Want to recieve exclusive news, videos, tournament highlights, golf important tips and more ?
Want to recieve exclusive news, videos, tournament highlights, golf important tips and more ?
The PGA will break new ground in December with a professional tournament staged by people with intellectual disabilities.
To be held at the Glenview Par 3 course west of the Sunshine Coast, the new tournament will be a non-Order of Merit event on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series calendar and will be conducted by participants in the Golf Programs Australia Incorporated program.
Established in 2014 by PGA Professional Darrell Dalton and his wife Michelle, GPAI endeavours to use golf to promote inclusivity and provide training and employment opportunities through its associated charity shop in Nambour.
The ultimate aim is a purpose-built golf facility that is staffed by people with intellectual disabilities, from the greens staff through to pro shop and catering in the clubhouse.
The Pro-Am on December 4 has attracted keen interest with more than a third of teams already sold, up to 90 amateurs expected to join 30 professionals who will line up for a world-first golf tournament.
The idea of hosting a pro-am was first proposed to Dalton by PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman two years ago. Now, less than six months out, Dalton says the excitement building within those tasked with delivering the tournament gets greater each day.
“The excitement that it’s generating just in our crew itself is spectacular,” said Dalton.
“This tournament is going to put a spotlight on the people we work with every day, which is what we’re all about.
“Their training, their passion for the game, their passion for the community that we’ve created, they’re just very excited.
“The families are excited, Glenview’s excited. We’ve just got to get that excitement going with our community up here.”
GPAI was awarded Best Sunshine Coast Community Service Organisation of the Year in 2024, recognition that has elevated the organisation’s visibility within the Sunshine Coast region.
Dalton hopes that by hosting a professional golf tournament, word will spread throughout the country courtesy of the professionals who tee it up at Glenview.
“The relationship we hope to build with the PGA and the PGA Pros who play is really important,” Dalton added.
“We’d love their support to spread the word.
“Most people have spent very little time with a person with an intellectual disability so there is an element of fear-based uncertainty.
“We want to break down those barriers because when they meet our people, they are on board instantly and there are smiles left, right and centre.
“I think it’ll be an eyeopener for the PGA Pros that are plugged in, but also the local businesses that are participating.
“PGA Pros are travelling all around Australia and there’s nothing else like this. This has never been done before, so it creates a real talking point that we hope they share at other golf clubs that they visit.”
Working in conjunction with Glenview Professional Wade Hooper, GPAI participants will help with a variety of tasks including greeting golfers, helping with team registrations and facilitating post-round presentations.
To express interest in entering a team or to come on board as a major sponsor for the day click here or e-mail [email protected].
Given their shared history dating back to Mark Gibson coaching her father as a junior at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club, Ali Orchard conceded that day one felt weird.
Having spent the past four years working under Gibson at Mark Gibson’s Exceptional Golf teaching facility at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, Tuesday marked the first day of the transition to Ali Orchard Golf Performance.
It was a day where Gibson’s coaching diary was full… and greatly appreciated by his new boss.
“He’s obviously got a really strong client base that he still wants to look after and take care of,” said Orchard.
“The first day he was pumping the lessons and then he left.
“I was like, ‘Well done today.’
“I’ll remember that forever.”
At 67 years of age and a Life Member of the PGA of Australia in his 46th year of service to the game, Gibson is quick to clarify that he is not retiring.
Yes, there is a trip to Europe with his wife planned later this year, but Gibson is not yet ready to relinquish what he describes as the best of both worlds, where he is excited to go to work and excited to get home each day.
He was, however, ready to hand over the reins to a facility he has spent the past 19 years building, but only to the person he felt was perfectly suited to the role.
“I needed someone who was smart, good coach, business minded, professional, respected and with a growing profile. Every box she ticked was a no brainer,” said Gibson.
“I would’ve felt an injustice if when I finished at Royal Pines – and I’m not finishing yet – to not have someone that could carry on that legacy of the quality coaching that the team produces here.
“I’d hate to see it deteriorate and I know that won’t ever happen under Ali’s stewardship.”
The daughter of PGA Professional Paul Orchard, Ali Orchard has been able to call upon Gibson throughout her professional development.
A talented amateur player who dabbled in professional golf, Orchard completed the Sports Management Diploma at the PGA International Golf Institute where Gibson served as a PGA mentor.
It is a relationship that has only strengthened over the past four years, and which gives Orchard the foundation to build on what Gibson has established.
“Even though I admire him immensely, I’ve always felt comfortable around ‘Gibbo’,” Orchard added.
“I think he was Chairman of the PGA at the time, but I pulled him up at the PGA Awards and asked if he could take a photo of me with Mum and Dad.
“More than anything, he’ll always be a role model or a mentor. If I’m questioning something, I’ll just always ask him.
“I don’t know that I ever thought that I’d follow in his footsteps but I always felt like he’d play a part in my career.”
The opportunity is now there for Ali Orchard Golf Performance to create its own legacy.
While her work in coaching elite players and juniors and growing the number of women playing the game will continue, Orchard will apply a portion of her time to making sure her fellow PGA Members have the chance to excel.
The current coaching team also includes Nancy Harvey, Colin Edwards and Douglas Chow, Orchard eager to highlight their individual strengths within the facility.
“What excites me most about this next phase is helping everyone be the best version of themselves, both players and coaches,” she said.
“Coaches all have their own niche so it’s just highlighting why they’re awesome and then targeting their market to help more people.”
At a time when there are more and more women entering the sport, Gibson believes Orchard can leave an indelible mark during her career within Australian golf.
“To get more women professionals, you’ve got to have more women golfers. It’s a percentage thing,” said Gibson.
“Just yesterday I was reflecting on the people that I see Ali coaching, and a fairly solid proportion of her coaching list is females aged between 25-35 who are really excited to be in golf.
“Never in my whole coaching career would I have said that I had that as part of my client base.
“Ali’s going to be a great asset in bringing a lot of women into the game.”
As for their new working arrangement, Gibson likes how it has begun.
“Ali’s empathy for people will make her a great boss,” said Gibson.
“We’ve had three days so far and haven’t had a blue yet.”
Ali Orchard is currently recruiting for a Teaching Professional at RACV Royal Pines Resort. To express your interest or apply, click here.
Australian golf rising star Elvis Smylie has today locked in the defence of his BMW Australian PGA Championship title.
This year’s championship, co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour, will again be hosted by Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 27-30.
The 23-year-old from the Gold Coast provided one of the major highlights of last season’s Summer of Golf when he held off three-time champion Cameron Smith to win the Joe Kirkwood Cup for the first time.
It propelled Smylie onto the world stage by earning him status as a full-time member of the DP World Tour and he went on to claim the 2024/25 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit title.
“Winning the Joe Kirkwood Cup for the first time was a huge honour and definitely the highlight of my career so far,” Smylie said.
“I have some great memories of that final Sunday. It meant so much to win at home in front of my family and friends in one of Australia’s most important championships.
“Being a BMW ambassador just made it even more special. “Although there’s still a lot of this year to play out, I can’t wait to get back to RQ and try to do it all again.”
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said: “Elvis played some spectacular golf at Royal Queensland last year, especially down the stretch when he had one of our game’s greats in Cam Smith playing alongside him and trying to chase him down”.
