Guy Harrison's doctors said that at the age of three, he needed to prepare for a life in a wheelchair. Now he's a national championship winner. Photo / BW Media
When he was 3 years old, Guy Harrison had a seizure lying on his couch at home. He was lucky to survive and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
In his recovery, Harrison was encouraged to pursue low-impact sports like golf and swimming to regain his mobility.
Almost 20 years later, the Hawke’s Bay local has won the NZ All Abilities golf championship. He shares his journey in his own words.
When I finally held the NZ All Abilities golf trophy in my hands, the first feeling wasn’t celebration. It was disbelief. Then relief.
For three years, I’d watched Australian players across the Tasman take home our national title.
Each time it stung a little more. So, to see my name etched on that trophy at last — a New Zealander again — was something I’ll never forget.
It felt like a weight lifted not just for me, but for everyone back home who believed this was possible.
This was the one I really wanted to win. My major goal for 2026.
And I knew I was playing well – that knowledge brought pressure.
I’ve been playing disability golf events since 2019. I finished second a few years ago, and that hurt more than I expected.
It stayed with me.
I knew I had the game – the question was whether I could handle the moment when it mattered most.
The key was keeping it simple. Stay aggressive, keep the ball in play, focus on one shot at a time. Don’t look at leaderboards.
Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Just play my game.
When I look back on that final putt, it’s impossible not to think about where my golf journey began — walking the fairways of Awatoto Golf Club in Napier with my dad, carrying just two clubs, determined one day to beat him.
Those afternoons didn’t just teach me how to play golf. They changed my life.
Golf helped me move better. It gave me confidence to travel, to meet people, to belong.
Doctors once doubted what I’d be able to do after I developed cerebral palsy at the age of three – they said I needed to prepare for a life in a wheelchair - but my parents never did.
They pushed, supported, believed — and golf became the place where I proved those doubts wrong.
I’m incredibly grateful for that. Without my parents, my coaches, my friends, my High Cut team, who support me with apparel, and my family – my rock – none of this happens.
They believed it was possible, but they also kept me grounded when my expectations grew.
It was also great to be a member of the Para Sport Collective run by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) and supported by ACC.
It was awesome to meet and spend time with other inspiring athletes from around the country. That programme was of massive benefit to me and gave me huge belief.
It helped me focus on the little gains which created massive benefits in sports psychology. Being able to have connections like that is invaluable moving forward.
Golf is special because it’s inclusive. Anyone can give it a go. For me, it’s about connection – time outdoors, shared rounds, lifelong memories.
Some of my favourite moments haven’t been tournaments at all, but travelling New Zealand with Dad, ticking off courses along the way.
Now, that journey is taking me overseas. In April, I’ll head to Europe to compete in the Disability Scottish Open, the EDGA Tour event at London Club, and the G4D Open in Wales.
I’m not going with specific performance goals. This trip is about learning, experiencing the highest level, and making connections.
Most importantly, I want other New Zealand disability golfers to see that this pathway exists. That overseas competition isn’t just a dream. I hope that in the future we’ll have teams from New Zealand attending these events together.
The mental battle never really ends. Background noise – doubts, expectations – doesn’t disappear.
I’ve learned to focus on enjoying the game, trusting the process, and remembering how lucky I am to play the sport I love.
Golf gave me purpose when I needed it most, helped me out of my shell, and opened doors I never imagined.
After missing selection in para swimming for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, I stepped into a new role as Parafed Manawatū Sports Development Advisor.
My focus now is on creating opportunities for kids with physical disabilities. Growing up with a disability isn’t easy. Doors can close quickly. That’s why role models matter.
If I can show even a few young athletes that anything is possible with hard work, support, and belief, then everything I’ve done is worth it.
My advice is simple: get moving, spend time outdoors, set small goals, celebrate every win. Most of all, have fun and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know where one shot – one round, one opportunity – might lead. And for me, this one led to a trophy I’ll always treasure.
- This article is provided courtesy of ACC