Major Pennant – Round 6
CARNARVON 4 – The COAST 3
Sunday, 8 MARCH 2026
The Coast entered the final round sitting on top of the table, needing an away win at Carnarvon to secure the section title. After a wet night the course was damp, and the home side started strongly, leading most matches early.
Carnarvon jumped out to a 2–0 lead before Kev produced a dominant 7&6 win to get The Coast on the board. Mark battled hard but couldn’t chase down his opponent, giving the home side a 3–1 advantage.
Cooper continued his strong form, securing a 5&4 win to bring the score back to 3–2.
Sixteen-year-old Matt Oosthuizen then produced one of the moments of the season. Two down with three to play against Carnarvon’s No.1, Matt won the 16th and 17th before calmly sinking a clutch putt on the 18th to square the overall match at 3–3.
All attention turned to Jack in Match 4, who squared his match with a birdie on the 17th to send it down the final hole of the season. Both players found the fairway, but the home player capitalised on the final green to secure the hole and seal a 4–3 victory for Carnarvon.
While it wasn’t the result we had hoped for, the fight and determination shown by the team was something to be proud of.
We later learned Bexley had secured a 5–2 away win to take out the section title.
A huge thank you to all our caddies, supporters, sponsors, Golf shop team, Rep Committee, Bar staff, Ibo and Restaurant staff, Captain Tony and Deb, Jordan and Greens Team, the Board and club members for your support throughout the season.
We’ll regroup and come back stronger next year.
Regards, Paddy and the Major Pennant Team
Major Pennant – Round 5
The COAST 6 – CARNARVON 1
Sunday, 1 MARCH 2026
A standout performance from Simon Laird, winning the last three holes to take his match 1 up and seal a big victory for The Coast.
Wayne and Mark both delivered solid 2&1 wins, while Kev, Cooper and Jack finished their matches with plenty of holes to spare.
Young Matt faced a tough challenge against Carnarvon’s No. 2, whose monstrous hitting bypassed much of the course, earning the visitors their only point of the day.
Thanks to all the home supporters and caddies for their fantastic support, and to the bar, restaurant and Greens staff for their hospitality and presentation of our wonderful club.
Major Pennant – Round 4
Wallacia 0 – The COAST 7
Sunday, 22 February 2026
Yes, that’s right 7–0 to The Coast.
On a scorching day at Wallacia, with temperatures climbing to a predicted 37 degrees across much of NSW, our now dubbed “Magnificent Seven” delivered an outstanding team performance away from home.
Due to several injuries within the Wallacia side, the Reserve match was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute. Max stepped in as Assistant Manager for the day, accompanying me around the course to rally the team and provide support.
Matt Oosthuizen (caddy Ollie Harwood) led the side out once again and appears to have found his calling in Pennants. The 16-year-old continued his superb form from last week, producing another outstanding performance to secure a dominant 5&4 victory and earn back-to-back Player of the Day honours.
Mark Lee (caddy BJ Frost) faced a seasoned pennant veteran and applied pressure from the outset. Holding a four-shot lead at the turn, Mark never looked back and closed out an emphatic 7&6 win on the 12th.
Wayne Smyth (caddy Ray Macey) had to fight hard after a slow start. He worked his way back to all square through 14 holes before capitalising on a couple of nervy moments from his opponent. Wayne sealed a gritty and important 2&1 victory on the 17th in front of the gallery.
Jack Hickey (caddy Jonah) made a statement from the opening tee shot, launching high over the trees and setting the tone for his return to the side. A brilliant run of birdies on 11, 12 and 13 secured a lead that was never challenged, closing out 4&3.
Captain Cooper Smith (caddy Sam) was moved up the order in pursuit of that elusive away point — and delivered once again. In a tightly contested match, Cooper proved his class and sealed a hard-fought 2&1 win on the 17th green.
Simon Laird (caddy John Wachman) retained his spot at number two and edged ahead early. Despite the intense heat, Simon built a commanding lead and finished strongly with a 6&5 victory.
Kevin Isch (caddy Freddie) stepped up into the number one position to anchor the side and brought it home in style. Unaware that the team result had already been secured, Kev played as though his match would decide the day until he locked in his dormie 3 score. He maintained a steady head and closed out a composed 3&1 win in front of a full gallery.
