Jesper targets start in Victorian Open

STRATHFIELDSAYE teenager Jesper Wallace has marked qualifying for the Victorian Open as an early goal in this year’s golfing campaign.

The 15-year-old will play at Curlewis near Geelong on February 3.

Outstanding play near and far from home earnt Wallace the December scholarship Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year awards.

A member at Heathcote, Neangar Park, and Southern golf clubs, Wallace’s practice regime is usually five days a week.

His ability off the tee in which he averages a distance of 270 metres is a major strength.

“The short game is what I need to work at a lot more,” he said of pitches, wedges and putts.

Should he qualify, Wallace’s campaign in the Victorian Open will be on the 13th Beach course near Barwon Heads from February 6-9.

Wallace’s build-up to the pre-qualifying includes the Mandalay Open on January 19.

He will contest the Murray River Junior Masters on January 25 and 26 in Albury.

Among the highs of last year was the New South Wales Open qualifying in which he finished the day’s play on three-under and missed the tournament cut by a shot.

Success in the Ivo Whitton events for amateurs included third placing in the Bendigo Open.

Wallace won three of four matches as he represented Bendigo at Victoria Country Week.

He won the junior title and was third overall in Heathcote Golf Club’s championship.

He also earned the Cameron Percy scholarship at Southern GC in ’24.

Wallace took up golf when Covid first struck.

“Mountain bike and gravel racing were my main sports before then. Because there was no racing, Dad (Matt) set up some nets in the backyard shed to hit some golf balls into.”

Coached by Stuart Leong from Metropolian Club, Wallace also gains tips from Neangar Park clubmates James Ranson and Kris Mueck.

There’s also a pitching area and practice net in the backyard at home where Jesper is home-schooled and has great support from parents Matt and Brooke.

The feats of Lucas Herbert, Kris Mueck and Andrew Martin on the professional golfing circuit have inspired Wallace and many more to have a go at golf.