“It’s been very rewarding to see his progress since then, winning our Order of Merit for the first time and going on to play successfully internationally, including at his first US PGA Championship where he made the cut at his first attempt of a US Major and he now has The Open Championship to come.
“We look forward to seeing Elvis back at Royal Queensland where I’m sure he will be determined to get his name on the Kirkwood Cup for the second time.”
Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia – the title partner of the Australian PGA Championship – said: “BMW has a long and proud association with Elvis, and it has been delightful for us to witness his remarkable rise in world golf.
“We look forward to his return to the BMW Australian PGA Championship in 2025, where our entire team will be there to cheer him on.
“We also look forward to again be the title partner of the BMW Australian PGA Championship – an event that continues to go from strength to strength and perfectly complements our partnerships with the PGA, Golf Australia and the WPGA.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said:“Elvis Smylie’s win last year was a standout moment for Queensland and Australian golf, you could see how much it meant to him to lift the Joe Kirkwood Cup on home soil.
“It’s no surprise he’s eager to return and defend his title, and I’ve no doubt fans will turn out in force to see if he can do it again.”
“Now in its fifth consecutive year at Royal Queensland Golf Club and just 15 minutes’ drive from Brisbane, the BMW Australian PGA Championship continues to deliver for Queensland. It brings in thousands of visitors, fills hotels and restaurants, and showcases our state as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “Brisbane is excited to host this world-class event for the fifth straight year in 2025, bringing thousands of passionate fans back to Royal Queensland Golf Club.
“Elvis Smylie is the first big name confirmed to compete, but certainly won’t be the last – promising fans another thrilling Championship.
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and this event is a hole in one for our city, boosting our economy as visitors pack our hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.”
The BMW Australian PGA Championship is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
The Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia today announced its schedule for the first half of a bumper 2025-2026 season that will offer a record total of around $7 million in prizemoney across 10 events.
The two Australian majors, the BMW Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open, will both offer substantially increased prize purses this season, reflecting the growth and increased interest in both tournaments, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour.
The BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 27-30 will offer $2.5 million, the most in the event’s 121-year history, an increase of $500,000 on 2024.
Meanwhile, the Australian Open at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on December 4-7, where Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy will be the headline act, will offer a minimum of $2 million in prize money.
To kick off the 2025/26 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season, former Queensland PGA champion and 2024 BMW Australian PGA third placegetter Anthony Quayle hit a commemorative tee shot at today’s launch at Nudgee Golf Club which will host the first event of back-to-back weeks in Brisbane for the Tour in November.
Quayle is headed to the DP World Tour next season after gaining one of the cards on offer to the top-three finishers on last year’s Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.
“The Chase is On” from the PNG Open in August, with 10 tournaments locked in through to the end of the year, including the return of the Tailor-made Building Services NT PGA Championship at Palmerston Golf Course on August 28-31.
Outstanding golf courses making a reappearance on the Tour schedule is another highlight for the first half of the season.
There’s a return to the Mt Lawley Golf Club for the Nexus Advisernet Bowra & O’Dea WA Open for the first time since 2018 on October 16-19, the Perth club to showcase its acclaimed redesigned layout which opened for play in late 2023.
The Ford NSW Open is back at the Greg Norman-designed The Vintage Golf Club on November 14-17. Set in the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, The Vintage hosted the Open for four consecutive years from 2007 to 2010.
The ground-breaking Webex Players Series, featuring its format of men and women on the same course, vying for the same title, will have one event prior to the New Year with Willunga GC in the McLaren Vale region once again the venue for Webex Players Series South Australia hosted by Greg Blewett.
Another four Webex events will come in early 2026, including the second year of Webex Players Series Perth hosted by Minjee and Min Woo Lee at Royal Fremantle Golf Club in January.
Owned and operated by the PGA of Australia, the Tour will continue through to March when the Order of Merit champion will be crowned.
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said the first half of the 2025/26 would be crucial for the professionals looking to follow the pathway available from the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia to the DP World Tour and eventually the PGA TOUR.
“The Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season is all about ‘the chase’ and we’re delighted our professionals will be chasing record prizemoney across the first half of the season,” he said.
“They’ll also be chasing titles, exemptions and opportunities to compete internationally.
“There is so much on the line for our players as they try to follow the pathway that has been created all the way to the PGA TOUR.
“We saw what was possible with Elvis Smylie winning twice on our Tour last year and going on to win the Order of Merit, earn his DP World Tour card and starts in two majors.
“Careers can be changed in just a few months.”
PGA of Australia General Manager of Tournaments and Global Tour Relationships Nick Dastey said: “We’re excited with what’s to come in the first half of the 2025/26 season with our best professionals visiting Papua New Guinea plus six of Australia’s states and territories.
“Once again, the Tour will be in both major metropolitan and regional areas with each event having its own unique flavour and the chance to see our game’s best up close.
“The quality of golf we witnessed last season was exceptional with close finishes a feature almost every week. We look forward to seeing who emerges as our frontrunners in 2025/26.”
The post-Christmas/New Year schedule of Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia events will be announced in coming weeks.
Challenger Chief Executive, Customer Mandy Mannix said: “We’re excited for the upcoming PGA Tour of Australasia season — it’s a fantastic stage for local talent to compete alongside the world’s best golfers.
“For Challenger, this partnership is about more than sport, it’s a way to connect with the community we serve, especially retirees who share a passion for golf and the lifestyle it represents.
“Supporting this Tour aligns perfectly with our purpose of helping Australians build financial security so they can enjoy a better, more active retirement.”
2025
August 14-17: PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, $225,000
August 28-31: Tailor-made Building Services NT PGA Championship at Palmerston Golf Course, $200,000
September 27-28: World Sand Greens Championship at Binalong Community Club $140,000 (Non-OOM)
October 9-12: CKB WA PGA Championship presented by TX Civil & Logistics at Kalgoorlie Golf Course, $250,000
October 16-19: Nexus Advisernet Bowra & O’Dea WA Open at Mt Lawley Golf Club, $200,000
October 23-26: Webex Players Series South Australia hosted by Greg Blewett at Willunga Golf Course, $200,000
November 13-16: Ford NSW Open at The Vintage Golf Club, $800,000 min
November 20-23: Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee Golf Club, $250,000
November 27-30: BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club, $2,500,000
December 4-7: Australian Open at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, $2,000,000 min
December 11-14: Victorian PGA Championship at Moonah Links Resort, $250,000
The BMW Australian PGA Championship is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
Victorian Cameron John has completed the Broome clean sweep, taking out the Carpet Paint & Tile – Broome Furnishings Broome Pro-Am at Broome Golf Club.
Days after shooting 68 to win the WS6 Broome Invitational, John had rounds of 68-69 for a two-round total of 7-under to win the $40,000 Pro-Am by two strokes.
Defending champion Peter Cooke and veteran Scott Barr led John by two after Round 1, John falling behind further with a bogey at his opening hole on day two.
A winner on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia last year, John would catch fire in the mid-point of his round as Cooke and Barr both fell back with rounds of 1-over 73.
Turning point
Starting his round with a dropped shot at the par-3 seventh, John hit back instantly with a birdie at the par-5 eighth.
He fell to 1-over on his round with bogey at the par-4 14th but would unleash a run of five birdies across six holes to take the tournament by the scruff of the neck.
The birdie blitz began at the par-5 17th and included further birdies at 18, two, three and four to build enough of a lead that a closing bogey would be inconsequential.