A 7–0 away victory is a massive achievement in any season and a testament to the commitment and quality of this group. Full credit to the players.
A huge thank you to the wives, partners, family and friends who battled the heat to support the team your presence never goes unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to our on-course supporters Emma, Murray, Robert and Bruce along with all our valued sponsors Industralight, O’Neill Strata and Jennings Financial Services.
Next Up
Round 5 – Sunday, 29 February
Home vs Carnarvon
Tee off from 7:00am
Thank you from a very happy
Team Manager
Major Pennant – Round 3
The Coast 6 def. Wallacia 1
Sunday, 15 February 2026
The Coast continued its strong home form with an impressive 6–1 victory over Wallacia, building valuable momentum as the season gathers pace.
After recent rain, our greens staff presented the course in outstanding condition, showcasing the true pace and quality of our coastal layout.
Leading the charge was reserve Max Hack (caddy Ollie Harwood), who set the tone early with a composed 3&2 win. Full debutant Matt Oosthuizen (caddy Pete Baigant) delivered a standout performance, surging ahead mid-round to secure a superb 4&2 victory and earn Player of the Day honours.
Mark Lee and Wayne Smyth both produced confident 4&2 and 3&2 wins respectively, while Simon Laird returned to top form with a strong 2&1 result. In a dramatic finish, Kevin Isch fought back from 3 down to win 1 up after an extraordinary bounce off a sprinkler head on the 18th saw his opponent’s approach finish out of bounds.
Captain Cooper Smith capped off the day with a commanding 3&2 win over Wallacia champion Chris Holmes, drawing on his championship experience to lead from the front.
Ray Macey narrowly missed out, going down 1 down in a tightly contested match that went to the final hole.
Home advantage is proving vital in this group, but any away points will be crucial as the season unfolds. The team’s form is building strongly at the right time.
Thank you to our on-course supporters Ragu, Maurie, Tony, Deb and Bruce, our valued sponsors Industralight, O’Neill Strata and Jennings Financial Services, and of course our caddies for their outstanding support.
Next Up
Round 4 – Sunday, 22 February
Away at Wallacia – Tee off from 10:00am
Paddy Kelly
Team Manager
Coast Dig Deep for Gritty Home Win
Major Pennant – Round 2
The Coast 4 def Bexley GC 3
Sunday, 8 February 2026
What a difference a week makes. After a hot and steamy last round, the Coast turned on classic pennant conditions for the return clash with Bexley cool, grey, windy and wet. Perfect weather for a tough contest and that’s exactly what we got.
With matches tight across the board, the Coast showed grit, resilience and plenty of fight to grind out a crucial 4–3 home victory.
Reserve Matt Oosthuizen (caddy Max Hack) made a promising Major Pennants debut against experienced campaigner Glen Davis. Matt jumped out early and refused to give an inch as the wind picked up on the back nine. The match went right down to the 18th, where Matt narrowly went down 1-down. A classy performance and a name we’ll be seeing again in Coast colours.
Match 7 Ray Macey (caddy Marv Danne) was locked in a tight battle all day, all square heading into the back nine. A chip-in on 15 and a clutch putt on 16 swung momentum Bexley’s way, with Ray going down 3/1 after a solid showing.
Match 6 Mark Lee (caddy Matt Power) came out breathing fire, racing to a 5-up lead through eight holes. When Bexley threatened to claw back ground, Mark simply shifted gears and powered away, closing out a dominant 6/4 win — his first in Major Pennants and a statement performance.
Match 5 Wayne Smyth (caddy Ollie Harwood), armed with new gear and a new looper, fought through a tense, seesawing contest. Wayne grabbed the lead after the brutal 13th and held his nerve all the way home, sealing a massive 1-up win after Bexley missed a late chance to halve.
Match 4 Kevin Isch (caddy Doug Wesney) again found himself chasing early, slipping to 4-down before digging deep. A strong run of birdies and pars hauled the match back to all square after 13, but luck deserted him late and the match finished losing 3/2.
Match 3 Simon Laird (caddy John Wachman) faced a powerful Bexley No.3 and fell behind early. A late charge showed real fight, but the damage was done, with Simon narrowly losing 2/1.
Match 2 Jack Hickey (caddy Pete Paigent) was in control from the outset. With trademark power off the tee and a razor-sharp short game, Jack cruised to a commanding 5/4 victory, never allowing his opponent a look in.
