Record Fields and Thrilling Finish Highlight 2026 Summer Cup

The 2026 Summer Cup has been hailed as a major success, with strong fields across both days and a dramatic finish at the top of the leaderboard.

A total of 190 players teed it up on Saturday, followed by 140 on Sunday, a significant increase compared to 182 and 96 players respectively in 2025. The growth in participation is a fantastic result for the event and reflects the strong support and enthusiasm from members and visitors alike.

Much of the credit for this success must go to Ballina Fair, whose sponsorship and increased prize money played a key role in attracting the larger fields.

At the pointy end of the field, the gross competition delivered an exciting finish that was only decided once all cards were returned. Matt Buckley and Shaun Rose both posted identical totals after rounds of 74 and 76, leaving the championship to be determined on a countback. A review of the second-round back nine proved decisive. Buckley completed his final six holes at one over par, compared to two over for Rose. That single-shot margin ultimately separated the pair and crowned Matt Buckley as the 2026 Summer Cup Champion.

Overall, the weekend showcased competitive golf, strong participation, and the positive impact of community sponsorship. The club extends its sincere thanks to Ballina Fair for their inaugural support and to all players who contributed to making the 2026 Summer Cup such a memorable event.