WA third as NZ dominate Junior Interstate series

16th Apr 2026

WA Junior Interstate Series 2026

WA claimed a valiant rostrum finish as New Zealand swept to victory at the Junior Interstate Series in Victoria.

Making a return to the round-robin team match play event for the first time since 1997, New Zealand proved too strong for their state-based trans-Tasman rivals, winning six and halving one of their seven matches at Moonah Links.

WA went unbeaten against all six Australian teams — winning four and halving two — with their only defeat coming at the hands of New Zealand on Day 1 of the competition.

A 7-1 demolition of South Australia on the final morning looked like it would be enough to secure WA ‘best of the rest’ honours, but New Zealand — already assured of the title — could only halve their final match with hosts Victoria.

This allowed Victoria to pinch second place from WA by virtue of individual matches won after both teams tied on five points from their seven matches.

Nevertheless, it represented an extremely positive week for WA as the 10-strong team punched well above its weight throughout the four-day tournament.

Halved matches against perennial title challengers NSW and QLD were interspersed by dominant wins over Tasmania, ACT/NT and SA, while WA also claimed a gritty 5-3 victory over Victoria on Day 2.

In terms of individual performances, WA also had plenty to be proud of, with Kortni Houston, Isabella Leniartek and debutant Thomas Pyke all winning five and halving one of their seven matches.

Pyke’s fellow event first-timers Mason Burr, Declan Pereira and Meihui Zhao also all contributed valuable points to the cause.

Kulacz hails team spirit

GolfWA’s High Performance Manager, Rick Kulacz, had nothing but praise for his young charges for their application and positivity throughout a gruelling week of golf in typically varied Victorian weather.

“New Zealand were far and above the Australian teams this year, so there was no shame in being outplayed by them on Day 1,” he said.

“However, to go undefeated against all the other Australian teams is a massive feat and shows the spirit and ability within our group of players.

“The amount of clutch moments I witnessed from the WA team throughout this week was extremely impressive, and the camaraderie between them was first class.”

Final standings

	Pts	Individual matches W/L
1. New Zealand	6.5	43-13
2. Victoria	5	37-19
3. WA	5	33.5-22.5
4. NSW	4.5	32.5-23.5
5. QLD	3	29.5-26.5
6. Tasmania	2	24-32
7. SA	2	22-34
8. ACT/NT	0	2.5-53.5