Jeanette Major from Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east has been crowned the 25,000 women’s Holden Scramble participant at Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club in Endeavour Hills.

An iconic part of the Australian golfing landscape, the Holden Scramble is Australia’s largest pro-amateur club teams event and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

"The success and longevity of the Women’s Holden Scramble is a testament to the clubs and facilities who run each event and have contributed to this successful history. To reach this milestone in the same year as our one millionth participant and the event’s 25th anniversary highlights the position the brand holds in the Australian golf industry," said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

"Through the ongoing support of Holden, the PGA has been able to grow the women’s section of the Holden Scramble and see more women participate in golf."

As the 25,000 player, Major and her team of Cheryl Baxter, Annette Skacej and Vicki Brain, will receive return economy airfares to the naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast where they will be treated to three nights’ accommodation at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, a round of golf at Twin Waters Golf Club, a Day Spa package and lunch at the ginger factory.

Major was ecstatic when she learned that her entry was the lucky number and delighted to be sharing the milestone with her team, who also won today’s event with a nett score of 66.7. 

"I couldn’t quite believe it; I was speechless," said Major.

"You don’t expect to come and play a local Holden Scramble event and win a holiday just for entering," she laughed.

The women’s section of the Holden Scramble commenced in 2005 and since its inception has seen over 600 local events held across Australia and provides women with their own local competition.

The Holden Scramble has seen 42,000 woman participate across its mixed events; 25,000 of those have teed it up in the women’s only section.

Earlier this month, the members of Churchill Park Golf Club and Waverley Golf Club voted to merge to secure the long-term future of both clubs and today marked a poignant moment as the two clubs become one.

Dave Joyce, the Head Professional at Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club (Churchill Course), is pleased to see the Holden Scramble continue its evolution at local level as both clubs join forces.

"Since the merger was announced there has been a buzz around the club and this event, our first official Holden Scramble event as Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club, really signifies the start of a new chapter for both clubs," said Joyce.

"I’m really happy with the event and extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of such a milestone for Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club."

This is the second landmark occasion for the Holden Scramble after Robert Osborne, from Ashmore in Queensland, became the One Millionth Holden Scramble Participant at Mt Warren Park Golf Club on the Gold Coast last month.
 
Simon McNamara, Sponsorship and Motorsport Manager at Holden, echoed Thorburn’s sentiments.

"Holden is supporting the growth of female participation in sport and Holden’s association with the Holden Scramble allows us to assist in creating a lasting legacy for women’s sport at the grassroots level and we’re excited to be celebrating this significant occasion with the PGA."

Thanks to Holden’s investment, registration numbers for the Women’s section have increased nationally by an average of 20 per cent over the past two years.

Holden Scramble events are held across Australia, from every major city to regional hubs such as Broome, Kalgoorlie, Alice Springs, Cairns and the Norfolk Islands.

Local event winners go on to compete in Regional Finals with the winning team from each final progressing to the Holden Scramble Championship Final held at Twin Waters Golf Club in November.

Winners of the women’s regional finals will advance to be one of six teams in the women’s section of the Holden Scramble Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club in November.

The Championship Final is the golfing experience of a lifetime, with four days of golf, social activities and the opportunity to play with a Tour Professional