Anticipation was high for the third annual Ivo Whitton / Susie Tolhurst Open Amateur at Spring Park Golf Course this month, with a strong field of amateur golf talent from across Victoria converging on the course.

With more than four million Australian adults playing the sport during 2024-25, interest in golf continues to grow, creating opportunities for emerging players to test their skills in competitive environments like the Open Amateur.

Held on 20 September in Dingley Village, the 18-hole stroke event formed part of the Victorian Open Age Order of Merit, with players competing for the prestigious Ivo Whitton & Susie Tolhurst trophies.

Taking home the Men’s trophy was Tommy Smyth with a score of 68 +2. Adam Brodie was named runner up on a countback, with a score of 66 +2.

Starr Sanginlert was crowned victor in the Women’s event, scoring 80 +14 and the Women’s runner up title went to Simran Mann (84 +18).

Pictured in header: participants Simran Mann, Wanaree Okeefe, Tommy Smyth and Sam Atsbury.

Supporting the next generation of golfers

Dan Lee, Venue Manager at Spring Park Golf Course, said:

“The Spring Park Open Amateur is a great event for us and we’re proud to host it for the third year running. We’re committed to creating opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities across Victoria’s thriving golf community.”

Dan added the event also showcased recent improvements across the course.

“With the recent introduction of a new course furniture, updated tee markers and improved hole signage, it was a special moment to unveil the improved experience for both our regular golfers and new visitors.”

Set within a picturesque botanical garden environment, the event included a barbecue lunch and refreshments for competitors. Reduced entry fees of $50 were also available for participants aged under 18 , Spring Park and Future Golf members, creating an accessible and welcoming event.

Growing the game through community competition

“Events like this are vital in supporting emerging talent while also ensuring golfers of all ages and experience levels can enjoy meaningful competitive opportunities close to home.

“We’d like to thank all participants, championship winners, officials, volunteers, supporters and partners who helped make this year’s event such a success and we look forward to welcoming the event back again next year.”

Built on more than 50 years of expertise and a passion for the game, Belgravia Golf Management, Belgravia Leisure’s golf management arm, is an industry-leading golf management provider in partnership with Golf Australia and is currently operating seven courses across Australia. It draws on Belgravia Leisure’s extensive experience managing sport, leisure and recreation venues across Australia and New Zealand. 

To learn more about Spring Park Golf Course, visit the website.

Key facts:

• Spring Park Golf Course hosted the third annual Ivo Whitton / Susie Tolhurst Open Amateur on 20 September 2026 at Dingley Village in Victoria
• The 18-hole stroke event forms part of the Victorian Open Age Order of Merit, with competitors playing for the prestigious Ivo Whitton and Susie Tolhurst trophies
• The Open Amateur event attracted amateur golfers from across the state
• The event also showcased recent improvements at Spring Park Golf Course, including new course furniture, updated tee markers and improved hole signage
• A reduced entry fee was available to under-18 participants, Spring Park Golf Course members and Future Golf members, helping make the event more accessible
• Belgravia Golf Management, in partnership with Golf Australia, operates seven golf courses across Australia and New Zealand and supports participation pathways for golfers of all ages and abilities. 

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