Lucas loves life on the fairway

ALREADY playing off a handicap of eight, Lockwood youngster Lucas Herbert has excelled on many golf courses.The 12-year-old was in scorching form in his latest hit-out at the Sandhurst Golf Club.Lucas and his team-mates from the Bendigo Bank Academy of Sport won the Alec Calvert Trophy.A member of the Academy’s development squad, Lucas’ driving, chipping and putting were in sync for most of the round.‘‘It was a great day,’’ Lucas said of his play, but more importantly, the team’s success.Jarklin’s Dale Bish scored 41 points and Herbert racked up 37 points as the Bendigo line-up achieved a one-two result in the individual showdown.The play of Cameron Vincent and Jayne Young, of Neangar Park, as well as Belvoir Park’s Jamie Hart, and Heathcote’s Chelsea Wearne ensured the squad won by a mere 0.17 of an average point. The Academy’s young guns will be teeing off in the Bendigo District Golf Association’s junior championship on June 29 at Bendigo Golf Club.Lucas played in last year’s district championship and is looking forward to the challenge once again.Bendigo District Golf Association secretary Mark Bamford was manager of the Academy of Sport’s golf squad in the trophy showdown.‘‘To win the trophy was a great effort by all the players,’’ Bamford said.Bendigo won the showdown ahead of South West Academy, with Gippsland and Ballarat Academy of Sport’s golfing squads also in action.‘‘There are some really talented youngsters playing at all clubs in the district,’’ Bamford said.‘‘Lucas is an exciting talent, as are all the youngsters in the Academy of Sport squad, or development program.’’ A Grade 6 student at Camp Hill Primary School, Lucas tees off at Neangar Park most weekends, and also has a practice round when he can.Lucas’ sporting pursuits included Aussie Rules and cricket, but he became more serious about golf in December of 2006.After starting on a handicap of 22, Lucas had whittled his mark to 11 in time to represent Victoria at last year’s national schoolboys’ championships in Queensland.Lucas is one of many young boys and girls to be playing golf.‘‘It’s a lot of fun.‘‘I have met a lot of new people, and travelled a fair bit as well to play.’’ The keen youngster has plenty of support from his parents, Lyndon and Meredith.For Lucas there is plenty to learn from each round he plays.‘‘I really enjoy the challenges in golf,’’ said Lucas.‘‘I cannot hit the ball as far as a lot of other players, so keeping the ball straight is important.’’ Lucas said the Sandhurst course threw up a lot of challenges.‘‘There were some long fairways and there was thick rough.’’ The BDGA championship will be a chance to see the region’s young stars show their skill on the fairways, greens, and sometimes from the bunker.