Denton and Eduard Enjoy Winning Starts to 2026

Melbourne, Australia: Raegan Denton and Abel Eduard held firm in testing conditions to claim top honours at the 2026 Australian Master of the Amateurs.

On a dramatic final day at Southern Golf Club, the Australian duo fought off high winds and strong challenges to emerge victorious in their respective categories. 

In the women’s championship, Denton underlined her standing as the top-rated Australian in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) by eking out a one-stroke win over Catherine Park, a member of the American line-up that triumphed in the World Amateur Team Championships for the Espirito Santio Trophy in Singapore in October.

There was a tense finish, too, in the men’s championship with Eduard withstanding a stirring late charge from compatriot Harry Takis to be fitted with the Green Jacket that is presented to the champion.

Denton, the reigning Australian Junior Girls champion who was third in last year’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Girls Championship and began last week in 54th place in the WAGR, set out on the final day at Southern Golf Club tied at the top with Park.

The lead changed hands on several occasions, but with a closing two-over 75, Denton posted a four-day total of five-under 287 – one shot ahead of Park, ninth in the WAGR.

Japan’s Anna Iwanaga was third on 290 followed by Australian Ella Scaysbrook and American Jasmine Koo, the only other females to better par.

Following a brilliant opening 63 to streak clear at the top of the leaderboard, Eduard entered the final round of the men's championship with a four-stroke advantage.

But it was not all plain sailing for the Kingston Heath member who had to repel a late surge from Takis, who had begun the last round nine strokes off the pace. However, an outstanding 66 saw him soar up the leaderboard, finishing on 11-under 277.

It was not quite good enough, though, to topple Eduard, who signed off with a 73, leaving him two shots in front of Takis.

A total of 21 countries were represented at the Southern Golf Club with the 29th edition of the men’s championship boasting an 87-strong starting line-up while the ninth edition of the women’s championship featured 84 players. 

Bryson DeChambeau, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Sahith Theegala, Yuka Saso and Stephanie Kyriacou are among the notables who have participated in the Australian Master of the Amateurs.