TWEED PRO MARCHES LONG WAY TOWARDS GLORY
IN a star studded Australian Open field, Damien Jordan may slip under the radar but his story is one of the most poignant out there.
In 2006, when World No.12 Jason Day was Australia’s next great hope and World No.2 Jordan Spieth was just entering his teenage years, Jordan was completing his second tour of Iraq with the Australian Army.
However this week all three players will tee it up at The Australian Golf Club chasing the Stonehaven Cup.
Spieth is the defending champion, Day is aiming to win on home soil for the first time and Jordan is making his debut at 37 years of age.
“Golf wasn’t even on my radar in 2006; it was just all about the army, it’s amazing how things change,” said the Tweed Heads pro.
“Playing in the Australian Open is something that I have always wanted to tick off my bucket list. Now that I am here it still feels surreal. I will probably be a little bit nervous on the first tee but I can’t wait to get into it.”
Jordan earned his place in the field this week thanks to recording his first victory on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia at the Victorian PGA Championship in February.
Having been excited about the opportunity all year, Jordan has brought his dad with him as support.
“What a fantastic course to make my Aussie Open debut on. I can’t believe how good the course is. The bunkers are unbelievable and the greens are spectacular,” Jordan said.
“I couldn’t wait for this week. I have brought my old man down to experience it with me, I just can’t wait to get out there and rip in.”
Jordan is coached by Ben Cronk of Chinderah Golf.