Jye Halls takes home South Coast Open title in spectacular form

Catalina Club General Manager Guy Chapman presenting South Coast Open champion Jye Halls following his maiden win on September 18. Photo: GolfNSW

Jye Halls has delivered a convincing performance in Catalina Club’s premier golfing event over September 17 and 18, successfully taking home the South Coast Open title for 2026 and scoring a spot in the prestigious NSW Ford Open.

Halls, at just 21 years old, has marked his first professional win in taking home the Open title, after a huge amateur career. Off the back of his recent win at the adidas Australian Amateur Championship, and after garnering experience as a junior at his home club of Mollymook, it was fitting for Jye to claim his maiden win on the familiar New South Wales South Coast.

Photo: GolfNSW

Closely in contention for the title was Riley Taylor, who was playing behind the leading group in the final round. Taylor begun his campaign well, managing an eagle on third, and wrapping up with a birdie on the 17th and 18th holes to finish.

Alongside Taylor, James Grierson and Harry Whitelock will all head to The Vintage Golf Club to contest the prestigious Ford NSW Open in November 2026.

James Grierson, Riley Taylor and Harry Whitelock are all headed to The Vintage for the For NSW Open in November. Photo: GolfNSW

Closer to home, Catalina Club’s very own team members and golfing members also vied for glory at the 2026 South Coast Open. The Club’s Director of Golf, Rodney Booth, Assistant General Manager and golf professional Mitchel Judd, golf professional Tim Swann and junior members Alex Booth and Keith Tompsett all joined the field in the hope of qualifying for the NSW Open.

Day one saw Rodney post the best score amongst the Catalina contingent of three over 75 which was 10 shots off the overall lead. Closely following on 77 were Tim, Alex and Keith with Mitch a further shot back on 78.

Throughout day two, each of the four Catalina representatives chasing Rod all had it into red figures with some early birdies. With Rodney getting off to another slow start, the Catalina challenge was up for grabs.

Rodney’s finishing eagle on the 12th and a few last slip-ups by others eventually saw Rodney the leading Catalina player on +3 total from Tim on +6, Alex +7, Keith +8 and Mitch on +10.

Aside from being a premier event in Catalina’s golfing calendar, the South Coast Open is also an opportunity for local community members, businesses and leaders to come together and play alongside touring golf professionals on Catalina’s stunning 27-hole course.

On Wednesday, the Pro-Am saw more than 100 professionals and amateurs teeing off for an 18-hole exploration of the course. Keeping spirits high, Catalina invited the Oyster Shed on Wray Street to shuck fresh oysters from the Bhundoo-Clyde River for golfers as they headed back to the Clubhouse, while teams from partner breweries and Whipbird Wines offered samples of wine and beer, with live acoustic music to brighten the atmosphere.

Read the full tournament results here.

Published September 18, 2026.