Match 1 With the match on a knife’s edge, Captain Cooper Smith (caddy Scott “FlipperFeet” Knowles) delivered when it mattered most. After a tight front nine, Cooper showed exactly why the back nine at the Coast is where matches are won. Clinical ball striking and deadly putting from the 12th saw him close out his match 3/1 on the 16th, securing the deciding point and the overall win for the Coast. Captain Closes It Out.
Bexley proved they’ll be a serious contender this season, and every round will count in what’s shaping as a fiercely competitive group.
A huge thank you to our caddies and our loyal supporters Ragu, Maurie, Tony, Deb and Bruce, who braved the early start and the weather. We also thank our valued sponsors Industralight, O’Neill Strata and Jennings Financial Services for their ongoing support.
Next up:
Round 3 – Sunday, 15 February
Home vs Wallacia – Tee off from 7:00am
Paddy Kelly
Team Manager
Round 1 – Sunday, 1st February 2026
Bexley GC 6.5 def The Coast 0.5
The opening round of the new season saw a short trip to Bexley, where the early-morning 7:00am tee time greeted players with overcast skies and very warm conditions. Our squad had been in good form leading into the opener, featuring a mix of familiar faces and a few new additions as we teed off on the 2026 campaign.
Match 7
Ray Macey (+ Caddy Ollie Harwood) started strongly, taking an early lead after five holes. His opponent lifted after the turn and a string of birdies from the Bexley No.7 gave Ray little opportunity to regain momentum. The match was eventually closed out at the 15th, with Ray going down 4&3.
Match 6
Mark Lee (+ Caddy Matt Power) made his Major Pennants debut and showed plenty of promise. The match was tightly contested throughout, never extending beyond a single shot either way. Mark’s opponent, a seasoned pennant player, used his experience well over the closing holes, with a few wayward drives proving costly. Mark fought hard but was edged out 2&1 on the 17th. A solid debut performance and plenty to build on in the coming rounds.
Match 5
Wayne Smyth (+ Caddy Max Hack) faced a tough front nine, falling behind early and unable to close the gap by the turn. A couple of missed putts on tricky, well-placed pins added to the challenge, and Wayne eventually succumbed to a 5&4 loss.
Match 4
Kevin Isch (+ Caddy Doug Wesney) slotted into the middle order and also encountered early pressure. Bexley’s No.4 built a healthy lead through the opening holes that proved difficult to reel in. Despite a determined fightback, tough course conditions and a few costly oversights saw the match finish with 5&4 loss.
Match 3
Simon Laird (+ Caddy John Wachman) took on recent Bexley Cup Champion and course record holder Gavin Heffernan in what proved to be the match of the day. The pair traded shots throughout, with Simon edging ahead after six holes before turning all square at the ninth. Still level on the 16th, Simon drained a long-range putt on 17th to keep the match alive heading to the 18th. With a likely two-putt looking set to seal a Coast victory, Heffernan produced a fortunate bunker shot followed by a monster putt to halve the hole and the match.
Simon’s performance up the order confirmed his place in the side and he will be a real force as the season unfolds.
Match 2
Jack Hickey (+ Caddy Will Dight) flew out of the blocks, taking advantage of his length off the tee to bypass the poor fairway conditions faced by much of the team. An early commanding lead set the tone, but Bexley’s new recruit found his rhythm with pinpoint approach play to claw his way back. Jack battled hard but overshot the 18th green while chasing a one-shot deficit and couldn’t get up and down, finishing 1 down.
Match 1
Cooper Smith (©) (+ Caddy Matt Oosthuisen) was the final player out, tasked with anchoring the side. The match remained even throughout the front nine, with both players narrowly missing chances to break through. On the back nine, a few tee shots strayed offline and handed the straight-hitting local an advantage that proved too difficult to overcome. Bexley’s No.1 closed the match 3&2.
A tough result on Day 1, but it again highlights the standard of competition right from the outset. No doubt this performance will spur the team on as we look forward to a better return when we host Bexley at The Coast next round.
A big thank you to our caddies and to our fantastic supporters Rob and Bruce, who came out early to back our players. Shout-out also to our sponsors for their continued support with uniforms and balls.
Paddy Kelly
Team Manager
