ROSEWOOD Golf Club fanatic Anthony Keenan is rising above a life changing heart attack to pursue a world sporting dream.
In dealing with his major setback on the greens, Anthony is a wonderful example of how sport can make a massive difference after a huge setback.
Anthony, now 48, was diagnosed with a brain condition called Spinocerebellar ataxia [SCA] following a heart attack when he was 35.
The former Sydney A-Grade rugby union and rugby league player endured his emotion-charged health complication after going for a 2km run.
“I just thought I was getting tired from having a run,” Anthony said.
The impact of the heart attack left Anthony with less balance, memory lapses and can impair his speech.
More than a decade later, he has a positive attitude as he embarks on an inspirational golfing journey.
He is using golf to stabilise his health and revitalise his sporting goals.
He recently started contesting Special Olympics qualifying events in addition to disability tournaments run by Golf Australia.
“For a lot of years, I went to a really dark place because I felt that I lost a part of me,” Anthony said.
“Somehow in the past two years since I found disability golf and all-ability golf, it’s done wonders for my mental health.
“I love golf because it keeps my mind active and gets my mind thinking.
“I like just everything about golf. If I’m not playing golf, I am talking about golf, I’m watching golf.”
Chatting to Anthony, it’s hard to believe he has a brain condition that affects him in a number of ways.
He is personable, acutely aware of his situation and still remembers key information.
However, Anthony concedes he has “good and bad days” dealing with his challenges.
As we chat, Anthony shares his incredible story from growing up playing sport in Balmain to becoming a Queensland Rugby Union development officer in Cairns.
He also played rugby union for seven years in Guam and has spent more than two decades in Queensland.
The last predicament the former five-eighth or fullback expected was a heart attack.
But with incredible support from his wife Maria, Anthony regularly practices on the 18-hole Rosewood Golf Club course to fine-tune his game for future competitions.
Maria, originally from New Zealand also plays. She drives Anthony to the club due to his situation.
“Maria is my rock,” Anthony said.
“She loves coming out and watching golf and loves seeing the progress that I’ve made from two years ago when I couldn’t even hit a ball to now.”
Walking with a limp and a playing off a handicap of 28, Anthony appreciates spending time at the Rosewood golf.
“Rosewood is a perfect golf course for disability golf,” he said.
“The bunkers aren’t too high.
“It’s really good being a member out here because I’m able to come out so frequently and play and work on my game.
“The club has really embraced me.”
Special Olympics provides competition for people with an intellectual disability to achieve their sporting goals.
Golf Australia also offers disability events for determined people like Anthony.
He said he has a world ranking of 320 for stableford events with the European Disability Golf Association.
He recently came third in his division at his first Special Olympics qualifying tournament at the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club.
“It was a nerve-racking experience but a great experience,” Anthony said.
One of his goals is to qualify for the Queensland championships in October.
Before that, he is preparing for the NSW championships at Coffs Harbour after Easter then another state championship event a week later under Golf Australia’s disability tournament program.
He finished sixth at last year’s NSW championships.
After the Queensland championships, Anthony hopes to make the Australian team going to Minnesota for the next Special Olympics in 2027.
He hopes to play overseas more often, following his fifth placing in a New Zealand disability tournament.
As Anthony continues his higher level golfing journey, he would appreciate any sponsorship or financial assistance.
