Jan Purcell is well-known for her horse training abilities, but since picking up a golf club three years ago her golfing talents have become obvious too.
By Melissa Meehan
DEVON Medows resident Jean Purcell is known for her success as a thoroughbred horse trainer, but many may not know of her golfing talents.
Named Racing Woman of the Year in 2001, Mrs Purcell can now add a state golfing title to her many racing achievements.
She is the current B Grade Club Champion and boasts a handicap of 23.
On Friday Mrs Purcell was presented with a state golfing title, the Bronze Division International Bowl of Victoria.
Her achievement is magnified by the fact that she only picked up a golf club three years ago, when her son invited her to go with him to the driving range.
“At first I thought why would I want to go to a driving range, but once I tried it I was hooked,” Mrs Purcell said.
“Not long after I joined at Amstel Golf Club in Cranbourne.”
Mrs Purcell said the club had given her many opportunities in golf, and the female members were a great group of people.
A horse trainer for more than 25 years, Mrs Purcell entered the horse training industry as a schoolgirl working for trainer Owen Lynch.
Mrs Purcell says golf allows her to have a holiday from her training schedule
“I can’t get away for days at a time, but once or twice a week I can spend time at the course,” she said.
“It clears away the cobwebs.”
Horse training presents Mrs Purcell with many early mornings, but starting at 3.30am doesn’t bother her as long as she can get to the golf course by 9am.
Mrs Purcell says although her golfing title is an exciting experience, the highlight of her training career was when Prizefighter, a horse she bred and raised herself, won a Group 3 race at Moonee Valley.
