A field of over 130 women travelled from across Australia to take part in the inaugural Cypress Lakes Women’s Festival of Golf last week, with the event selling out months in advance and leaving a waiting list of hopeful entrants.

The two-day event was held at Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club in the Hunter Valley, combining a competitive tournament with hospitality, local food and wine, and a social programme built around the region.

Cypress Lakes Women’s Captain Carlie Broun said the Festival was designed around more than just the golf.

“We wanted to create something that was about much more than golf,” Broun said. “

The Festival was designed to bring women together to enjoy great golf, outstanding hospitality and the unique experience of the Hunter Valley. The enthusiasm from players has been overwhelming and we’re thrilled with how the inaugural event has been received.”

Participants gave positive feedback on the event’s organisation, prizes and hospitality. One player described it as “a spectacularly successful event,” adding, “We’re already talking about booking in for next year.”

Another said: “A fabulous two days… wonderful organisation, excellent prizes and raffles, a great bunch of girls, delicious food and wine, and some amazing golf!”

Organisers said the Festival generated flow-on economic benefits for the Hunter Valley, with players staying in local accommodation and dining at regional venues over the two days.

The success of the event also highlights the continuing growth of women’s golf and the appetite for professionally delivered tournaments that combine competition with community, networking and memorable experiences.

Broun credited Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club, event volunteers, local businesses and major sponsors Tamburlaine Organic Wines and Wombat Crossing for their support in delivering the event, saying many participants had described it as one of the best women’s golf experiences they had attended.

Planning for the 2027 Cypress Lakes Women’s Festival of Golf is already underway. Organisers expect strong demand from this year’s field to carry over, with the event tipped to become a fixture on the New South Wales women’s amateur golf calendar.