Quick quotes
“There’s no better feeling than winning,” said John.
“After last week, I fell a little bit too far behind in the Order of Merit with Braden (Becker) ending up being the one who beat me.
“I just set myself a goal to win either the Super 6 or win this one and to obviously come away both is pretty awesome.
“With the upcoming wedding and everything, the cheque’s definitely going to go to good use, that’s for sure.”
Leading scores
1 Cameron John 68-69—137
T2 Peter Cooke 66-73—139
T2 Tim Hart 70-69—139
T2 Scott Barr 66-73—139
5 Joseph Owen 70-70—140
T6 William Bruyeres 73-71—144
T6 Daniel Fox 72-72—144
T6 Adam Hatch 76-68—144
T6 Braden Becker 75-69—144
Next up: Attention for the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series now centres on Queensland, beginning with the final round of the Bolt Off Clermont Pro-Am on Sunday.
June 15
Becker fires 62 to win Roy Hill Golf Classic
The sand scrapes and spinifex were no match for Braden Becker who shot 10-under 62 in Round 2 to win the Roy Hill Golf Classic at Port Hedland Golf Club by three strokes.
Winner of the Spalding Park Open in May, Becker is trying to complete the north-west portion of the Western Australian swing of the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series and began Sunday’s second round five strokes off the lead.
After Will Bruyeres set the pace on day one with 6-under 66, Becker had just the one birdie in his first five holes before unleashing a run of six straight to surge into the lead.
He further distanced himself with birdie at the par-3 17th and closed with two more in his final three holes to finish three clear of great mate Cameron John (65) with Bruyeres (71), Jordan Doull (66), Adam Hatch (67) and Daniel Fox (69) tied third.
“Putter was hot, 21 putts today,” said Becker.
“On the sand, if you can get the putts to start online and you can judge the speed easy enough, they go in pretty easy.”
Turning point
Stuck in neutral with four pars in succession from the par-4 fifth, Becker’s round ignited with a birdie at the par-5 ninth.
Few players on tour can keep pace with Becker when he runs hot, a total of 10 birdies ensuring the runner-up in 2022 and 2024 left Port Hedland the champion.
“I holed a really nice putt on the ninth green, that was definitely the start of the run,” said Becker.
“I hit it really close from the bush on 10, hole a good 15-foot putt on 11, holed a 20-foot putt on the next hole, had a 12-foot putt on the next and holed a 15-foot putt on the next hole.”
Quick quotes
“I’ve been trying to do, what would you call it, the north-west crown,” said Becker.
“Port Hedland was the one that kept slipping by.
“I’ve had a few seconds up here; one year I came second and they put my name on the board!
“It was really, really nice to finally have my name up there legitimately.”
Leading scores
1 Braden Becker 71-62—133
2 Cameron John 71-65—136
T3 William Bruyeres 66-71—137
T3 Adam Hatch 70-67—137
T3 Jordan Doull 71-66—137
T3 Daniel Fox 68-69—137
Next up
Broome Golf Club is the next stop on the WA swing, hosting the non-Order of Merit WS6 Broome Invitational on Tuesday followed by the $40,000 Carpet Paint & Tile – Broome Furnishings Broome Pro Am starting Friday.
June 12
Dobbelaar’s unexpected Karratha bonus
Queenslander Louis Dobbelaar will target a spot on the DP World Tour after receiving an unexpected bonus for his Bennco Karratha Pro-Am victory at Karratha Country Club.
In addition to the lion’s share of the $35,000 prize purse, Dobbelaar received a $5,000 bonus to put towards fees associated with a qualifying school.
While his sights are set on adding to his 2023 NZ PGA Championship win on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia this summer, Dobbelaar now has the option of playing his way onto the DP World Tour through qualifying school.
“My coach and I, we haven’t really spoke that far,” Dobbelaar admitted.
“We were planning just to do Australia, but I know that my game’s ready to go overseas and I probably would orientate it more towards the DP World (Tour).”
Trailing veteran Scott Barr by one after Round 1, Dobbelaar surged to the front with an early run of three straight birdies.
He would drop shots at both 15 and 16 but birdie at the par-5 third and eagle at the par-4 fourth would build enough of a buffer to post 3-under 70 and 7-under total, one clear of Barr (72), Andrew Kelly (71) and Matias Sanchez (69).
Turning point
After making eagle at his second hole of the tournament – the par-5 12th on day one – it would be another eagle in Round 2 that separated Dobbelaar from the field.
With Barr playing steadily in the group behind, Dobbelaar’s birdie on three and eagle on four would see him pick up two strokes on his closest challenger.
Quick quotes
“I just made an eagle on the fourth hole, the driveable one here, and I saw that I was a couple, maybe three shots clear at that time,” said Dobbelaar.
“At that point I did check (the leaderboard) a couple times then on in.
“I missed a couple of short putts coming home, which wasn’t great, but kind of snuck over the line and got it done.”
Leading scores
1 Louis Dobbelaar 69-70—139
T2 Andrew Kelly 69-71—140
T2 Scott Barr 68-72—140
T2 Matias Sanchez 71-69—140
5 Tim Hart 72-69—141
6 Adam Hatch 74-68—142
Next up: The northern leg of the WA swing continues on Saturday with the $30,000 Roy Hill Golf Classic Pro-Am at Port Hedland Golf Club.
May 22
Breakthrough win for Tan at Sun City
Rookie professional Silvester Tan scored his first career win in the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series thanks to a round of 6-under-par 66 at the Peet – Yanchep Golf Estate Sun City Pro-Am on Friday.
Playing in just his fifth pro-am after turning pro following the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School – Final Stage in April, Tan beat Braden Becker by a single stroke, denying his fellow West Australian a third win of the WA swing in 2025.
It was the second victory in as many days for Tan, a former WA State Team member and graduate of Drake University in the US, who combined with veteran Brett Rumford to win the WA PGA Foursomes Championship at Nedlands on Thursday.
Sun City Country Club was also the site of Tan’s win in the WA Amateur Championship earlier in the year before he ventured to Q School.
Turning point
Tan was level with Becker on 5-under-par until he birdied his final hole at Sun City, the 455m par-5 fourth.
His winning round included seven birdies with a solitary bogey at the par-4 12th.
Quick quotes
Tan said: “It (winning) feels good. I’ve put a lot of work in so it’s nice to see a round like this come together.
“I’ve played plenty of golf here. I won the State Am here a couple of months ago so I saw the course plenty when I played then.
“I kind of started pretty slow. It was wet and windy but stayed in it and hit a few good shots, made a few putts coming in, and picked up a bit of momentum.”
Leading scores
1 Silvester Tan 66
2 Braden Becker 67
T3 Josh Greer 70
T3 Brody Martin 70
T5 Louis Dobbelaar 71
T5 Dale Howie 71
T5 Aaron Dobson 71
T8 Simon Houston 72
T8 Connor McKinney 72
T8 Joseph Owen 72
Next up
The North Queensland swing of the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series starts with the Mercedes-Benz Tropics Golf Club Pro-Am at Tropics Golf Club in Townsville on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
May 18
Becker breaks duck at Spalding Park
More than a decade of trips north to Geraldton finally got their reward as Braden Becker stormed home to claim the $50,000 Spalding Park Open at Spalding Park Golf Club.
