Reigning Australian Senior Amateur champion Sue Wooster arrives at this week’s NSW Senior Amateur as the favourite to claim a third state title, while men’s defending champion Rodney Smylie of Pacific Dunes GC returns looking to go back-to-back. The scene is set for a compelling three days at Wollongong Golf Club and The Links Shell Cove from Tuesday to Thursday, March 10-12.

Wooster claimed the Australian Senior Amateur title at Monash Country Club in October and now returns to NSW looking to add to her state victories in 2022 and 2025. The biggest obstacle in her path is likely to be Jacqui Morgan of Monash CC, a seven-time NSW Senior Amateur champion whose extraordinary record in this event makes her a permanent fixture in any conversation about the title.

The women’s field runs deep beyond those two. The 2023 NSW champion Nadene Gole of Victoria GC and two-time NSW winner Louise Mullard of Wyong GC are obvious threats, as is 2024 Australian Senior Amateur champion Gemma Dooley of New South Wales GC. Former NSW champion Elizabeth Smyth of Queanbeyan GC also features in a field that has genuine quality throughout.

On the men’s side, Smylie will need to contend with David Bagust of Port Macquarie GC, a two-time NSW champion and 2019 Australian Senior Amateur winner who knows what it takes to get over the line at this level. Ken Brewer of Newcastle GC, a five-time Senior Order of Merit winner and one of the most consistent performers on the national senior circuit, is another serious contender, along with Queensland’s Ian Frost of Lakelands GC.

More than 250 competitors have entered from across NSW, the ACT, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, with five players also making the trip from New Caledonia to add an international element to the week.

The week gets underway today with the Men’s and Women’s NSW Senior Foursomes over 18 holes, before the 54-hole individual championship begins tomorrow across two outstanding venues.

Wollongong Golf Club, one of Australia’s oldest clubs dating back to 1897, sits hard against the Illawarra coastline with five beachside holes, ocean views and fast bent grass greens long regarded among the best on the coast. The Links Shell Cove offers a contrasting but equally demanding test, with undulating fairways, strategic bunkering and an exposed layout that leaves players at the mercy of the coastal wind. Three days across the two courses will sort out the field quickly.

Now in its 65th year of men’s competition, and with the women’s event holding Australian Women’s Senior Ranking status, the NSW Senior Amateur is one of the most significant events on the senior amateur calendar. The 2026 edition looks like it will be one of the better ones, with Round One getting underway from 7:15 AM tomorrow.