Harry Coote Claims 2025 SA PGA Associate Championship

The beautiful 9-hole layout at Copper Club The Dunes, Port Hughes, provided a stunning backdrop for the 2025 South Australian PGA Associate Championship. With pristine course conditions, perfect sunshine, and a light breeze that was far more forgiving than the venue’s reputation, scoring opportunities were plentiful across the 36 holes on Monday, followed by the final round on Tuesday morning.

A field of 17 players contested this year’s event, and from the outset, the competition was fierce. Defending champion Joseph Hodgson (Mount Osmond GC) opened strongly with a three-under-par 69, featuring four birdies in his first 10 holes before a late bogey on the 13th. He was joined at the top by Nicholas Talbot, who also fired a 69, highlighted by six birdies against a double and a single bogey. Harry Coote (Glenelg GC) sat close behind after a steady, even-par 72, carding three birdies and three bogeys.

The afternoon brought more consistency from Coote, who began his second round 72 in spectacular fashion with an eagle on the par-five opening hole. Oliver Pritchard (Victor Harbor GC) moved into contention with a one-over 73, building on his opening 74 to sit comfortably inside the top few heading into the final round. Hodgson’s momentum cooled slightly as he signed for a four-over 76, while Sebastian Leaney (The Grange GC) and Acacia Curtis (Aston Hills GC) quietly positioned themselves for strong overall finishes through steady, composed play.

Heading into Tuesday’s decider, Coote held a slender one-shot lead over Hodgson, with Pritchard just two shots further back.

The final round produced some of the best golf of the week. Acacia Curtis turned heads with an electric front nine that saw her reach five-under through 12 holes, thanks to eagles on the 6th and 8th holes. Although a few late errors crept in, her one-under-par 71 set a new women’s course record at Copperclub — a brilliant performance from the Aston Hills Associate.

Coote, playing in the final pairing alongside Hodgson, delivered a composed and confident performance under pressure. He carded five birdies before late bogeys on 14, 17, and 18 trimmed his margin, but it was enough to close out the championship. His final-round 71 (–1) secured victory by two shots, holding off Hodgson, who posted an even-par 72. Both Nicholas Talbot and Scott McNeela matched Coote’s 71 in the final round to finish strongly.

The 2025 SA PGA Associate Championship showcased exceptional golf, great camaraderie, and the depth of emerging talent across South Australia. Congratulations to Harry Coote on a well-earned victory, and to all players who contributed to another memorable championship at one of the state’s most scenic venues.

Full results for the event can be found at

Connor Chant and Mike Sprengel, Glenelg Members and professionals, have both won this event in the past. Mike Sprengel in 1987 and 1988, and Connor Chant in 2017.