Trailing Andrew Crabb by four strokes heading into the third and final round, Becker and great mate Cameron John were the only players to break 70 on Sunday, both posting 5-under 67 as Becker finished at 12-under for a one-stroke win.
In a field laden with Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia winners, Becker unleashed a stunning run of six birdies and an eagle across eight holes to edge Tim Hart (71) by one, Lachlan Aylen (70) and Daniel Fox (71) sharing third.
A visitor to Spalding Park since his days as a trainee, Becker was beyond thrilled to wear the Spalding Park Open champion’s jacket.
“I think that’s maybe 11 years I’ve been coming up to the Spalding Park Open but I’ve been up here to Geraldton maybe 13 or 14 times for different events,” said Becker.
“I just love it up here. The greens are fantastic; you just can’t fault them.”
Turning point
Becker was 1-over on his round, 6-under for the tournament and trailing Hart by four when he arrived at the par-5 ninth.
An eagle there would spark a run that included six birdies in his next seven holes and a four-stroke lead as he walked off the 16th green.
Hart’s birdie on 16 and a double-bogey by Becker on 17 quickly reduced the advantage to one, par at the par-4 finisher enough to hold on for victory.
Quick quotes
“I felt like the breeze was going to die at some point, so I thought if I hang in there, we’ll see how we go through the turn,” said Becker.
“There’s always a couple of birdies through that middle section on the par 5s into the 11th.
“Fortunately, I made eagle on nine and then birdie on 10, birdie on 11 where I holed a good putt.
“Thirteen is probably one of the harder tee shots, second shots, just very punishing, and I hit it to five foot and made birdie there.
“That really settled me and then I saw the leaderboard and I was still tied for the lead at that point, so I just thought, I’ve just got to keep going.
“Hit a great shot into the par 3 and holed a good 20-footer; super happy with that one.”
Leading scores
1 Braden Becker 69-68-67—204
2 Tim Hart 70-64-71—205
T3 Lachlan Aylen 68-69-70—207
T3 Daniel Fox 71-65-71—207
5 Cameron John 70-71-67—208
6 Deyen Lawson 68-71-70—209
Next up
Haydn Barron and Curtis Luck are among those entered for the WA PGA Foursomes Championship at Nedlands Golf Club on Thursday followed by the Peet – Yanchep Golf Estate Sun City Pro-Am at Sun City Country Club on Friday.
May 13
Bogey-free Brereton wins Wembley Pro-Am
Four birdies in his final six holes has propelled Darcy Brereton to a second win of the year at the GMW & Radlink Wembley Pro-Am.
Victorious on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series last month at Yenda, Brereton held off a field laden with Tour talent with a superb round of 8-under 64 at Wembley’s Old Course.
The 30-year-old finished two strokes clear of a seven-player logjam that included Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia winners Andrew Martin, Cameron John and Daniel Fox along with DP World Tour winner Marcus Fraser, Andrew Kelly, Lachlan Aylen and Alex Edge.
Turning point
Starting from the par-4 ninth hole, Brereton was 1-under through his first six holes but headed to the front nine 3-under after birdies at 15 and 17.
He moved to 4-under with birdie at the par-5 first but it was his late charge of four birdies in five holes from the par-4 third that separated Brereton from the pack.
Leading scores
1 Darcy Brereton 64
T2 Andrew Martin 66
T2 Alex Edge 66
T2 Cameron John 66
T2 Andrew Kelly 66
T2 Daniel Fox 66
T2 Marcus Fraser 66
T2 Lachlan Aylen 66
Next up
There are tournaments across three states on Friday highlighted by Round 1 of the $50,000 Mitchell and Brown Spalding Park Open. The single-round pro-ams being played Friday are the Hahn Shelly Beach GC Pro-Am and the inaugural Pacific Harbour Pro-Am at Pacific Harbour Golf Course on Bribie Island.
May 12
Double success for in-form Sanchez
Riding an improved putting game, Matias Sanchez has become a back-to-back champion in the adidas PGA Pro-Am series after claiming the Toro Australia – TQUIP Pro Am at The Western Australian Golf Club.
The winner of the Sanwell Cottesloe Open at the weekend, Sanchez shot a round of 6-under-par 64 to earn a one-shot margin over Daniel Fox (WA) and Tim Hart (Qld).
The Victorian’s hot streak in WA has included breaking the Cottesloe Golf Club’s course record with a 63 on Saturday.
Turning point
After starting his round on the ninth hole, Sanchez set up his latest victory with a run of four birdies in five holes on the back nine. Back-to-back birdies on the sixth and seventh completed the job.
Quick quotes
Sanchez said: “I just came out here and just tried to play my best golf and fortunately enough it was good enough.
“I’m just trying to be as free as possible out there and not try to think too much out there about what can go wrong or what might happen. I guess all you can do is just hit the shot that’s required so that’s what I was really trying to do.
“I’ve always been thought my putting was the best part of my game and it’s probably let me down the last two or so months, three months. It’s nice to see that it’s sort of coming back because the first half of last season it was really, really strong.”
Leading scores
1 Matias Sanchez 64
T2 Daniel Fox 65
T2 Tim Hart 65
T4 Jordan Doull 66
T4 Connor McKinney 66
T4 Samuel Slater 66
T4 Cameron John 66
9 Cory Crawford 67
Next up
The WA swing continues with the GMW & Radlink Wembley Pro-Am on the Old Course at Wembley on Tuesday.
May 12
Sanchez’s 63 sets up Cottesloe success
Matias Sanchez produced the third course record of the week in the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series on the way to winning the Sanwell Cottesloe Open at the weekend.
The Victorian professional’s record round on the Perth layout came on Saturday, a 9-under-par 63, highlighted by two eagles, which set up a three-stroke lead to take into the final day of the 36-hole event.
Sanchez lost the outright lead early on Sunday when Queenslander Louis Dobbelaar started with four straight birdies, but he managed to post a 3-under-69 to finish with a two-shot margin over Dobbelaar and Curtis Luck (WA), the duo shooting matching rounds of 67-67.
The 26-year-old’s course record was the third so far in the West Australian swing, following on from 63s by Hayden Hopewell at the South West Open at Bunbury and Braden Becker at the Kwinana Pro-Am.
Turning point
Searching for his first adidas PGA Pro-Am Series victory since 2023, Sanchez looked like he was losing his grip on the title on Sunday when he made a double-bogey on the par-5 14th and followed up with a bogey on the par-4 15th.
But he turned the event back in his favour by making a two at the short par-4 16th, his tee shot ending up just five feet from the hole.
Quick quotes
Sanchez said: “A three-shot lead can get mowed down pretty quickly so I just had to stay focussed on making birdies and hitting the best possible shots.
“It was pretty up and down most of the day. I didn’t hit the ball as good as yesterday but yesterday was pretty amazing. It’s hard to beat what happened yesterday.
“It’s nice to get a win. I haven’t really won in a while and it’s nice to see the game’s coming together.”
Leading scores
1 Matias Sanchez 63-69 – 132
T2 Louis Dobbelaar 67-67 – 134
T2 Curtis Luck 67-67 – 134
T4 Andrew Kelly 69-67 – 136
T4 Jason Scrivener 69-67 – 136
T4 Cory Crawford 68-68 – 136
T4 Cameron John 66-70 – 136
T8 Joseph Owen 69-68 – 137
T8 Jarryd Felton 69-68 – 137
Next up
The WA swing continues with the Toro Australia – TQUIP Pro Am at Western Australian Golf Club on Monday followed by the GMW & Radlink Wembley Pro-Am on the Old Course at Wembley on Tuesday.
