Sixteen-year-old Kiama Golf Club member Sage Laird claimed the recent Open and Closed Women’s Golf Illawarra Championship at her home course.

Across three days of competition and 36 holes, Laird finished at the top of the leaderboard with a gross score of 143.

Club captain Margaret Cooper praised Laird’s dedication and achievement.

“She’s only 16 years old, so it’s a fabulous achievement,” said Cooper.

“She’s been playing golf for several years now, is a member of the Illawarra Sports Institute, and also receives private coaching. She’s incredibly dedicated and is doing very well at the moment.”

The WGI District Tournament is an annual event covering clubs throughout the Southern Illawarra, extending as far south as Mollymook. The competition is divided into three divisions, allowing players to compete at their own level.

“We also have what’s called the Champion of Champions, where the best player from each club - the winner of their own club championship - plays off to determine the overall district champion,” Cooper explained.

Laird was also crowned Champion of Champions, topping off a hugely successful event not only for her but for Kiama Golf Club.

“Kiama is quite a tricky little course,” said Cooper. “Our women did very well! We had great results across all three divisions, with winners in Divisions 2 and 3, as well as the Stableford competition.”

Among the other strong results, Kim Parsons from Kiama finished third in Division Two, Margaret Johnson finished second in Division Three, and Trish Laird won the Stableford competition.

The runner-up to Sage was another Kiama member, Jane Wall.

“Jane is a former professional who’s now returned to amateur status. She’s still a very keen and talented golfer and finished runner-up in the event,” said Cooper. 

“Having both first and second place go to Kiama members - and on our home course - was just fantastic for the club. It’s something we’re all really proud of.”

Cooper said she was thrilled to see the rise in female golfers, particularly at Kiama.

“When I joined about 12 years ago, there were around 80 to 90 female members. Now we have about 150,” she said.

“Not all play in competitions - some just play socially - but the club has always been very encouraging and inclusive of women in all forms of the game.

“One of the key factors behind this increase is the support from our golf professionals.

“We’re now on our third since I joined, and all of them have actively promoted women’s clinics and group lessons. These sessions are fun, friendly, and a great way to build confidence and friendships.”

Just a week after the WGI District Tournament, Kiama Golf Club hosted the Kiama Women’s Open on November 2. Laird once again impressed, finishing equal first alongside sisters Mimi and Lara Thomsen, before Mimi took the title in a playoff.

“When it started, we had about 30 players,” said Cooper. “This year we had 80, and last year we had close to 100. It’s becoming one of the more popular events in the region, and it really helps to promote Kiama and our women golfers.”

Cooper said the growing interest in women’s golf at Kiama has created a strong sense of community and excitement for the future.

“It’s wonderful to see so many women discovering what a fun and rewarding sport golf can be,” she said.