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Bacchus Marsh West wins 2026 Junior Pennant

Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club has claimed its first Junior Pennant title since 2019, prevailing 4-3 over Mt Xavier Golf Club in a memorable final played on Sunday 23rd March at Ballarat Golf Club.

In a final that showcased both resilience and composure under pressure, Mt Xavier made the early running by securing the first three completed matches. With momentum firmly on their side, the contest appeared to be slipping away from Bacchus Marsh West. However, the eventual winners mounted a determined and impressive comeback, winning the next three matches to level the tie at 3–3.

All eyes then turned to the final match on course, which was the only contest to reach the 18th hole. In a fittingly dramatic conclusion, Keira Woods held her nerve to sink a long, pressure putt, sealing a 1 Up victory and delivering the title to Bacchus Marsh West in memorable fashion.

Scores (Bacchus Marsh West listed first):

  1. Harry Cowan defeated Rex Hodge – 2&1
  2. Jack Cowan defeated Cameron Steele – 5&3
  3. Jesse Nicholson defeated Jameson Seamons – 4&3
  4. Keira Woods defeated Makayla Kiellerup – 1 Up
  5. Elijah Gero lost to Angus MacDonald – 5&4
  6. Eamon Wakefield lost to Kaleb Dean – 4&3
  7. Ryan Baker lost to Hudson Goodfellow – 4&3

Bacchus Marsh West GC

Mt Xavier GC

Team

Played

Won

Tied

Lost

Score

Points

Bacchus Marsh West

6

3

2

1

22.5 – 13.5

4

Mt Xavier

6

2

4

0

20 -16

4

Ballarat

6

4

0

2

19 - 17

4

MyGolf Girls Squad

6

3

1

2

20.5 – 15.5

3.5

Boys Rookie Squad

6

2

1

3

18 - 18

2.5

Buninyong

6

2

1

3

17 - 19

2.5

Midlands

6

0

1

5

9 - 27

0.5

The season also highlighted individual excellence, with the Junior Pennant Player of the Season awards recognising two outstanding contributors to junior golf in our District. Harry Cowan (Bacchus Marsh West) and Isabelle Strawhorn (MyGolf Girls Squad) capped off their final year in the competition by claiming these honours.

Beyond the final result, the success of the Junior Pennant competition reflects the collective effort of a passionate golf community. A total of 62 players took part this season, supported by their clubs, volunteers and families.

Special recognition goes to the team managers for their weekly organisation and commitment, as well as Junior Development Committee members Andrew Cartledge, Robert Rosenow and Jeanette Tocchet for their coordination of the competition.

We also extend our gratitude to the following affiliated clubs for hosting matches - Maryborough Golf Club, Midlands Golf Club, Mt Xavier Golf Club, Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club, Buninyong Golf Club and Ballarat Golf Club.

This year’s Junior Pennant competition will be remembered not only for its exciting final, but for the spirit of sportsmanship and community that continues to drive junior golf forward in our District.

Andrew Milligan

Junior Coordinator