Golf pursuits helped along by top gun

SIX talented golfers from Bendigo region have gained a huge drive off the tee from LIV Golf’s and Ripper team member Lucas Herbert.

For the second year running, Herbert chipped in with $500 to each scholarship recipient run in conjuction with Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year awards.

There’s also gym membership at D-Club 24/7 through the generous support of Danielle and Justin Michielsen.

It’s been a memorable year as Herbert and his Ripper team-mates were number one in the LIV team championship.

Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year across 2020 and ’21 donated his prizemoney from the award to launch the inaugural scholarship in ’23.

Herbert and his partner, Erika were special guests at last Thursday night’s presentation near the Basil Ashman Hall of Fame at Red Energy Arena.

Herbert was joint recipient of the Cyril Michelsen Trust Fund award in Sports Star of 2010-11.

The scholarship recipients were chosen from the three clubs where Herbert played on his way to becoming a professional.

Latest scholarship recipients are Neangar Park’s Archie Alston and Morten Hafkamp, Bendigo’s Flynn Anderson and Mitch Cakebread, and Axedale’s Noah Edwards and George Kenny.

Selection was not just all about results, but all six achieved some incredibly low scores in championships and tournaments across central Victoria or further afield.

The latest recipients will tee off at tournaments across the summer months and work on improving many aspects of their game, whether it be putting, chipping, driving, or playing out of the sand traps.

Chair of the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year committee, Sam Daykin said the awards which are approaching their 60th year continue to recognise, celebrate and also help many more pursue their sporting goals.

“Lucas is passionate about golf in Bendigo and doing what he can to help the junior talent pool.”