HORSHAM Golf Club's Gary De Wit claimed a special victory at the 2020 Victorian Heart Open last week.
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Playing off a handicap of 14, De Wit mastered windy conditions at the prestigious Victoria Golf Club to post 38 stableford points and claim the championship, besting a field of 85 competitors.
The event is only open to golfers who have had heart surgery, and it was De Wit's 10th attempt at winning the tournament since he suffered a heart attack in October 2010.
"It was my 10th year playing, and I've had some shocker rounds there, I'll tell you what," De Wit said.
"A few of the boys I've played with over the years are wondering how I've scored 38 points.
"I've been struggling for a fair while to hit the ball well, even in the last 12 months around Horsham. So it was very nice to hit a few good shots and have a good score - to win it is definitely something I'm proud of."
De Wit said the competition was only part of the event's appeal.
He said the chance to share stories with people who have had similar experiences and learn from keynote speakers made the event "a classic".
"I heard about it from one of my mates after I came back from surgery in Melbourne, he rang up and told me about it," De Wit said.
"I reckon it was only five or six months after my heart attack that I was out playing at Spring Valley in the event.
"There are some ripper stories going around from people there.
"You think you might be the only one that's gone through these things, but getting down there it really opens your eyes, and you realise a bit more what's going on with the heart and that sort of stuff.
"It's always a classic - it's great getting down there and talking to other blokes who have been through it."
De Wit said it was a bonus to play at some amazing courses.
"I've played Royal Melbourne, Spring Valley, Kingston Heath, Yarra Yarra, now Victoria - I wouldn't recommend having a heart attack or anything, but they are some fantastic courses."
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