Newcastle golf legend Owen Beldham has been honoured with induction into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame, celebrating a career that has left an indelible mark on Australian golf.

A lifelong member of Newcastle Golf Club since 1962, Beldham is the only member to have competed at junior, senior, masters, and super senior levels. He made history in 1972 as the first amateur to win the NSW Open Championship, a milestone that cemented his reputation as one of the region’s finest golfers.

Beldham’s decorated career also includes representing Newcastle, New South Wales, and Australia, winning two Interstate Series titles between 1973 and 1976, competing in five NSW and Australian Opens, and claiming the 2002 Australian Senior Championship. In 1973, he was named NSWMA Top Amateur and was runner-up for Newcastle Sportsman of the Year.

Related Links: NSW Open Championship Honour Roll

Beldham was one of five athletes honoured at the 33rd annual Hall of Fame induction, joining Christie Dawes (wheelchair racing), Josh Valentine (rugby union), Maddison Elliott (para-swimming), and Scott Westcott (athletics).

The ceremony, held at the Broadmeadow Room, McDonald Jones Stadium, celebrated the Hunter region’s rich sporting heritage and the enduring legacy of its athletes.

Brett O’Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Academies of Sport, shared his enthusiasm about the event.

“We are excited to once again host the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame induction. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements of Hunter Region athletes with their loved ones, and to highlight the significant role that sport plays in our community.”

Beldham’s induction honours not only his historic achievements but also his lifelong contribution to golf in the Hunter region, highlighting a career that continues to inspire generations of golfers.