19/06/2026
⛳ GOLFING NEWS ⛳
Men’s Veterans Championships
The C.ex Urunga Golf Club Vets Championships unfolded across three rounds through May and June, with the opening salvo on Monday, 4 May 2026 immediately setting a high standard. Joe Street surged to the early lead with an outstanding nett 65, a round built on control and consistency that separated him from the field. Tom Faulkner stayed within striking distance with a 72 on countback, edging Andrew O’Keeffe who also returned 72 to sit third after day one. Precision off the tee was rewarded, with Alan Titley claiming nearest the pin on the 3rd and O’Keeffe adding the 9th to his strong start.
Round two on Monday, 11 May 2026 saw the championship tighten as Peter Inskip produced a composed nett 69 to take the round honours and place himself firmly in contention. Ross Hardaker followed closely with 70 on countback, while Anthony Shields continued his steady campaign with 70 to claim third and remain in the mix.
Tom Faulkner made a decisive move despite not featuring in the placings, dominating the short holes with a clean sweep of nearest the pins on the 3rd, 9th and 18th, a performance that would prove critical in shaping the championship narrative heading into the final round.
The championship decider on Monday, 8 June 2026 delivered a fitting conclusion, with Tom Faulkner rising to the occasion to claim the final round with a superb nett 69, underlining his class across the three-week contest. Anthony Shields again featured prominently with 71 on countback to finish second, while Michael Bellew’s 71 secured third and capped a consistent campaign. Nearest the pin honours went to Roger Young on the 3rd, while Faulkner once again stamped his authority on the field with pinpoint shots to claim both the 9th and 18th, closing out the series in dominant fashion.
Across the three rounds, the Vets Championships rewarded consistency and composure under pressure. In A Grade, Faulkner’s all-round excellence secured the Gross title, while Street’s blistering opening round proved enough to claim the Nett honours. B Grade saw Bellew’s steady play earn him the Gross crown, with Peter Drysdale’s consistency across the series delivering the Nett title. In C Grade, Shields’ reliable performances secured the Gross honours, while Paul Bastick’s persistence was rewarded with the Nett championship, rounding out a compelling three-round event at Urunga.
Well done to all players.
