Australian golfer proves to be an 'inspiration' after fighting depression to win Texas Open

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Australian golfer Steven Bowditch has proved himself to be an inspiration as he battled depression in the past and has now pocketed 1.2 million-dollars after winning the Texas Open at his maiden PGA Tour success.

Bowditch's big brother Adam, who watched every minute of the golfer's rise to fame on TV, said that there had been no indication that after a moderate start to the year, this would be the break out week of Bowditch's 13-year professional career.

According to New.com.au, Bowditch had suffered severe clinical depression, which was accompanied with drinking and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness, futility and dissatisfaction with the routine of a professional sportsman.

Bowditch reportedly went 12 straight nights without sleeping in April 2006, then he drank a whole bottle of Scotch in one go, slept for two days, woke up, and tried to drown himself in the pool by putting on his heavy clothes.

The golfer was resuscitated by his then girlfriend, who pulled him out of the pool, and he went on to become a spokesman for beyondblue, Australia's national initiative to raise awareness of anxiety and depression, the report added.