AFL great Jason Akermanis banned from third golf club

Former Brisbane champion Jason Akermanis has vowed to clear his name after being banned from a third club after footage surfaced of his actions at a charity golf day.

AFL great Jason Akermanis turning his sporting skills to golf. Picture: David Kapernick

Former Brisbane champion Jason Akermanis has vowed to clear his name after being banned from a third golf club.

The Albury-based Akermanis has been given his marching orders from three clubs in the area amid allegations of cheating and heated confrontations with fellow members.

Akermanis, 42, has sent a letter of complaint to Golf Australia and also sought clarification from Golf NSW about the procedures involved in his dismissal from courses in Thurgoona, Albury and Wodonga.

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The 2001 Brownlow Medallist had embarked on pursuing a professional golf career but is now reconsidering his dream because of the latest controversy.

“The protocol you are supposed to go through versus what I went through, it’s diabolical, it’s so bad,” Akermanis said.

“I am seeking clarification on a couple of issues ... the reality is the crime doesn’t fit the punishment.

“In all three cases the crimes don’t go even close to being justified to what has actually gone on.”

The reasons for the bans include signing an incorrect scorecard, abusing fellow golfers after they moved his cart and having extra shots during a charity day.

His latest ban from Wodonga centred around his actions during a charity event where he claims he was told by organisers to play more shots because his group was a player down.

AFL great Jason Akermanis has turned his sporting skills to golf. Photo: David Kapernick, Golf Queensland

“This was a charity golf day where I had donated my time and the organisers said you’ve only got three in your group so you can have the extra shot,” Akermanis said.

“They said you can actually have as many shots as you like because you’re doing us a favour for coming. Then someone has taken footage of this happening and complained.”

After becoming obsessed with the game, the three-time Lions premiership hero embarked on his dream to become a pro golfer.

He even went to the PGA’s qualifying school in December but failed to get his ticket.

But the strain of the recent controversy - which has also seen his handicap go from scratch out to 5 - has him reconsidering his career path.

“I certainly don’t enjoy it like I did after these incidents,” Akermanis said. “I’m happy to give it (pro-career) another go maybe this year but I’m not sure.”

Akermanis is now looking to move away from the Border region and return to Brisbane given his oldest daughter has shown promising signs with her football and is set to join the Lions AFLW Academy.

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