Penola Golf Course played host to the ninth annual Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Golf Day on Friday 2 October, ahead of the October long weekend, with over 100 players taking part in the four-player Ambrose competition.
Presented by the Coonawarra Vignerons, together with the Limestone Coast’s SAFM and 90.5 TripleM, the golf day was the first of many feature events in the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations program. Cooler conditions and light drizzle did little to dampen spirits, with players narrowly escaping the rain as play concluded.
Coonawarra Vignerons Events & Marketing Officer Heidi Guyett was pleased with the turn out, which saw a diverse field take to the greens.“Twenty-six teams took part this year, bringing plenty of friendly competition and great energy to the course,” Guyett said.
“It was great to see returning teams, as well as first-timers who we hope to welcome back in future years. It’s an all-round great day out, with Coonawarra wines showcased throughout the day and the opportunity for players to mingle with the who’s who of Coonawarra.
“The event attracts teams from across the Limestone Coast, neighbouring Western Victoria and beyond, bringing people together to enjoy our wines, hospitality and a fantastic day of golf.”Players enjoyed the hospitality of the Coonawarra Vignerons and Penola Golf Club with wines flowing throughout the day.
Making waves in the nett standings was the Beachin’ Golf Crew from Beachport, with Julie Moran, Jenni Walker, Greg Cook and Mark Pretty claiming the 2026 Coonawarra Golf Day Championship with a winning score of 54.125.
The champions received the perpetual red jackets, along with hats, towels, magnums of Coonawarra wine, golf balls and Cellar Door experience vouchers, donated by DiGiorgio Family Wines.Beachport Crew captain Greg Cook praised the organisers following the team’s victory.
“The organisers have put on a tremendous day. The hospitality and atmosphere were fantastic, and full credit goes to Heidi and the Coonawarra Vignerons, together with the Penola Golf Club for delivering such a memorable day, both on and off the greens.” Cook said.
Nett runners-up were South West Freight, comprising Tony Hardman, Darren Earl, Peppi Pace and Evan McKee, who recorded a score of 58.625.
Competition was particularly close in the gross standings, with a countback required to separate two teams finishing on 63 off the stick.
The team of Daniel Christian, Garry von Duve, Anthony Williams and Bill Burley, representing DiGiorgio Family Wines claimed the gross title, having finished gross runners up in 2025.
The SAFM Sloggers quartet of Nic Clayton, Michael Rookas, Jace Jennings and Tom Geddes were happy to take the honours of gross runners-up, also recording 63.
Prizes for the leading teams included an assortment of Coonawarra wines and experience vouchers from Katnook Estate, Ottelia and Raidis Estate along with golf balls donated from the Lakes Caddy Shack.
Individual and novelty competitions added to the fun, with winners choosing from a selection of Coonawarra wines, Parker Coonawarra beer, Sparkling Emma cans and golf accessories donated by the Lakes Caddy Shack.
In the men’s longest-drive competition, Luke Davey took out the A Grade category on the 1st hole, whilst the B Grade honours went to Shane Gobbs. Patrick O’Donnell and Adrian Flowers claimed the corresponding honours on the 15th.
Ashleigh Morris won the women’s golfer longest-drive prize on the 2nd hole, while Deb Driscoll and Emma Castine took the honours respectively on the 12th.
Men’s nearest-the-pin prizes on the 9th hole went to Shannon Smith, finishing 4.7 metres from the pin, and Adrian Flowers at 5.6 metres. Bill Burley claimed the A Grade prize on the 13th, landing 2.25 metres from the pin, while Dion Chandler won the women’s nearest-the-pin prize on the 7th.
The nearest-the-wine-bottle competition added a distinctly Coonawarra touch. Buster McLeod and Julie Moran took the honours on the 10th hole, while Andy Graham and Deb Redman were successful on the 18th.
Best-dressed team honours went to Benace the Menace, comprising Ben Gordon, Matt Warren, John Facey and Shannon Smith, who were unashamedly bold in their bright, colourful clown inspired shirts and matching propeller hats.
The Teys team of Joel Fallon, Sam Logan, Shane Gobbs and Ben Keeping collected the light-hearted NAGA award.
Guyett acknowledged Penola Golf Club’s continued partnership, along with the wineries, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to another successful event.
“Our relationship with Penola Golf Club is at the heart of this event. We’re incredibly grateful to the club and its dedicated volunteers for hosting us and for all the work that goes into making the day such an enjoyable experience,” Guyett said.
“Together with our wineries, sponsors and helpers, they’ve helped deliver another fantastic golf day. We were fortunate with the weather, and the enthusiasm of everyone involved made it a success.”
Paul Harmer of the Penola Golf Club said the partnership continued to deliver a highlight on the club’s calendar.“It’s a pleasure to work alongside the Coonawarra Vignerons to host this event each year. It’s the biggest tournament we host, and it brings our communities together to showcase what our club and region have to offer. Seeing so many players enjoying themselves makes all the preparation worthwhile,” Harmer said.
Held ahead of the South Australian Labour Day long weekend, the golf day provided an opportunity for players and their companions to extend their stay and explore Coonawarra’s cellar doors and Cabernet Celebrations program offerings.
“The timing gives players a great reason to make a weekend of it, bringing family and friends along to enjoy more of Coonawarra,” Guyett said.
“It’s a wonderful way to introduce visitors to the wider Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations program while supporting our cellar doors, accommodation providers and local businesses.”
There’s plenty more events and experiences to be enjoyed throughout October. Download the program of events HERE