May 9
Becker sets new course record at Kwinana
Braden Becker has played at Kwinana Golf Club a countless number of times but he’s never produced a competition round like he did at the Dunning’s Kwinana Pro-Am on Friday.
Capitalising on an “absolute hot start”, the West Australian set a new course record of 9-under-par 63 to capture the club’s adidas PGA Pro-Am Series title by three shots over Deyen Lawson.
How the record unfolded
Becker made a tap-in eagle on the 459m par-5 first before following up with a birdie from eight-feet at the second.
He then almost aced the par-3 third and picked up another birdie at the fourth to be 5-under-par through four and with thoughts of a sub-60 round in his mind. He turned in 30 after a birdie at the ninth and added in another three birdies on the back nine.
All up, Becker was -5 on the par-5s for the day.
Quick quotes
“I reckon I’ve played the pro-am here every year since 2013 and apart from that I’ve played here a bunch of times because I only live 20-25 minutes away,” Becker said.
“I enjoy playing with the members here. They’re a great group of members.
“After that hot start, I was thinking ‘the course record is definitely on and hopefully we can get to that magical break 60 number’.
“The greens were just so perfect out there. It’s always a pleasure to play here for that reason.”
Leading scores
1 Braden Becker 63
2 Deyen Lawson 66
T3 Lachlan Aylen 67
T3 Daniel Fox 67
5 Max Ford 68
T6 Jordan Doull 69
T6 Andrew Kelly 69
T6 Dale Howie 69
T6 Adam Hatch 69
T6 Louis Dobbelaar 69
T6 Sam Slater 69
T6 Cory Crawford 69
T6 Jason Norris 69
Next up
The Sanwell Cottesloe Open will be played over two rounds at Cottesloe Golf Club this weekend.
May 7
Zach’s max reward at Secret Harbour
Brisbane’s Zachary Maxwell is eyeing a fast start to the upcoming Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season after a one-stroke win at the TenGolf Group Pro-Am south of Perth.
Played over two days at The Cut Golf Course and Secret Harbour Golf Links, Maxwell compiled consecutive rounds of 3-under 69 to finish one shot clear of Sydney’s Nathan Barbieri (71-68) with Lachlan Aylen (70-70) and Deyen Lawson (71-69) sharing third.
Maxwell’s only previous adidas PGA Pro-Am Series win was a lucrative one last July, pocketing close to $15,000 after taking out the Optilease Redcliffe Pro-Am.
The 25-year-old had two top-20 finishes during the 2024-2025 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season and will seek to build on that at the 2025 PNG Open in August.
“It’s really good just to top the funds up and go home and focus on training,” said Maxwell.
“Not work as much and just get ready for Papua New Guinea and start the Australian season off.”
Turning point
The only player to break 70 in Round 1 at The Cut on Tuesday, Maxwell began day two ahead by a single stroke from a group of five players.
That advantage soon disappeared with a bogey at his opening hole before Maxwell responded with birdies at 16 and 17.
One-under on his round when he reached the par-5 11th, Maxwell gave himself a look at eagle before tapping in for the first of two closing birdies.
“It was a very pivotal moment of the round,” said Maxwell.
“We checked the live scores and I had to really show up and hit a good golf shot.
“I hit a really, really good 3-wood in there tight for eagle. Unfortunately lipped out the putt, but it was a very comfortable birdie and helped me finish the round off.”
Quick quotes
“It was quite beautiful being able to play those two courses,” Maxwell said of playing The Cut and Secret Harbour in consecutive days.
“Being a Queenslander, but it’s very good to come over here to Perth and appreciate some of these beautiful courses.
“I’m very grateful to not only be able to play them, but get a win while doing so.
“This is going to be my last pro-am before the season starts.
“I’ll go home and play the close ones and Rockhampton but my main focus will be going to Papua New Guinea and being very ready for that one.”
Leading scores
1 Zachary Maxwell 69-69—138
2 Nathan Barbieri 71-68—139
T3 Lachlan Aylen 70-70—140
T3 Deyen Lawson 71-69—140
5 Tim Hart 70-71—141
T6 Scott Barr 71-71—142
T6 Caleb Bovalina 70-72—142
Next up
Dunning’s Kwinana Pro-Am at Kwinana Golf Club, Friday, May 9
May 4
Hopewell equals course record to triumph in Bunbury
Back home from competing on the European Challenge Tour, West Australian Hayden Hopewell tied the Bunbury Golf Club’s course record to win the South West Isuzu South West Open on Sunday.
A brilliant 9-under-par 63 in the final round, the best score of the day by four strokes, gave Hopewell a two-shot margin over NSW’s Nathan Barbieri to earn the second win of his career on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series.
Fresh off his victory at the Axedale Pro-Am in Victoria, Andrew Martin led at Bunbury Golf Club after an opening 65 on Saturday but the Victorian had to settle for third place after closing with a 71.
Hopewell is currently on a break from the Challenge Tour where he is ranked 47th on the Order of Merit as he strives for a DP World Tour card for 2025/26,
Turning point
Starting his round from the 10th tee, the former Bunbury junior made his run early, making five consecutive birdies from the 11th hole. An eagle at the par-5 second propelled him to 8-under for the day through 11 holes.
His only dropped shots for the day came with a double-bogey at the par-3 seventh, but he then birdied the eighth and ninth to see off Barbieri’s challenge.
Quick quotes
“Today was a special round,” the 23-year-old said.
“I hit it solid and the hole just felt like a bucket. I was seeing every putt and they were just dropping. It was quite uncanny at times.
“I was stoked to finish off the round by holing a nice putt on the last to tie the course record. It was on my mind. Being a junior here for a bit, it holds a special place in my heart.”
Leading scores
1 Hayden Hopewell 70-63
2 Nathan Barbieri 67-68
3 Andrew Martin 65-71
4 Jason Scrivener 69-68
T5 Braden Becker 69-69
T5 Cameron Kelly 67-71
T5 Daniel Fox 70-68
T5 John Boulton 69-69
9 Scott Strange 70-69
Next up
The TenGolf Group Pro-Am will be played The Cut Golf Club and Secret Harbour Golf Links on Tuesday and Wednesday (May 6-7)
May 1
Perkins, Dobbelaar share the title at Bunbury
Queenslanders Louis Dobbelaar and Blaike Perkins kicked off the Western Australia swing of the 2025 adidas PGA Pro-Am Series by sharing the title at the Urban Quarter Dunsborough Lakes Pro-Am on Thursday.
Rounds of 6-under-par 66 gave the duo a one-shot margin over PGA Legends Tour member Scott Barr (WA) in a field full of Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia talent.
For Perkins, it was his first pro-am series title, while the joint win continued a resurgence of form for Dobbelaar, who regained his Tour card at the recently completed Qualifying School at Moonah Links.
Turning point
Perkins rattled off five birdies in six holes on the back nine but was brought undone by going out of bounds which led to a double-bogey on the par-4 18th, his 12th hole of the day.
However a three on his final hole, the par-4 sixth, ensured he kept a share of top spot.
Meanwhile, Dobbelaar, who started on his round on the 14th, had seven birdies and a sole bogey in his round. He birdied the back-to-back par-fives on the back nine, 12 and 13, to get to 6-under.
