The Australian Medal

Congratulations to Ray Balcomb (The Australian, Handicap 6) who won The Australian Medal for 2023.

The Australian Medal was first held in 1966 and was originally open to Members of The Australian Golf Club and Royal Sydney Golf Club. In 2014, Members of The Lakes Golf Club and New South Wales Golf Club were also invited to participate.

The event was played over 36-holes on Saturday, 7 & Sunday, 8 January as stroke play from the medal course (blue tees). Round 1 played very tough with strong Southerly winds and driving rain at times. Peter Wood (The Australian, 14) thrived, shooting a net stroke score of 71 to lead by 1 shot over Chris McAuliffe (The Australian, 6), Benny Xu (The Lakes, 4) & Anthony Bekiaris (The Australian, 7).

The top 60 players qualified for the second round and conditions settled with lighter winds and warm sunshine on Sunday.

Ray, who won this event in 2011, shot the round of the tournament with 68 strokes net to jolt up to the top of the leader board. He was tied 21st after a round 1 score of 76. Birdies on the 3rd & 13th were the highlights of his second round, and he managed to hold on for the victory. Nick Crews (The Australian, 2) birdied the 16th & 18th on his way in but fell agonisingly short by 1-stroke. Bruce Davis (The Australian, 7) also enjoyed the conditions for round 2 shooting 71 to finish 3rd by count-back.

The winner took home a set of Waterford Crystal Tumblers and a $300.00 Golf Shop voucher.

Congratulations also to Matthew Giles who won the scratch event with rounds of 71 & 76 for a +3 over par total of 147. Matthew won a $150.00 Golf Shop voucher.

Click here to view the prize presentation sheet.
Click here to view the online leader board.