Local sports star supports young golfers

THE talents of six upcoming golfers were recognised last week at Bendigo Sports Star’s monthly scholarship ceremony.

There in person support the program was professional golfer and Bendigo local Lucas Herbert, who was the 2020-2021 Bendigo Sports Star of the Year.

Returning to his hometown, Herbert said he wanted to give back by helping young golfers in the community access the sport.

“I think it’s a massive advantage being a country kid because everyone gets behind you so much more, and supports you so much more and it’s a place I just like coming back to when I’m in Australia,” he said.

The scholarship recipients each received $500 to put towards equipment or travel costs with the funds coming from Herbert’s prize winnings between 2022 and 2023.

“I’m at a stage in my career where I’m set up pretty well financially and I know what it was like to be in these kid’s situations,” he said.

“If that keeps them in the sport a little bit longer and gets them going, I feel like I’m giving back to the community that’s given me a lot.”

Among the recipients was 18-year-old Jazy Roberts who has been playing golf for 10 years and is a member at the Neangar Golf Club in Eaglehawk.

“I think the financial help is obviously a huge goal, because all the travel is obviously really expensive,” she said.

“Obviously Lucas is someone who has had a really successful career so far.

“It’s good to see how well he’s going and that there’s someone that I can look up to.”

As part of Herbert’s current visit, Roberts joined him at the Australian Open in Sydney where she finished 14th in her division.

“It’s a great experience to be up there at 18, as an amateur, and I got to play with some of the best people in the world,” she said.