14/06/2026
The Next Generation Takes Centre Stage at Junior Open
The future of golf was on full display at Catalina on the weekend as 85 Junior and Cadet golfers from across NSW and the ACT contested the 2026 Clyde Auto Catalina Club Junior Open.
Despite intermittent rain and challenging winter conditions, the quality of golf never wavered, with young players embracing the test and showcasing why junior golf continues to thrive at Catalina.
As one of the leading junior golf clubs in regional NSW, Catalina was proud to welcome families, coaches and supporters from across the state for the first of several junior-focused events on the Club's annual calendar.
Cadets Continue Their Development
The day began with our Cadet division tackling a modified nine-hole course, providing an opportunity for the next generation of golfers to put their developing skills into competition.
Both major trophies remained at home.
Catalina Cadets Coen Hatton and Evie Powell claimed the Boys and Girls titles respectively, continuing the strong progress they have made through Catalina's junior development programs and weekly coaching clinics.
In the nett divisions, Catalina's Ethan O'Neill secured the Boys title, while Marlie Aitken from Mollymook claimed the Girls Nett Championship.
Statewide Talent Descends on Catalina
More than 60 players then took to the Old Course for the Junior Open, with competitors travelling from Sydney, Canberra, the South Coast and beyond.
In the Boys Championship, Harry Gourlay from The Australian Golf Club produced one of the standout performances of the day. Sitting within striking distance throughout the round, Gourlay finished with a flourish, recording five birdies across his final seven holes to post a superb 67 and secure the title in convincing fashion.
The Boys Nett Championship went to Will Maciver, whose even-par round of 72 translated to an excellent nett score of 68.
The Girls Championship was won by Sophia Chau from Federal Golf Club in Canberra. Her composed round of 78 proved enough to secure the title, while Jolie McLaughlin from Gungahlin Lakes claimed the Girls Nett Championship with 72 nett.
Strong Performances Across the Grades
The B Grade Stableford competition produced some exceptional scoring, led by dual Catalina and Moruya member Julius Ganderton, whose outstanding 44-point round saw him finish four points clear of the field.
Dori Henchaichone from Pambula Merimbula finished runner-up on 40 points, while Jack Weaver from Camden Golf Club rounded out the podium with 39 points.
Honouring Tradition Alongside the Future
An important part of Junior Open day is the staging of the Don Wallace Shield, a championship contested by players over 18 years of age and held alongside the Junior and Cadet events.
The event carries a proud history at Catalina and serves as a bridge between our developing juniors and those continuing their golfing journey into adulthood.
For 2026, the Shield was claimed by James Dickinson, whose impressive round of 73 proved enough to secure the title.
The Don Wallace Shield remains an important part of the day, highlighting the progression of players through Catalina's development pathway while celebrating a tradition that has become firmly woven into the fabric of the Club's golfing calendar.
Building the Future of the Game
While the trophies and results are important, the Junior Open is ultimately about something much bigger.
It is about providing opportunities for young people to compete, develop friendships, challenge themselves and fall in love with a game they can enjoy for life.
With families lining the fairways, parents following groups and young golfers representing clubs from across the state, the day was another reminder of the important role junior golf plays in the future of our sport.
At Catalina, we remain committed to creating those opportunities and building pathways from beginner clinics through to championship competition.
Judging by the talent on display this weekend, the future of golf is in very good hands. If there is someone in your family that may like to join in, Catalina has beginner golf clinics now open during the NSW school holidays. Just click onto the Junior Golf page to read more | https://catalinaclub.com.au/golf/juniors-cadets/
Clyde Auto Sales Titleist
Golf NSW Golf Australia Australian Golf Digest PGA of Australia Jack Newton Junior Golf Federal Golf Club Gungahlin Lakes Club Royal Canberra Golf Club