Quick quotes
Perkins said: “I was flying at 6-under through 10 and then hole 18 hit me. I knew I had to get a few more birdies then to catch Louis and made a really nice short putt on the last there to tie him. It’s my first pro win so I’m pretty stoked about it.”
Dobbelaar said: “I got off to a good start and played the tough holes well. Hit the ball really nice and had a lot of opportunities during the day. It’s great to play a course in really nice conditions like here at Dunsborough Lakes. It was a bit of a treat.”
Leading scores
T1 Louis Dobbelaar 66
T1 Blaike Perkins 66
3 Scott Barr 67
4 Braden Becker 68
T5 Jordan Doull 69
T5 Cameron Kelly 69
T7 Cameron John 70
T7 Tim Hart 70
T7 Aaron Pike 70
Next up
The WA swing reaches Bunbury Golf Club for the South West Isuzu South West Open over 36 holes this weekend.
Veteran Adam Scott has made friends with “old-man-par” golf to ignite his hopes of a second major championship on another day of drama at the US Open at Oakmont Country Club.
Tied for 11th after opening with an even-par 70, Scott will tee off in the second-to-last group in Round 3 on Saturday after refusing to yield ground for a second straight day.
The only player in the field without an over-par round through the first two days, Scott’s 70 on Friday consisted of three birdies, three bogeys and 12 hard-earned pars, putting him just three back of 36-hole leader Sam Burns (65).
Playing in his 96th consecutive major championship, the 2013 Masters champion has hit 27 of 36 greens in regulation at the halfway point to build belief that experience may be his greatest asset over the weekend.
“I’m playing old-man-par golf at the moment,” Scott joked.
“I guess I would have expected to be in this position if you said even par through two rounds.
“It’s just hard out there. It’s hard to keep it going when guys have got on a run. It seems like they’ve come back a bit.
“I’d be pretty proud of winning this thing on the weekend. Right now, that’s really what I’m here to do.
“I feel like there’s probably not been many signs to anyone else but me the last month or six weeks that my game is looking better. But I definitely feel more confident than I have been this year.
“I feel like this is what I’ve been working towards. I was kind of in the mix late at the PGA, and now kind of putting myself in this one for the weekend.
“It’s a long way to go, but I feel like my game is in good enough shape to do this.”
The 44-year-old’s second shot into one flirted with the right edge of the hole as he began day two with a birdie from six feet, ceding that shot and one more with back-to-back bogeys at four and five.
He started the back nine as he did the first by holing a birdie putt from 22 feet at the par-4 10th but dropped a shot when he failed to get up-and-down from the greenside bunker at the par-3 13th.
Scott took advantage of the short par-4 14th to make birdie and get back square with the card, securing his 70 with three par putts from four feet and one from 13 feet at 17 that elicited a subtle fist pump.
Fellow Queenslander Jason Day revitalised his hopes of a second major with a 3-under 67 made possible, in part, by a DIY putter adjustment.
Now 3-over for the championship, Day revealed post-round that he made an unconventional change to his putter after Round 1, his 27 putts in Round 2 six less than was necessary on day one.
“I bent my putter. I just manually bent it myself,” Day replied when asked whether he had made any changes between rounds.
“Stood on it. That’s kind of how I used to do it back in the day.
“It just hadn’t been looking very good to me personally. Kind of looks a little bit hooded, the grip’s on a little bit closed too, so that’s not a positive for me.
“I bent it enough to make it look more open, which is good.”
Six-over when he teed off early on Friday, Day took one step back before taking two steps forward.
The 37-year-old made bogey on 10 after missing a par putt from four feet but hit 3-wood from 330 yards to 20 feet at the par-5 12th as he became the first player to eagle the hole for the week.
He followed that with a perfectly executed birdie at the short par-4 14th and took advantage of another short four, the 305-yard 17th, to play the back nine in 3-under.
A visit to the famed ‘church pews’ led to a dropped shot at the par-4 third but the former world No.1 hit back with a superb shot to five feet at the par-3 sixth followed by a birdie putt from 24 feet at the par-4 seventh.
A final tangle with the gnarly rough left of the fairway led to a closing bogey at the par-4 ninth but Day did enough to believe he is now back in the championship.
“It was a big day to come back and shoot 3-under to make the cut,” said Day.
“I feel like you’re going to make bogeys out here and try and get the birdies when you can.
“Three-over right now, if I can just keep climbing the leaderboard, get into contention on Sunday that would be great.”
Kiwi Ryan Fox shot 73 on Friday to be tied 36th heading into the final two rounds, Marc Leishman (75) and Cam Davis (73) joining Scott and Day in advancing to the weekend.
Round 2 Australasian scores
T4 Adam Scott 70-70—140
T12 Jason Day 76-67—143
T36 Ryan Fox (NZ) 72-73—145
T45 Marc Leishman 71-75—146
T58 Cam Davis 74-73—147
MC Cameron Smith 75-73—148
MC Min Woo Lee 77-72—149
Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
An even-par 70 was enough to have Australian Adam Scott just outside the top 10 as the best players in the world were subjected to golf’s toughest test on day one of the US Open at Oakmont Country Club.
Tied for 18th when the US Open last visited Oakmont in 2016, Scott had five birdies across his opening nine holes to head to the front nine 2-under-par.
On a day in which he hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation but needed 34 putts across Oakmont’s wickedly quick and dramatically contoured greens, Scott missed a six-footer for par on three and then could only hack out to 13 feet from the rough right of the par-3 eighth, two-putting for bogey as Oakmont dragged another shot back.
Tied for 10th at LIV Golf Virginia days after coming through 38 holes to qualify to play the US Open, Victorian Marc Leishman marked his return to major championship golf with a 1-over 71, one better than Kiwi Canadian Open champion Ryan Fox (72).
Putts for birdie from 18 and 20 feet at the second and 13th holes were the highlight of Cam Davis’s 4-over 74 while there was just a solitary birdie across the three rounds of Cameron Smith (76), Jason Day (76) and Min Woo Lee (77).
Despite his struggles, Smith told LIV Golf reporter Mike McAllister that he was content with his work that included hitting eight of 14 fairways and nine of 18 greens.
“A couple of three putts, bogeys on the par-5s – switch those round, we’re right in it,” said Smith. “Plenty of good stuff there. Just need to keep doing what we’re doing, although it seems like you want to bash your head in out there.”
Scott gave as good as he got out among the early groups on Thursday morning.
Playing in his 96th consecutive major, Scott missed the fairway left on his way to bogey on 10 but hit a wedge to eight feet for birdie on 11 and then pummelled a 380-yard drive on his way to a second straight birdie at the par-5 12th.
The 44-year-old short-sided himself at the par-3 13th to drop back to even par but poured in a putt from 16 feet at 14 to get back into red figures.
Scott came up well short with his first putt from 48 feet to drop another shot at the par-3 16th but, as he had done the entire front nine, responded with a birdie after driving the green at the par-4 17th, turning in 2-under by hitting a superb second from 180 yards to just five feet at the par-4 18th.
