HORSHAM Golf Club professional Lisa Jean will be the first woman to contest the men’s Victorian PGA Championship.
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Jean shot an even-par 72 on Monday at Melbourne’s Eynesbury Golf Club in the PGA Professional Championship of Victoria.
She finished second behind Nick Dastey – who shot a two-under 70 – to book her place in the field for the 2016 event.
The Eynesbury event doubled as the Victorian PGA Club Professional Championship, which Jean won.
Dastey was ineligible because he is a club manager, not a professional.
The 2015 Victorian PGA Championship was played at Huntingdale Golf Club on the Melbourne sandbelt – Jean’s home club.
She said if the 2016 event was played at that venue, she would certainly have an advantage.
Jean will need to harness all the local knowledge in her arsenal, because she will be teeing off from the men’s markers.
‘‘I’m the only girl in the field. It’s an unusual position. It’s never happened before,’’ she said.
‘‘This will be the first time a woman has played off the men’s tees.’’
Jean has competed in the Women’s Victorian Open before, but said this would be a whole new experience.
‘‘That was against the ladies off the ladies’ tees,’’ she said.
Jean’s win in the Club Professional Championship also netted her a spot in November’s PGA Professionals Championship Final at Hamilton Island Golf Club.
Australian PGA tournament division general manager Simon Butterly said Jean’s achievement was huge.
‘‘The great thing is it demonstrates to our membership that this event is not just male focused and they can have a go,’’ he said.
‘‘She’s going to reap the benefits of her success.’’