Catalina Club juniors excel at Clyde Auto Junior Open

The 2025 Clyde Auto Junior Open recognised the dedicated and talented sportsmanship and skill presented by our local and visiting juniors. Photo: Anthony Hall

Yet again, our region’s junior golfers delivered a professional display of golf at the 2025 Clyde Auto Junior Open on Sunday 15 June.

Over 65 juniors, including 17 cadets, contested the Open in three events, making the course a hive of activity despite wintry weather.

In the modified 9-hole course prepared by our Junior Committee, JNJG member Matthew Louangkhamden won the cadets gross event with a great score of 35, with local member Noah Graham following closely. In the nett, Catalina’s Ripley Vandyk dominated, with Lucas Alvey and Lachlan McRae closely behind. Meanwhile, Evie Powell won in the girls section after a playoff against Mila Jovic.

Photo: Anthony Hall

There were plenty of smiling faces on the course for what was a first tournament experience for many new golfers.

In the main event, 44 juniors aged between 12 and 17 competed for the title. In the boys’ section Catalina Club Champion Bill Eppelstun took home the major prize by shooting a bogie-free 68, with the Australian Golf Club’s Sam Cascio claiming the runner-up position with 71. In total, seven juniors from the Australian Golf Club played the event, which was a good warm-up opportunity for the upcoming NSW Junior Championships hosted by Catalina over July 15 to 18.

The boys’ nett event was won by Ryan Wassell from the Moruya GC with a great score of 67 nett. Runner up to Ryan was Jax Miller from Wollongong with 68 nett.

Photo: Anthony Hall

In the girls’ section, Alicia Luo from the Concord GC had the best score of even par 72. Runner up to Alicia was Club Champion, Bronte Eppelstun on 79. The best nett score from the girls came from Jolie McLaughlin of Gunghalin Lakes with 74 nett, with Amity Horton following.

In the Don Wallace Shield event, which gives 18- to 23-year-olds the opportunity to play in the Open, Sophie Eppelstun secured a score of 70 for the gross title, with Oscar Woolridge finishing with a nett score of 72. Overall, the Open resulted in outstanding golf.

Photo: Anthony Hall

Catalina Club is proud of its junior program and the opportunities it provides to young, aspiring golfers. The program runs throughout the year and is always supported by its major sponsor, Anthony Hall and the team at Clyde Auto Batemans Bay. Their ongoing support of junior golf at the Club helps to deliver a quality program to our young members.

The Club would also like to extend thanks to the 12 volunteers who assisted on the day, led ably by Junior Coordinator Marg Dickinson.

Published June 20, 2025