Walsh swapping shot put for golf
Olympic bronze medallist Tom Walsh is set to swap shot put for golf in March.
The 24-year-old shot put ace will take some time out of his earlyseason competition to compete in the pro-am format at the New Zealand Open in Arrowtown.
The 93rd instalment of the tournament will be played at Millbrook and The Hills from March 9-12.
Elite players compete in both the Open and, paired with amateurs, for the pro-am title (best-ball scoring format).
Walsh, who is training for his first shot put event of the season, the Big Shot in Christchurch on February 19, has become a golfing tragic and now plays off a 12 handicap.
The Christchurch-based athlete, who is originally from Timaru, caught the golfing bug from his coach Dale Stevenson and strength and conditioning coach John Wilson.
‘‘They are both very good golfers on low, single figure handicaps,’’ Walsh said. ‘‘We are away for large parts of the year and in the downtime they would play golf. I started to play two years ago and I’ve definitely caught the golf bug.’’
Walsh is a keen member, along with his coaching team, at the Christchurch Golf Club.
‘‘I am looking forward to playing at Millbrook and The Hills,’’ Walsh said. ’’I’ve never played those courses yet. I guess I might be more nervous than when I am competing in my shot put.’’
Walsh said he and his coaches have strict rules when they play.
‘‘There is a fair bit of banter, of course. But we are not allowed to talk shop when we are on the course. For me, it is completely different than my sport and its fun.
‘‘I really enjoy the technical aspects and the mental side of the game and, of course, the rivalry with my coaches.’’
Tournament director Michael Glading said he was thrilled that Walsh had accepted the invitation to play.
Other celebrities will be announced to play in the pro-am in the next few weeks.
In this year’s event, the par-71 Millbrook course will take over from The Hills as the event’s primary course.
All players will play both courses over the first two rounds, before the final two rounds are held at Milbrook.
.