Bribie Island Golf Club shines at the 2026 Queensland Amateur Championship

By Chase Christensen  

Image Credit: Golf Australia  

Bribie Island Golf Club once again proved why it is one of Queensland's leading championship venues, successfully hosting the 2026 Queensland Amateur Championship. The event brought together some of the state’s best amateur golfers, with players travelling from across Queensland and interstate to compete over 54 holes of stroke play from the demanding Blue Championship tees.  

Although the championship itself was contested over three rounds from Monday to Wednesday, the tournament experience stretched across four days, beginning with Sunday's practice round. The extra day gave players the chance to familiarise themselves with the course and prepare for the challenge that lay ahead.  

The weather tested competitors throughout the week, with early morning rain greeting players on each day of the championship. Despite the wet start, the course remained in excellent condition thanks to the hard work of the club's ground staff. As the rain cleared each morning, Bribie Island Golf Club showed why it has earned such a strong reputation for hosting major events, with the course presenting beautifully from the opening tee shot to the final putt.  

A total of 157 players competed in the championship, including 116 men and 41 women. The large field created an exciting atmosphere around the club, with golfers, officials, volunteers and spectators enjoying four days of high-quality amateur golf. Throughout the week, players consistently praised the condition of the course, with many impressed by how well it held up despite the challenging weather.  

Events of this size rely on a huge team effort, and the success of the championship was a credit to everyone involved at Bribie Island Golf Club. The club's management, pro-shop staff, kitchen team and greenskeepers all played an important role in delivering a first-class event. Equally deserving of recognition were the many volunteers who generously gave their time throughout the week. From scoring and marshalling to assisting players and visitors, their efforts helped ensure the championship ran smoothly and professionally from start to finish.  

The men's championship featured a strong field, but much of the attention centred on defending champion Graham Hourn. After claiming the title in 2025, Hourn arrived at Bribie Island as the player to beat, and he lived up to that expectation with another outstanding performance.  

The 16-time Kingaroy Golf Club champion produced an even better tournament than he had the previous year. Across the three rounds, Hourn played consistently under pressure, finishing the championship at five-under par to claim victory by an impressive nine shots.  

He capped off his tournament with a superb three-under par 69 in the final round, putting the result beyond doubt. While his overall consistency stood out, one achievement in particular caught the attention of players throughout the week. The demanding par-four 12th hole, regarded by many as one of the toughest on the course, was no match for Hourn. He managed to birdie it in all three rounds, a remarkable display of precision and confidence on one of Bribie's most challenging holes.  

While the men's event was largely controlled by Hourn, the women's championship produced an exciting finish. Several players remained firmly in contention heading into the final round, with the leaderboard changing throughout the day as the pressure increased.  

In the end, it came down to just a single shot.  

Gemma Dooley, representing New South Wales Golf Club, saved her best golf for when it mattered most. After working her way into contention over the opening two rounds, she produced her best score of the tournament with a final round 77. That effort saw her finish at 19-over par and secure the Queensland Amateur Championship by the narrowest of margins.  

Dooley's composure under pressure proved to be the difference in a tightly contested championship. With several players still capable of claiming the title during the closing stages, every shot counted, making for an entertaining finish for spectators following the action around the course.  

The championship once again highlighted the strength of amateur golf in Australia, with quality players competing across both fields and producing some excellent golf despite the difficult conditions. It also demonstrated Bribie Island Golf Club's ability to host tournaments at the highest level.  

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from players, officials, and organisers reflected the quality of the week. Many competitors praised not only the excellent condition of the course but also the welcoming atmosphere created by everyone at the club.  

As Bribie Island Golf Club continues to invest in both its course and facilities, its reputation as a premier tournament venue continues to grow. The successful staging of the 2026 Queensland Amateur Championship is another example of what the club can deliver, and there is little doubt it will continue to attract major events in the years ahead. It was a memorable week of golf that showcased the club, its members and volunteers, and the outstanding standard of amateur golf on display.