5 minutes with Jason Sheard, Australia’s number one wheelchair golfer

Meet Jason Sheard, Australia’s top-ranked wheelchair golfer and a proud New Horizons Support Coordination client. Having moved from occasional social games to competing in national and international all-abilities tournaments, Jason now holds a world ranking and continues to build his presence in the sport.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into golf?

I just started playing golf as a bit of fun when I was a teenager. I played maybe twice a year at charity golf days with friends. Now, I’ve got primary progressive MS and a lower back fusion. I’ve been playing all abilities golf now for about a year, and I have a tour pass now which means I can play in tournaments and I have a ranking.

What’s your ranking?

In the seated wheelchair division, I’m 13th in the world and number one in Australia. In the standing division, which I competed in before I became too wobbly on my legs, I was 7th in Australia and 81st in the world.

Number one in Australia! Congrats! So, how does wheelchair golf work?

OK, you’re strapped into the seat, and the seat lifts you up to stand, so your feet are always in the same position. It’s a bit different in that way; you’re using your arms all the time more than your legs.

You’ve got to try and put it all together. I’ve got the advantage off the tee because I can hit the ball long distance.

Jason playing at Springwood Golf Club

What are you working towards this year?

Hopefully to try and win the Australian wheelchair championship in May. Then there are the all abilities tournaments as well. I’m part of the Australian Sports Foundation so I’m trying to get funds to help me compete in these tournaments.

Golf will also be part of the Brisbane Paralympics, and you have to do so many qualifying events to be in the Australian team.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a championship like this? I

There’s a driving range here in Bathurst that looks after me; I just practice there once a week. Then the Leura Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains sponsor me too – I play under them with the shirt and hat. They waive the fee for me. I usually alternate every second week between these two clubs.

Has your approach to golf changed over the years?

I guess the hardest thing is a bit of support to help you. At the moment, I’m trying to get club manufacturers to support me with the equipment I need. I also have special gloves which strap my hands to the glove, so anyone with a disability can use them.

When I first started playing it was hard to find different equipment – Empower Golf is the only one in Australia that supply that equipment, which I now have at Leura and Bathurst.

What advice would you give to someone with a disability who’s thinking about trying golf?

You just have to give it a go. All abilities tournaments are so good for participation and representation as well.  James and Ben at Empower Golf Australia can also help you with where to go; reach out to them as they run programs all around Australia.

 

Help Jason compete in the 2026 All Abilities Golf tournament

We’re proud to share Jason’s story. Donations via this link go directly to Jason’s personal fundraiser for golf tournaments.

This is independent of New Horizons, and contributions are not tax deductible unless stated by the fundraising platform.

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