Round 1 Australasian scores
T11 Adam Scott 70
T20 Marc Leishman 71
T33 Ryan Fox (NZ) 72
T62 Cam Davis 74
T79 Cameron Smith 75
T98 Jason Day 76
T119 Min Woo Lee 77
Round 2 tee times (AEST)
8:56pm* Ryan Fox (NZ)
9:18pm* Min Woo Lee
9:51pm* Jason Day
10:13pm Marc Leishman
3:03am Adam Scott
3:47am Cameron Smith
3:47am* Cam Davis
Photo: Logan Whitton/USGA
Seemingly out of contention after just three holes, Samuel Slater produced a sensational comeback to claim a share of top spot at the Foxleigh Mine Middlemount Golf & Country Club Pro-Am today.
The long-hitting Queenslander played his final 13 holes in 10-under-par to post a 6-under-par 66 and join Christopher Wood and Harrison Wills as the titleholders at Middlemount, the opening leg of the Central Queensland swing on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series.
Wood and Wills were the first to 6-under before eventually being joined by Slater when he birdied his second last hole of the day to cap his charge into contention.
While Wood, who had seven birdies and a solitary bogey in his round, has been a prolific pro-am winner for more than a decade, Middlemount is victory number one for Wills, an infrequent pro-am entrant who collected nine birdies.
Turning point
Slater was near the tail of the field when he double-bogeyed the sixth and seventh holes, his second and third of the day, and was still at 4-over-par when he began the back nine.
The first signs of a remarkable turnaround came when he reeled off four consecutive birdies and an eagle from the 10th hole to move under-par for his round before another four-birdie streak came on the 18th through to the third.
Quick quotes
Slater said: “I was a bit rattled, that’s for sure. But anything can happen out there. That’s the approach I took to it. I’ve been working really hard on the short game. That’s the thing that’s let me down for several years, so it’s good to finally get that on track.”
Wills said: “Being from out here, all these little tracks like Middlemount are like a second home. It’s nice to be able to come out here, catch up with everyone and put a round together. I’m going to play a fair bit over the next couple of months and see what comes.”
Wood said: “I spent a good part of the first probably three or four years when I turned pro out here, coming out and supporting these events so it was good to come back after a few years off. The course is definitely a lot better than I can remember. I would’ve liked to have probably got off the tee a bit better, but I putted well and holed some good putts to get the momentum going.”
Leading scores
T1 Sam Slater 66
T1 Christopher Wood 66
T1 Harrison Wills 66
4 Ben Hollis 67
5 Jay Mackenzie 68
T6 Nathan Page 69
T6 Brendan Smith 69
T6 Lachlan Wood 69
T6 Cameron Bell 69
T6 Anthony Choat 69
Next up
The Central Queensland swing continues with the ABM Blackwater Pro-Am on Saturday and Sunday with Jay Mackenzie as the defending champion.
The PGA of Australia has entered a new era with the first women appointed to the Vocational Members Council (VMC) at the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Anne-Marie Knight (West Beach Parks Golf Academy), Nicole James (Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club) and Nicole Martino (The Western Australian GC) were elected by their fellow PGA Professionals and will now join the nine-person VMC to provide representation and direction on behalf of Vocational Members to the PGA Board.
The VMC has never had a woman Member in the 114-year history of the PGA of Australia and Geoff Stewart, General Manager – Membership, is excited about what their appointment represents.
“The Vocational Members Council performs a critical function in representing PGA Members to the PGA Board and I have no doubt these three PGA Professionals will fill these roles with distinction,” said Stewart.
“Anne-Marie Knight, Nicole James and Nicole Martino are all decorated PGA Members in their own right, with a wide variety of experiences and expertise.
“Anne-Marie was an accomplished tournament professional before moving into coaching, Nicole James has risen through the ranks to now be the General Manager at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club and Nicole Martino spent time as the PGA’s Member Services Coordinator in Western Australia and is now the Golf Manager at The Western Australian Golf Club.
“I was thrilled that they nominated to join the VMC and am now equally excited to see how they contribute having been elected by their fellow PGA Members.”
After 13 years playing on the ALPG (now WPGA Tour of Australasia) and the Ladies European Tour, Knight (pictured, centre) became a full Vocational Member of the PGA in 2009.
She was named South Australian PGA Teaching Professional of the Year in 2016 and South Australian Game Development Professional of the Year in 2019. Knight hopes to further increase leadership opportunities for women in golf.
“I believe the PGA has come a long way to improve opportunities for female PGA Professionals with many initiatives such as women on boards/committees, increased playing opportunities with the introduction of the PGA Women’s Cup and the alignment with the WPGA Tour of Australasia,” said Knight.
“I’m passionate about continuing to grow and explore further pathways for our female PGA Membership.”
Like Knight, Nicole James spent eight years playing on tour before joining the PGA as a full Member in 2000.
Before moving into management, James (pictured, left) worked as a Tournament Coordinator for the PGA and wants to expand opportunities for Members in both of those areas.
“I have a deep understanding of the importance of providing playing opportunities for our Members,” said James.
“I am passionate about creating and expanding these opportunities to ensure that more Members can develop their playing ability here in Australia.
“Having progressed to a General Manager role, I also recognise the importance of supporting our Members in advancing to managerial positions.
“This is vital for their personal growth and for the continued success and recognition of the PGA of Australia.”
A PGA Professional since 2013, Nicole Martino (pictured, right) has been employed in a variety of roles across the golf industry over the past 20 years.
She has already served twice on the former PGA WA Vocational Committee and is passionate about member engagement and education.
“I feel that the time is right for me to give back and use my knowledge and experience to listen to our Members and to represent them well,” said Martino.
“I have had some great PGA role models who encouraged and supported me to achieve my career goals and I would love to contribute to increasing opportunities for Members to engage with one another and continue their own personal and professional development.”
PGA of Australia CEO, Gavin Kirkman, was delighted to see three such outstanding candidates added to the VMC.
“All three women are proud PGA Professionals who have already made significant contributions to the Australian golf industry,” said Kirkman.
“As the first women voted onto the VMC, they will bring a fresh perspective that can only benefit the organisation and its objectives.
“I very much look forward to working with them and all members of the VMC in further advancing the career opportunities for all PGA Members.”
NSW professional Andrew Campbell claimed one title and shared another as the North Queensland Series came to an end at the Roy Powell Security Pioneer Valley Pro-Am on Sunday.
Campbell was one of four players to shoot rounds of 6-under-par 66 on the Mackay region layout to share top spot in the final event of the five-round series, wrapping up the overall title and an additional $3000 bonus.
His 21-under-par total over Sarina, Mackay and Pioneer Valley was seven shots clear of runner-up, Victorian Lachlan Aylen.
The Coffs Harbour-based pro was joined by Queenslanders Cory Crawford and James Mee, as well as Victorian Andrew Kelly at the head of the Pioneer leaderboard.
Mee held the solo lead at 7-under until he bogeyed his final hole of the afternoon, the par-4 12th.
His share of the Pioneer Valley title was his second adidas PGA Pro-Am Series victory for 2025, while Crawford, the 2024 Vic PGA campion on the Challenger PFA Tour of Australasia, and Kelly won for the first time this year.
On the packed leaderboard, another three players finished just a shot off top spot in a tie for fifth, while Mackay Festival of Golf champion Gavin Fairfax took a share of eighth after shooting a 68.
Turning point
The winner at Sarina to kick off the NQ Series presented by Mackay Regional Council, Campbell played a five-hole stretch of the Pioneer Valley front nine in 5-under-par, including an eagle at the par-5 seventh.
