Jenny Whittaker - won Wagga Wagga Australian Ladies Open

"The Australian Open championships held in Wagga were very successful," declares two-time champion Jenny Whittaker after her latest win at Wagga Wagga in November. "Daniel Pullen (Wiradjuri course owner) and his team worked tirelessly to get the course in great condition. Saturday's weather was ideal, but Sunday's temperatures were a little warm, especially for the older players."

Jenny was clearly pleased by her success, which arrived hot on the heels of a victory in the Waverley Open a month previously. "I am a very competitive sports person and love winning, so yes I was excited."

Asked what clinched the win, Jenny  "(I) Can’t answer that, as it was a surprise right to the end. The last two rounds for the ladies weren’t seeded. This played on my mind the entire two rounds, but being 10 to 15 years younger than the other players, I thought that I would handle the weather conditions better. Thus, we didn’t know one another’s scores until the presentation. I won by six shots."

As a loyal five handicap member, Jenny understandably takes pride in Wagga Wagga's Wiradjuri course and confirms a popular rationale for playing our sport. "The owners have made so many improvements, enlarging greens and new tee boxes, as well as watering systems, with many more to come. I have been playing for five years.  Pitch and Putt suited my time schedule as I still work. I play on an average 2-3 times a week. Wagga is difficult and challenging  course, as it has many trees, not many bunkers and the greens are kikuyu which doesn’t give a true roll. Course knowledge is always a valuable asset when playing a championship at home."

Jenny's 2022 Australian Open success came at the Neangar track, a layout she aloso professes a liking for. "What a beautiful new course, but only 9 holes." 

Asked to assess ladies Pitch and Putt in Australia, Jenny is realistic. "I have played at many Pitch and Putt tournaments over the years, in Wagga, Canberra, Melbourne and Bendigo (Neangar), and unfortunately there are not many women playing the sport. (At) most tournaments there has been less than ten women in the field. Their ages usally are over seventy, I’m 60 and would be the youngest player. The future is not looking good, however it is a great sport for those that cannot play the bigger course."

Her ambitions are not restricted to Pitch and Putt. "I have joined the larger golf game and play more on those courses, I continue to enjoy both games. They complement both games, I should practice more for both, but I just go out and play competitively and for enjoyment socially."

We may see Jenny action further afield in the future. "What an opportunity if I got the chance. Jack Kalis has told me about the courses in Spain and Ireland, which sound amazing. I'll think about that."