.
The win marked Chris’ first official outdoor golf competition since joining the national adaptive golf pathway earlier this year – a milestone few could have imagined during the early stages of his recovery.
Reflecting on how far he has come, Chris says golf has been central to his recovery journey, starting with indoor sessions at his local X-Golf, progressing into competition with friends in X-League and now coaching with former X-Golf team member and PGA Pro, Wade Hooper.
“It’s where rebuilding my confidence really began,” Chris said.
“The combination of community and routine helps my rehabilitation both physically and mentally. It’s giving me something to work towards.”
Now competing in WR4GD world ranking events for those with disabilities, Chris will travel to South Australia on Tuesday, 9 June, as part of Golf Australia’s growing inclusive golf circuit.
Chris’ coach Wade says the progress he’s made in such a short time is outstanding.
“I’ve been coaching Chris since he started getting back into golf after his accident and with the way he’s improving, Brisbane 2032 is becoming a very real goal for him.”
“He never wastes a session – he just keeps showing up and getting better,” Wade said.
“That determination is engrained in him, so in next few years, there’s no reason he can’t be right in the mix for 2032.”
While golf is not yet confirmed for the 2032 Paralympic program, The International Golf Federation and Golf Australia are building a strong case for its inclusion. As a result, it’s opened the door to a long-term ambition Chris never expected to have.
“When I saw the push for Paralympic golf, it gave me a huge goal to work towards,” Chris said.
“To go from being paralysed to competing at this level already, it’s a huge milestone for me. I’m really keen to see how far I can take it.”
With Men’s Health Week on from 15 June, Chris’ message of resilience is especially important for men facing adversity, recovery and mental health struggles.
“You just need to keep showing up, keep trying to improve and keep moving forward,” Chris said.
“The most important thing is community – you can achieve a lot with the right people by your side.”
As Men’s Health Week shines a spotlight on overall wellbeing and recovery, Chris’ rise through Australia’s golfing ranks highlights the powerful role sport can play after life-changing injury.
Along with Chris’ upcoming tournament at the Barossa Valley this June, he will also travel to the New South Wales Inclusive Championship in Coffs Harbour this July. When he’s off-course, he’s perfecting his technique at X-Golf Maroochydore.
Men’s Health Week in Australia runs from June 15 to June 21, 2026. The annual week-long campaign encourages men and boys to prioritize their physical and mental wellbeing, promoting healthier lifestyle choices, routine check-ups, and open discussions about male health
STORY: Aly Marshall | Brand Beat Agency