Jack Kalis looks ahead to the Australian Open

Jack Kalis, Australia

Pitch and Putt players in Australia think nothing of travelling long distances. The 2013 winner of the Victoria State championships, Jack Kalis, takes up the story. "When Friday (20th October) morning came my Father, Nan and I travelled for 5 hours and 40 minutes (about 480 kilometres) down to Melbourne to play."

The prospect of seeking to retain his state championship title at the venue that will also host the 2014 Australian Open in a few weeks excited young Jack. "I was stoked that I was traveling to a amazing pitch and putt event, The way Phil (Shaw-Dennis) prepares that event and especially the course is amazing. I always enjoy playing at Waverley."

Jack started steadily on Saturday. "Day one was ideal conditions. I played well, just unlucky with a few putts. It is very difficult to read the greens down there."

Despite that, the Wagga Wagga player was still in contention at halfway. "Marc Fischer is in pretty good form. He played phenomenal by shooting 48 in the first 2 rounds - 12 under for day one while I was 7 under after shooting 50, 51."

The title defence was noble but ultimately came up just short. "I was quite happy with the result. Day two was tough, very windy. It was very difficult off the tee. I normally use 64 and 58 degree wedges. I ended up leaving the 64 in the bag because the wind just took the ball as soon as you hit it off the tee. No one played spectacular on Sunday." Marc Fischer won the event on 200 for 72 holes, that's 16 under par. Jack Kalis finished on -12.

For once, Australia's most successful player wasn't really a factor. "James Rogerson started with a 55 then backed it up with 61," recalls Jack. "I think lack of practice prior to the event was the result in the championships for James. He shot 50 in the last round - a good round to finish with considering the conditions."

Jack, who won the ACT State championship in 2014, can hardly wait for Waverley's next big event at the end of November. "For the Australian Open, Waverley is going to be a great challenge. It is a world class course and in my opinion the course always sets up hard."

The contenders for the recent State Championships will be joined by a number of other top Australians. "There is one player that could't make it for the Vics, JP Bilderbeck has been playing well. He is new to the club this year. He will be one to watch also if he can make it. Brendan Underwood is a great player." Marc Fischer will surely be a factor again. He was runner-up on the last occasion the Australian Open was played at Waverley (2011).

It's been a few years since a major influx of foreign players contested the Australian Open (although two Swiss ladies did play in Canberra last year). Jack would like to see that trend reversed and issues a clarion call to Pitch and Putt players around the word. "Hopefully we get a bunch of international players if you can make it. Come, it will be some experience."