Bolton claims third Batemans Bay Open title at Catalina Club

Harry Bolton of Canberra has secured a third impressive Batemans Bay Open title in a full field 36-hole event at Catalina Club.

The Batemans Bay Open delivered another standout weekend, with close to 600 players contesting three days of elite amateur golf, culminating in a defining performance from Canberra’s Harry Bolton.

Friday’s Medley 2BBB Stableford set the tone under clear skies, with Richmond Golf Club dominating the podium. Craig Gordon and Matthew Ellings led with 47 points, ahead of Mathew Madgwick and Peter Edwards, while David McLeay and Matthew Mackie completed the sweep. The course drew widespread praise, presented in superb condition ahead of the championship rounds.

Round 1 of the Men’s Open saw local junior Keith Tompsett take control early, producing a superb 5-under 67 built on nine birdies. Defending champion Jared Hunt and Harry Whitelock sat in pursuit at 70, with Bolton well placed at 71, quietly building into contention. Sunday’s final round belonged to Bolton.

Starting within reach, he produced the round of the tournament—an exceptional 4-under 68—to post a 36-hole total of 5-under, surging past the field late to secure victory by a single shot. It was a composed, decisive performance under pressure, reinforcing his reputation as one of the event’s most consistent performers.

The win marks Bolton’s third Batemans Bay Open title (2022, 2023, 2026), further cementing his standing with the championship and highlighting his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Tompsett, who carried a three-shot lead into the final round, returned a steady 1-over 73 to finish at 4-under 140, also securing the A Grade Nett title ahead of Craig Ellings (Richmond GC). Hunt remained firmly in the contest with a second consecutive 70, finishing tied at the top before Bolton’s late charge.

Across the grades, strong performances continued. Brendan Davis-Gibbons (Gold Creek CC) claimed B Grade with consecutive rounds of 40 points, three shots clear of Darrell Shepherd (Yowani), who posted the standout second round of 43 points. In C Grade, Catalina’s John Lalor combined rounds of 41 and 37 points to take the title from Jason Sharman (Stonecutters Ridge GC).

Catalina’s own Keith Tompsett carried a three-shot lead into the final round, claiming the nett winner title in the Bay Open.

With representation from 44 clubs across NSW, ACT, Victoria and Queensland, including strong travelling contingents from Richmond and Canberra, the 2026 championship once again demonstrated its reach, depth, and growing stature.

A weekend defined by quality, composure, and a champion performance, led by Harry Bolton, who once again rose to the occasion at Catalina.

Published May 4, 2026