Windaroo Lakes Golf Club has for the seventh consecutive year hosted one of “the most prestigious tournaments” for those on the path to becoming a PGA professional.
PGA Queensland appears to enjoy calling Logan home, with a contract ensuring the competition remains at Windaroo Lakes until 2027, and hundreds of spectators returning every year.
“We see great value in this event not just for our club, but the community,” Windaroo Lakes Golf Club co-owner Kevin Dilks said when the extension deal was announced.
“It has become the big event of the year that our members get behind and make it a real spectacle for spectators and players alike.
“To lock it in until 2027 and hopefully beyond is fantastic.”
Windaroo Lakes is an 18 hole course, located along the Albert River, and designed by the renowned golf course designer Ross Watson.
Typically, the Queensland championship is held in October. However, this year it was brought forward to June.
“The event has been held in October in the past so it’s been an amazing effort from course superintendent Daniel Stack and his team to get the course back in such great condition after Cyclone Alfred,” PGA’s membership services coordinator for Queensland Mark Weir said.
“The Queensland PGA Associate Championship has made Windaroo Lakes and the City of Logan its home in recent years.”
Following the competition, which saw Queenslander Damon Stephenson secure victory with a three-metre redemption putt, the club thanked all supporters who turned up.
“To our competitors: your dedication, skill, and sportsmanship were on full display over the course of the event. From the first tee shot to the final putt, you made this year’s championship one to remember,” the club said in a statement online.
“And now, a huge round of applause for our 2025 Champion, Damon. Your performance was nothing short of outstanding – congratulations on a well-earned victory.”
The win marks the first four-round pro win for Mr Stephenson, who last year placed third in the competition despite leading by four halfway in.
This year, the 34-year-old finished eight under par after nailing a three-metre par putt on the final hole, beating Lachlan Chamberlain from the ACT by a single shot.
Mr Stephenson started the final day four shots ahead, but lost that lead by the end of the sixth hole.
“I went out with a four-shot lead, not being complacent at all, but it disappeared really quickly and then it was a mental reset,” Mr Stephenson told the PGA.
“It was like ‘okay, we’re tied for the lead. How do we approach this now?’”
It was during the back nine that he reclaimed his lead, with birdies on holes 10, 12 and 13.
Things got really interesting on the last hole.
“I was reading the putt [to win] and I could feel myself getting emotional about it, thinking about making it,” Mr Stephenson said.
“I had to snap back and realise you’ve just got to hit a good putt here. You’ve still got to make it, otherwise you’re going to a playoff.
“I got back in the present and just read it perfectly. It was lightning fast, broke about three cups and it went right in the heart. It was awesome.”
There was a prize pool of $47,500, with first place taking home $8646.
