Wallis making strides in US

Bradley Wallis has spent the last month back home and on the Wanganui Golf Course. Photo/ Natalie Sixtus

Whanganui golfer Bradley Wallis continues to makes steps towards a career in golf.

The 19-year-old has been back in Whanganui for about a month but returns to the United States today where studies and plays for Patrick Henry College in Virginia.

The former Wanganui Collegiate student said his first four months had gone well and he had now settled into life overseas.

Wallis lives about five minutes from his campus with about 30 other international student who are all on athletic scholarships.

"It's quite good," he said. "There's a lot of different cultures and everything that you get to learn."

Wallis is studying business administration with classes each morning followed by about four hours of golf training.

"They say the first semester's not too bad and then it gets harder."

He said his game had improved under the coaching of Robert Weinerth.

"When I first got over there he changed quite a few things in my swing. So for the first three months and three tournaments I was struggling. But it finally came right in the last tournament which I was pleased with.

"He had a few ideas that could help me and it really has helped me."

While the short game is his strength, Wallis has managed to add 30m to his drive.

"I've had a month and a half of weight training and some additions set up wise."

And the technical improvements are starting to reflect on the scorecard.

His Patrick Henry College team is currently competing in the NJCAA division 2 golf league made up of 50 teams.

The competition is currently in the regional stages but Wallis said the goal was to make it to nationals.

Wallis wants to play professionally when he finishes with study and will be looking to get some decent exposure after his two years at Patrick Henry College.