Golf has returned to the Riverina zone multi-sports day for the first time in over 16 years, with 18 students from three local high schools taking part in the sport’s long-awaited comeback at Club Barham on Friday.

Students from Barham, Deniliquin and Hay high schools took to both the driving range and the course on the day, with many experiencing competitive golf in a school setting for the first time. Barham High contributed 10 students, Deniliquin High five and Hay High three.

The day was split across two sessions. Four students from Barham High began on the driving range with a 90-minute introduction to the basics of grip, stance and ball contact, building confidence in a supportive environment before heading out onto the course. The remaining 12 students went directly to the first tee.

Following lunch, all participants joined together to play a nine-hole Ambrose from the shorter tees, a format that encouraged teamwork and gave players of every ability level a genuine chance to contribute.

Golf NSW’s Jody Fleming, who attended the day, said the enthusiasm from students made the occasion a special one.

“It was fantastic to see so many students embracing golf for the first time. The energy on the course was brilliant, and it’s a really exciting moment for school sport in this region.”

The day also carries structural significance for the zone. With no current qualification pathway required to progress to the Riverina Championships, it marks an important first step in building a formal school golf pathway for the region.

Golf NSW is already in discussions with schools about growing participation further in 2027, with plans underway to establish a mini inter-school competition to crown a champion school.

Golf NSW thanked Barham High School for championing the return of golf to the multi-sports day program.