The Sunshine Coast is experiencing a golf renaissance, with some of its premier courses averaging more than 75,000 rounds a year.
It’s no wonder more than 90 golfers from across the country and New Zealand recently flocked to the warmer weather for the 72-hole Sunshine Coast Autumn Classic.
Event organiser and General Manager of Twin Waters Golf Club, Steve Hutchison says the weather is a huge drawcard, “this week of golf attracts a lot of southerners, but it’s not only about the competition, people also come for the weather. It’s about being on holiday, playing on quality courses and having a really good time.”
With a mixed field of experienced and tournament novices, they played at four of the region’s premier courses – Maroochy River, Palmer Coolum, Pelican Waters and Twin Waters.
Undulating and in pristine condition, beautiful Twin Waters Golf Course.
This year the competition had a new addition to the schedule. “We get a lot of return visitors so this year we changed a couple of the course for variety. Pelican Waters is new on the card, it’s a challenging course and Greg Norman designed,” Hutchison said.
They played an individual Stableford competition – two grades for the men and one for the women.
The overall winners were…
Ladies Winners
Carolyn Wriede was the winner in the women’s category, Wriede, who plays off a 27 handicap, carded rounds of 32-39-30-28 for a 129 total to finish four points clear of Margaret Castle.
Wriede said she had a cracking round of 39 at Palmer Coolum, despite it’s challenging championship layout, “I did play well that day, it’s been a fabulous four days. It’s such a well organised event, we’ll be back next year.”
Ladies Winner Carolyn Wriede and Runner up Margaret Castle.
Mens Division 1
Mike Jones took out the men’s division 1 in a tightly fought contest.
Jones, a first time visitor to the event, returned a consistent round of 32-34-38-37 for a total 137 to clinch victory by one point over 12-marker Lance Nuttall.
“The quality of the courses was superb, I had quite a few birdies at Pelican Waters, but most of all I enjoyed playing with different people. I came with a friend, and we’ve had a great week,” Jones, who plays off 8 added.
Runner up, Lance Nuttall with Division 1 Winner, Mike Jones.
Mens Division 2
In division 2, Colin Palmer, a 25-marker, started slowly with a round of 28 points but he fired up when it mattered carding 44-35-33 for a 140 total. His nearest opponent was 16-marker Lawrie Matthews on 135 points.
Runner up, Colin Palmer with Division 2 Winner, Lawrie Matthews.
Participants were given a rest day in the middle of the tournament. Many took the opportunity to explore the scenic Sunshine Coast, enjoying the beautiful weather.
The Autumn Classic, now in its sixth year, was launched to showcase the region’s premier golf courses and attract visitors to the Sunshine Coast during winter. The event is supported by major partner, Sunshine Coast Council.
Graham Osborn and Robert Seaborn enjoy meeting new people and say the tournament is like a grazing plate of Sunshine Coast’s finest courses. “We really loved Pelican Waters, not a blade of grass was out of place,” Mr Osborn added, “Maroochy is hard to get onto, so this is the perfect event to sample all the good courses in this area.”
Winning the best dressed award, golf fanatics Robert Seaborn and Graham Osborn from Cromer GC in Sydney.
The event attracts first timers and repeat participants. Leslie and Merv Tappenden have attended every tournament since it’s inception. They met as widows ten years ago and enjoy coming to this event. “We both love golf, and we love playing together. The courses are beautiful, and he doesn’t try to coach me,” Mrs Tappenden said.
Merv and Leslie Tappenden from Southport GC have attended every Sunshine Coast Classic event.
The event has become so popular that the Winter Classic in August has already sold out. Hutchison said it was great to see more ladies at this year’s event. “Women took up 30% of the field and from all playing levels,” he added, “it’s very social and everyone seems to have a fabulous time.”
The 19th hole at Palmer Coolum (L-R) Roslyn Hand, Carmen Reinstein, Pam Messenger, Karen Franklin, Jillian Coker, Christine Foyle, Anne Rynne and Raquel Stevens
Hutchison said the demographic of golfers ranged from early 20’s to mid 80’s. “Golf is such a great game, it’s social, it’s healthy and you’re outdoors, this tournament encourages people of all levels as well,” he said.
The Sunshine Coast Winter Classic will be held from August 10-15. It’s fully booked, but get in early for 2026.
Great event as usual and Steve almost got the weather to behave – would have loved to have played the last day but that was out of our control.
Pelican Waters and Maroochy were just great and great to catch up with a number of people from past events.
It was great to catch up with Raquel Stevens – a recent golfer but someone who will do well – 2 nearest the pins, pretty good – hope Steve invites her back despite taking the NTP prizes!!
See you next year.