Golf: Life-changing shot for teenager Chloe Veeran dominates memorable South West Open tournament

South West Academy of Sport golfer Chloe Veeran secured an unforgettable hole-in-one on Sunday at the Bunbury Golf Club.

Busselton-based Chloe, 16, calmly nailed the 17th hole shot which ensured she received a $60,000 Isuzu D-Max Ute — a prize offered for the first player to achieve the feat on the hole during the Isuzu South West Open.

Prior to January 2022, the Royal Perth Golf Club talent, who plays off a 1 handicap, wouldn’t have been able to accept the prize, because she is classed as an amateur golfer.

However, an amendment to this rule means amateur golfers are now able to accept hole-in-one prizes, provided they are more than 50 yards and recorded during an official tournament.

Chloe’s achievement has received national attention, with vision of the L-plater running towards the hole to collect her ball going viral across national golf and news services.

“A few people have asked me whether I was nervous heading into the 17th knowing there was a car to be won,” she said.

“I honestly just treated it like any other hole.

“Obviously I wanted it go in, but so did everyone else. I just aimed for the pin and luckily for me, it just went in.”

Although she is delighted with her new wheels, the modest teenager is still keen for further improvement on the course.

“I had mixed feelings about this one (tournament),” she said. “The hole-in-one was halfway through the second round — I’d never scored a hole-in-one before, so I couldn’t focus for the other half.

“That’s on me, there’s no excuse for that, but I had an OK second round and shot 77.”

SWAS chief executive Bernice Butlion said she was thrilled for Chloe, who had been a real asset during her time in the academy.

“I’m so chuffed as she is a very dedicated athlete,” Butlion said. “We are very proud to have Chloe as part of the SWAS family.”

While spending the majority of her time at Royal Perth, Chloe equally loves spending time at the Busselton Golf Club, which she fondly uses as a training base.

And when not on the course or working hard at school, chances are the 16-year-old will be enjoying one of her other biggest passions.

“I like to play scrabble with my mum often,” Chloe said. “It’s a recent thing and we like to play almost every day.”

Overall, Jose De Sousa took out the professional component of the South West Open, finishing -6, ahead of Rick Kulacz and Braden Becker on -4.

Promising Wanneroo Golf Club junior Ollie Marsh claimed best amateur and junior honours.