The 2026 Mornington Golf Club Men’s Club Championships sponsored by Tar Barrel Brewery and Distillery, concluded after four rounds of competitive golf, with a strong field battling it out for the Club’s most prestigious title across A, B, C and D Grades. Played in excellent conditions across the championship rounds, the event once again showcased the depth of talent within the Club, with players tested across all facets of their game.

Excellent scoring and consistent performances were a feature of the championships, with several tight finishes highlighting the competitive nature of the field. Across the four rounds there were impressive individual scores, dramatic leaderboard shifts and strong performances from both established players and emerging competitors.

A Grade – Butterworth Adds Another Title

In A Grade, it was a familiar name once again at the top of the leaderboard with Mark “Butters” Butterworth claiming the 2026 Mornington Golf Club Men’s Championship.

Butterworth delivered a superb and consistent championship performance with rounds of 74, 73, 76 and 79 to finish with a four-round total of 302. His outstanding early rounds of 74 and 73 proved decisive and allowed him to establish control of the championship heading into the weekend. Known for his relentless practice and competitive mindset, Butterworth once again demonstrated why he remains one of the Club’s most formidable players when the pressure is on.

Ian Mills finished runner-up with rounds of 78, 82, 78 and 77 for a total of 315, producing a strong final round to secure second place. David Leonard also finished on 315, claiming third place on countback after an excellent third round of 75 that kept him firmly in contention throughout the event.

Cam Taggart rounded out the top four with a consistent championship total of 316, remaining in the mix across all four rounds.

A Grade – Top 4

  1. Mark Butterworth – 302 (74, 73, 76, 79)

  2. Ian Mills – 315 (78, 82, 78, 77)

  3. David Leonard – 315 (79, 83, 75, 78)

  4. Cam Taggart – 316 (78, 79, 80, 79)

B Grade – Duggan Claims Narrow Victory

The B Grade Championship produced one of the tightest finishes of the tournament, with John Duggan securing the title by just one shot.

Duggan recorded rounds of 85, 86, 81 and 83 to finish on 335, with his impressive third round of 81 proving crucial in establishing a narrow lead heading into the final round.

Hot on his heels was Nathan Reinhard, who finished just one shot behind on 336 after rounds of 80, 81, 86 and 89, remaining in contention throughout the championship and ensuring the battle for the title went right down to the final holes.

Justin O’Carroll finished third with rounds of 83, 86, 81 and 88 for a total of 338, while Nic Simpson rounded out the top four on 340, highlighted by two excellent rounds of 81 during the week.

B Grade – Top 4

  1. John Duggan – 335 (85, 86, 81, 83)

  2. Nathan Reinhard – 336 (80, 81, 86, 89)

  3. Justin O’Carroll – 338 (83, 86, 81, 88)

  4. Nic Simpson – 340 (81, 90, 81, 88)

C Grade – Morgan Finishes Strong

In C Grade, Connor Morgan produced a strong championship performance to claim the 2026 C Grade Club Championship.

Morgan recorded rounds of 89, 89, 83 and 100 to finish on 361, with his excellent third round of 83 proving the standout round of the grade and ultimately the difference in securing the title.

Datmir de Groot finished runner-up on 364 after consistent rounds of 91, 88, 93 and 92, remaining within striking distance across the championship.

Brayden Cameron placed third with rounds of 91, 87, 91 and 101 for a total of 370, while Michael Blanch finished fourth on 373, highlighted by a solid opening round of 89.

C Grade – Top 4

  1. Connor Morgan – 361 (89, 89, 83, 100)

  2. Datmir de Groot – 364 (91, 88, 93, 92)

  3. Brayden Cameron – 370 (91, 87, 91, 101)

  4. Michael Blanch – 373 (89, 97, 92, 95)

D Grade – Walker Secures the Title

The D Grade Championship saw Dennis Walker produce a steady and consistent four-round performance to secure the 2026 D Grade Club Championship.

Walker recorded rounds of 92, 96, 103 and 95 to finish with a total of 386, maintaining his composure across the championship to claim the title.

Nick Roberts finished runner-up on 410 after rounds of 98, 104, 104 and 104, while David Collier also finished on 410, taking third place on countback following rounds of 98, 100, 102 and 110.

Rob Preston rounded out the top four with a total of 420, recording rounds of 104, 106, 105 and 105 across the championship.

D Grade – Top 4

  1. Dennis Walker – 386 (92, 96, 103, 95)

  2. Nick Roberts – 410 (98, 104, 104, 104)

  3. David Collier – 410 (98, 100, 102, 110)

  4. Rob Preston – 420 (104, 106, 105, 105)

Congratulations to all players who competed in this year’s championships, and especially to our 2026 Champions:

  • Mark Butterworth – Men’s Club Champion

  • John Duggan – B Grade Champion

  • Connor Morgan – C Grade Champion

  • Dennis Walker – D Grade Champion

The Men’s Club Championships once again showcased the competitive spirit, sportsmanship and depth of golf at Mornington Golf Club, with players producing excellent golf across four days of championship competition.  Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery for their support!