Ballina’s Jay Mackenzie has emerged victorious at the South Coast Open Regional Qualifier held at Catalina Club, earning himself a coveted place in the 2025 Ford NSW Open.

In a tightly contested tournament, Mackenzie held his nerve to finish at 11-under par, edging out a competitive field by a single stroke.

Mackenzie’s campaign began with a blistering start, birdieing the 1st, 3rd, and 6th holes to reach -13 through the front nine. He continued his momentum with another birdie early on the back nine, but the pressure of the moment began to take its toll. Bogeys on the 12th, 14th, and 17th holes narrowed his lead, yet he managed to hold on and seal the win.

“I was leaking a bit of oil coming in,” Mackenzie admitted after the round.

“I wasn’t playing that well, but my score yesterday definitely got me over the line. That back nine was rough, but I’m lucky to get the win.”

Mackenzie’s final score of -11 was just enough to fend off Sydney’s Alexander Simpson, who finished second at -10 after posting back-to-back rounds of 67. Simpson’s final round featured an eagle on the 6th hole, showcasing his determination to chase down the leader.

For Mackenzie, the win was not only a personal triumph but also a relief.

“I didn’t know if I’d be getting in or not, so it’s nice to get over the line,” he said.

“I’ve played the Vintage before, it’s a great course, and I’m really looking forward to teeing it up there.”

When asked about how he managed the pressure during the final round, Mackenzie was candid.

“I’ve never really felt like that on the golf course. I had no idea what was going on. Maybe I should find something to help stay calm,” he joked.

As for celebrations, Mackenzie kept it simple: “Might go for a swim in the ocean. That’s about it. We’ve got to head to Queanbeyan tomorrow.”

Joining Mackenzie in qualifying for the Ford NSW Open are Nathan Page of Victoria and Perth’s Joseph Owen. Page matched Simpson’s -10 total, while Owen finished at -9 after two bogey-free rounds.

“It feels great,” said Owen.

“That was definitely the goal, to get one of those spots. I hit the ball pretty well and was bogey-free both rounds, which is pretty cool. My putting was solid. I had a few good looks coming in that just didn’t drop, but overall, it was a really solid two days.”

Page, who made a strong comeback after a modest opening round, reflected on his performance with a mix of surprise and satisfaction.

“It feels good. A little unexpected, given I only shot four-under yesterday, but I was able to get it rolling today. It’s always good to be part of the NSW Open,” he said.

“Catalina is a tight but really nice track. I found a lot of fairways, which made things easier. Missed a few putts, but got some to drop as well, which helped build momentum.”

The final regional qualifier for the 2025 Ford NSW Open will take place on Monday at Queanbeyan Golf Club.

Related Links:
South Coast Open RQ – Final Scores