THE Border golf community is rallying behind top female golfer Judy Langford, who is facing a long recovery after a serious car crash.
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Ms Langford - the current Wodonga Golf Club champion - was injured when her car was hit head-on by a bus at Dederang on Friday.
Witnesses told police the bus had been travelling on the wrong side of the Kiewa Valley Highway for a significant period of time before the crash.
The impact crushed the front of Ms Langford’s car and pinned her by her legs, leaving her trapped in the vehicle for more than an hour.
She also damaged her arms.
It’s believed she underwent an operation at Albury Hospital on Saturday morning and will spend a long period away from the sport.
Club professional Mandy Buchanan said the club was thinking of Ms Langford.
“It’s terrible news,” she said.
“We’ve heard that she’s OK but has broken bones.
“Everyone is thinking of her.
“She’s just a fantastic person.”
Ms Langford - who lives at the back of the Wodonga course - works as a nurse.
Ms Buchanan said she had been a club member since 2006 and was a talented player.
“She’s tough,” she said.
“She will fight and she will be back.
“We’re all just hoping that she’s OK.
“She’s a great member and a great person.”
Ms Buchanan said it was too early to say whether the club would hold fundraisers for Ms Langford, who had won several major competitions.
Police from the Wangaratta Highway Patrol are trying to work out why the bus was travelling on the wrong side of the road.
The driver - a 42-year-old Melbourne man - was arrested at the scene on suspicion of conduct endangering life, but has not been charged.
“Speed wasn’t a factor and drugs and alcohol have been ruled out,” Senior Constable Gavin Frew said.
“If there are any witnesses who could come forward it would be greatly appreciated.
“We’re especially keen to hear from a person in a four-wheel-drive utility parked in a truck parking bay near the scene.”
The bus had been transporting year 11 and 12 students and teachers from Helena College in Western Australia from a trip to the snow, with about 50 people onboard.
No-one on the bus was injured.
Anyone with information can contact Wangaratta police on (03) 5723 0888.
