Jay Mackenzie seals Ford NSW Open start at Catalina Club during 2025 South Coast Open
Ballina’s Jay Mackenzie has secured the 2025 South Coast Open title in a hundred-strong field of Australia’s leading PGA professionals and 20 elite amateurs.
On September 18 and 19, with the pressure of a live broadcast and bystanders, Mackenzie finished his campaign on the 18th hole alongside tournament frontrunners, securing scores of 62 and 71 to finish 11 under par.
In round one, Mackenzie achieved a course record for Catalina, playing a bogey-free 10 under par round to secure a commanding lead. At the close of round two, Mackenzie was quietly confident, and delivered a controlled, relaxed performance to secure his place in the $800,000 2025 Ford NSW Open event in mid-November.
Following closely behind him was Sydney’s Alexander Simpson who finished in second place at under 10. Nathan Page matched Simpson’s total, and Joseph Owen finished at under nine, allowing them both qualifying spots in the Ford NSW Open.
Undeniably the biggest event in Catalina’s calendar, the South Coast Open is an opportunity to highlight our region’s beautiful landscape and invite our generation’s best athletes to experience our course. The exciting tournament also gives our local members, sponsors, business owners and juniors a chance to play alongside professional golfers in the Pro-Am and qualifying event.
Joseph Owen has qualified for a spot in the 2025 NSW Ford Open after a leading performance behind Jay Mackenzie at the South Coast Open.
CATALINA REPRESENTED IN OPEN
Amongst the South Coast Open field were six Catalina Club representatives who played across the Pro-Am on Wednesday 17 September and the two-day tournament.
While there was banter amongst all players heading into Thursday’s first round, it didn’t show in the scores from each of the players. After round one, competition was tight amongst the Catalina team as they all performed admirably.
Bay Open champion Alex Booth warms up for the South Coast Open
With scores of two under par it was the Club’s Director of Golf Rodney Booth alongside his son and Bay Open champion Alex Booth who slept best after round one. Bill Eppelstun was next best on even par, closely followed by the Club’s Assistant General Manager Mitchel Judd on plus one. The biggest surprise of round one (to everyone except the man himself) was Steven Millard. Steve shot an impressive opening of 74 to find himself well and truly in the mix and high-spirited heading into the final round. Tim Swann drove it well on day one but battled with his approaches and putting to post 80.
Catalina’s Assistant General Manager Mitchel Judd plays in the Pro-Am event.
Round two proved difficult for scoring with tougher pin placements and quicker, firmer greens. Posting the best score for 36 holes was Rodney with another strong round of 70 to finish on four under for the event and tie in 29th place.
Next was Bill and Alex who both finished on plus two for the tournament, another commendable finish amongst a full professional field event. Mitchel, although battling on the greens, still signed for a four over par which is a solid result. Both Steve and Tim struggled in round two, posting final scores of 82 and 79.
To discover the full results, visit GolfNSW’s website.
Published September 19, 2025