After two bogeys, and with challenges coming from all over the course, he then birdied 15, 16, 17 to ensure the double success.
Quick quotes
Campbell said: “To have three birdies coming home to end up tying for the lead was just a great way to finish off the week up here.
“It was a nice incentive to come up here and go for the series prize. It was going to test me and see where my game’s at, and it is great to know that it’s in a good place to start the season off.”
Leading scores
66 – Andrew Campbell, Cory Crawford, James Mee, Andrew Kelly
67 – Elliot Beel, Nathan Page, Brett Rankin
68 – Connor McDade, Anthony Choat, Jack Pountney, Alexander Simpson, Gavin Fairfax, Aaron Townsend, Mark Panopoulos, Will Florimo, Douglas Klein
69 – Leon Trenerry Bailey Arnott, Sam Brazel, Jay Mackenzie, Lachlan Aylen, Jayden Cripps, Caleb Bovalina, Aiden Didone
Next up
The adidas PGA ProAm Series has events coming up in Queensland and Western Australia this week.
In WA, first up is the Bennco Karratha Pro-Am on Karratha Country Club (June 11-12).
In Queensland, the Foxleigh Mine Middlemount Golf & Country Club Pro-Am will be played at Middlemount Golf Club on June 12.
June 6
Bogey-free Fairfax claims title in Mackay
Rounds of 63-67 gave the Queenslander a 36-hole total of 12-under-par and his first pro-am title for 2025.
Tighe (NSW) produced the lowest round of the event, a 9-under-par 62, in the final round, which included a front nine of 30, to end up one shot behind after starting Friday in a share of 14th.
Host club amateur Josh Reid finished in impressive tie for seventh after shooting a 65 in the second round.
The pro-am, contested by a host of regulars from the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, was one of the features of the celebrations for Mackay Golf Club’s 100th anniversary.
Turning point
A two-shot leader after day one, Fairfax immediately set about consolidating his advantage with birdies at the first and third holes on day two, while his nearest challenger, James Gibellini, fell away.
Fairfax completed his 36 holes without a bogey and had the luxury of only needing a par on the par-5 18th to secure the one-shot win, his first title since Keysborough last March.
Quick quotes
Fairfax said: “I think I was 3-under through nine. I got both the par fives and then hit a good approach into the third, so that kind of got the momentum going a little bit.
“On the back nine, I kind of knew where I sat so I played away from a few pins. And being honest, I probably should have played a little more aggressively on the back nine.
“I did enough just to not put any damage on the card and I think that’s the main objective when you’ve got a lead and you’re trying to get it done.”
Leading scores
1 Gavin Fairfax (Qld) 63-67 – 130
2 Lincoln Tighe (NSW) 69-62 – 131
3 Douglas Klein (Qld) 66-67 – 133
4 Lucas Higgins (NSW) 69-65 – 134
T5 Alex Edge (NSW) 69-66 – 135
T5 Sam Brazel (NSW) 67-68 – 135
T7 Jack Munro (Qld) 71-65 – 136
T7 Josh Reid (Qld, a) 71-65 – 136
T7 Lachlan Aylen (Vic) 71-65 – 136
T7 James Gibellini (Qld) 65-71 – 136
Next up
The North Queensland swing of the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series finishes with the Roy Powell Security Pioneer Valley Pro-Am on Sunday.
Andrew Campbell leads the standings in the North Queensland Series sponsored by Mackay Regional Council at 15-under-par, three ahead of Brendan Smith and four clear of Lachlan Aylen.
June 1
Campbell cashes in at Sarina
Coffs Harbour-based professional Andrew Campbell hopes to repeat his North Queensland Series win of two years ago after a three-shot win at the CMR Recycling Sarina Golf Club Pro-Am.
Victory at Sarina two years ago put Campbell on the path to claiming the North Queensland Series, a double he hopes to repeat in 2025.
Trailing Ben Henkel by three after Round 1, Campbell shot 6-under 64 in Round 2 for an 11-under total, three clear of Tropics Pro-Am winner Connor McDade (67), fellow Coffs product Jack Pountney (68), Will Bruyeres (65) and Brendan Smith (63).
“Fortunately, two years ago when I won this event, it set me up to win the Series prize,” said Campbell.
“That was my focus coming up here. I wanted to play good golf and put myself in a position to win that Series prize because that means, ultimately, I’m going to play five good rounds of golf.
“It’s almost like a tour event with an extra round. I just want to see where my game’s at and put myself in contention.
“There’s nothing like winning.”
Turning point
With ground to make up in Round 2, Campbell warmed into his work with two pars to start and then unleashed a birdie barrage.
He made four on the trot from the par-5 fifth and then made it six in seven holes with back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11.
A dropped shot at the par-4 12th was a slight stumble, one he regained with a birdie at the very next hole.
Quick quotes
“This win feels a little bit different to the rest,” said Campbell.
“It’s sort of been a little while since I’ve had a win and to come back here and get another win a couple of years since I won here… it feels a bit different.
“It’s really nice after having three months off and being stuck in Coffs where it’s been raining and really haven’t had much time to practise.
“Promising signs to start the season off.”
Leading scores
1 Andrew Campbell 65-64—129
T2 Jack Pountney 64-68—132
T2 Connor McDade 65-67—132
T2 William Bruyeres 67-65—132
T2 Brendan Smith 69-63—132
T6 Dillon Hart 70-63—133
T6 Ben Henkel 62-71—133
T6 Aaron Pike 64-69—133
T6 Tim Hart 67-66—133
Next up
After a couple of days’ rest, the North Queensland Series continues on Thursday for the two-day PIMS Mackay Festival of Golf at Mackay Golf Club.
May 28
McDade cruises home at Tropics
Melburnian Connor McDade has produced two superb days of golf to capture the Mercedes-Benz Tropics Golf Club Pro-Am by two shots, as the North Queensland Swing of the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series got underway.
It is McDade’s first win of the year, however it is only his second event, and the win pockets him a nice $4,490 for topping the $25,000 event moving him to seventh on the National Pro-Am Order of Merit.
With rounds of 66 and 65, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club member finished at 13-under, clear of Brendan Smith (11-under) in second, and the in-form Jay McKenzie (8-under) in third.
Turning point
With Smith and McKenzie matching McDade’s final day 65, it was really the Victorian’s opening round that proved the difference.
His 6-under 66 on day one was the best round by two-shots on a day where only six players in the field carded a sub-70 round.
Quick quotes
McDade said: “It’s a nice hot start to the Troppo Tour, which is what I was looking for, so I’m stoked to put two hot rounds together.
“Brendan (Smith), he’s obviously a great player and has been for a long time. I don’t think he ever got within one shot of me at any time, but I just felt the pressure from him all day long. He had no let up and he was really trying to win the event, so that made it a lot tougher down the stretch.
“He (Smith) nearly holed his pitch shot on the last. He was really aggressive off the tee and put himself about 40-metres out from the green and nearly holed it. So that would’ve made it a little bit more interesting. But yeah, I made a really solid par on the last, so got it done.”
Leading scores
1 Connor McDade 131
2 Brendan Smith 133
3 Jay McKenzie 136
4 William Bruyeres 137
5 Lachlan Aylen, Dean Jamieson, Ben Hollis 140
Next up
The North Queensland Series sponsored by Mackay Regional Council begins with the 36-hole CMR Recycling Sarina Golf Club Pro-Am starting Saturday.
