Three WA players – including a 16-year-old amateur – were amongst the dozen golfers who successfully negotiated WA Open Pre-Qualifying today.
A field of 96 teed up at Secret Harbour Golf Links for a high-pressure 18 holes in the hope of earning one of 12 precious exemptions into this week’s WA Open.
On a bright and breezy day at Secret Harbour, only 15 players matched or beat par, with New South Welshman Lucas Higgins leading the field home with a sublime bogey-free 65 (seven under par).
Tying for second were South Australian Frank Vucic and Royal Perth club professional Mitchell Jovic (pictured, above left), who each carded a round of 69.
Four players shared T4th a shot further back: US duo Kameron Williams and Brock Healey, NSW’s Jye Hall and another Royal Perth product, Jordan Jung (pictured, above right).
Although he started the day as an amateur, Jung will compete at this week’s WA Open as a professional after immediately deciding to join the paid ranks.
Sharing 8th place at -2 were pros Joshua Fuller (NSW), Caleb Bovalina, Harry Goakes (both VIC) and Ryan Johnson of the USA.
It meant that a four-way playoff was needed to determine the 12th and final place in the field, with Gosnells Golf Club’s 16-year-old amateur Connor Pearson (pictured above, centre) going head-to-head with professionals James Mee, Max Charles and Vernon Gunson.
Showing impressive poise under pressure, rising star Pearson carded a nerveless birdie at the first playoff hole – Secret Harbour’s par-four 10th – to seal the final qualifying berth and secure his WA Open debut.
He did it in fine style, too, walking in a 25-foot putt and delivering a fist-pump for the ages.
View the final Pre-Qualifying scores here.
View the final field for the WA Open here.
The 2026 WA Open takes place at Secret Harbour from October 15-18. Entry is free for spectators all week. Find out full details of the event here.
