July marked a historic new chapter for the Narrogin Cup, with men and women competing together off the same tees for the first time.
Sponsored by CRISP Wireless, the three-day event featured team and individual competitions, including the popular Farmers Centre 4BBB pairs comp and a new 18-hole junior tournament.
However, it was the change in format of the 36-hole stroke-play championship that was the key talking point.
Since its inauguration in 1962, the event had seen men compete for the Narrogin Cup, with a separate women’s event inaugurated in 2020.
That all changed in 2026 with all 85 players — men and women alike — competing off the blue tees in pursuit of nett and gross trophies.
The Narrogin Cup for best 36-hole nett score went to Simon Vogel on a countback from Don Alexander, while Sue Short was the best-placed of the women in the field in 4th place.
The Dave Mayfield Trophy for the gross competition, meanwhile, was won by Aaron Pedlar, whose 159 total saw him pip GolfWA’s Regional Club Support Officer Scott Ballantyne by a single stroke.
It was a happy homecoming for Pedlar (above left), who came through the junior ranks at Narrogin GC, while Mount Lawley GC’s Alice Tonts (above centre) was the highest placed woman in 5th.
New format a smash hit
Narrogin Golf Club Captain Eric Hall was delighted with the success of the event, and says the changes to the format of the stroke play championship were positively received.
“By throwing out the traditional rule book and embracing a new format, Narrogin Golf Club delivered a highly successful event that showcased great golf, sportsmanship and inclusivity,” he told GolfWA.
“Despite some early scepticism from a few members, by the end of the tournament this sentiment had completely changed.
“From a visitor’s perspective, several ladies stated that they only decided to join the event because of the change of format, while others said they enjoyed the higher level of camaraderie from playing off the same tees, despite the increased challenges. The change is here to stay!”
WA state golfer Alice Tonts thoroughly enjoyed her Narrogin Cup debut
WA state representative Alice Tonts, the highest-placed woman in the gross event, said she thoroughly enjoyed her first full Narrogin Cup experience having competed in the women’s event in 2025.
“It was such an awesome event!” she told GolfWA. “The club organised a great tournament, and their willingness to adapt and try a new format with everyone off the blue tees is very special.
“Playing from the different tees was challenging as it tested different areas of your game. Narrogin is a beautiful course where the sand greens force you to get creative with your shots. I can’t wait to play again next year.”
Elsewhere at the event, the junior tournament saw eight competitors play alongside the main cup field on Saturday with Northam GC’s Xavier Sibley (top right) claiming the inaugural trophy and winning a round of golf for two at The Vines Resort.
Friday’s Farmers Centre 4BBB event, meanwhile, was won by Cuballing GC’s Braydon Cutri and Kade Maley, who topped an impressive field of 58 teams.
Keep up with the latest WA golf news via the GolfWA news section and our Facebook and Insta accounts. You can also subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter here.
