The spotlight will shine on the Central West this weekend as Cowra Golf Club welcomes a stellar field for the 2025 NSW Country Championships, with 110 of the state’s top amateur golfers set to compete for one of regional golf’s most coveted titles.
Adding to the stakes, the winner will earn a prized exemption into the 2025 Ford NSW Open, providing a pathway to compete at the highest level of professional golf in the state.
Defending champion Cooper Giddings headlines the field and returns to Cowra in fine form. The Dubbo-based talent claimed the Cowra Junior Open earlier this week, adding to his growing list of achievements. Giddings was also a member of the 2025 Junior State Team, further underlining his credentials as one of NSW’s brightest young prospects.
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Joining him is Jye Halls from Mollymook, the reigning Australian Amateur Champion and winner of the 2022 NSW Country Championships. Halls’ recent success and proven track record on the country circuit make him a strong favourite to contend once again.
Also in the field is Ethan Harvey from Kiama, last year’s runner-up, who will be looking to go one better in 2025. Others to watch include Jake Riley from Toronto, known for his consistent scoring and competitive edge, and Bill Eppelstun of the Catalina Club, a proven performer on the Junior Masters circuit with multiple wins to his name.
The tournament also incorporates the Inter-District Teams Championship, contested between teams representing District Golf Associations and Regions from across New South Wales. This team component adds another layer of competition to an already high-stakes weekend.
With a mix of past champions, state representatives, and rising stars, the 2025 edition promises to be a showcase of elite amateur golf. The Cowra layout, known for its strategic challenges and pristine conditions, will demand precision and composure from the field.
Tournament organisers have praised the strength of this year’s entries, noting the growing stature of the Country Championships as a key stepping stone for players aiming to break through at state and national levels.
Round One will begin at midday on Saturday.
