2024 Lexus of Blackburn Golf Invitational - Royal Melbourne Golf Club - Sept

The Lexus Blackburn Golf Invitational was held at the number one course in the country, Royal Melbourne. Despite the chilly start and the odd sprinkle of rain, the guests thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play such an iconic course.

In the end, only 0.37 of a shot separated the top two teams. The third placed team of Darren Eames, Josh Eames, Nat MacDonald & Andrew MacDonald had a tough start and were two over after three holes. After a few steadying pars they had settled into their round and made five birdies and no more bogeys to finish with nett 58.25. In contrast, the runners up started with two birdies and must have been thinking about what would lie ahead. That was quickly sorted out when they bogeyed their very next hole! Momentum was then regained and they recorded six more birdies and another bogey to finish with nett 56.37. Well played, Sam Skillbeck, Doug Bogdanovic, Eleni Grivas & Louie Grivas. The winners shot the lowest score of the day and still only just snuck over the line with nett 56. The secret to their round was being the only team on the course to play the 18 holes without a bogey - that coupled with eight birdies resulted in a gross score of 64. Congratulations James Cook (5), Paul Kinsey (18), Alan Tang (23) & Braham Pitt (18). For the full results from the day, please click on the button below - 'Download All Results'.

The on course charity event and post golf auction raised $13,600 for the Otis Foundation after the donations were matched by Lexus of Blackburn - thanks to all who contributed! Geraldine was on the 15th hole with Flightscope - for a collection of swings, please see the video below:

Fourteen guests also took part in the beginner golf lessons with a local golf professional. Congratulations to the following winners:

Putting Winner - Janet Meakin

Putting Runner Up - Terry Hammond

Chipping Winner - Jiemei Ye

Chipping Runner Up - Yangying He

The opportunity to go to the Lexus Melbourne Cup and play The Royal Melbourne Golf Club was drawn at the end of the day and Noel Sheane-Smith was the lucky winner. Noel will have the opportunity to attend LANDMARK by Lexus for the running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

In addition to the golf days, Gillard Golf hosts a number of golf tours. In 2025 we will be heading to the US Masters for a 5th time and in June 2025 we will host our inaugural tour to Portugal (only 6 spots remaining). Please click on the link below for more information about Portugal or simply sign up to the mailing list to be made aware of future tours.

See below for the photos taken on course by Robert Blackburn. Should you wish to get a high resolution version of a photo, please email Kate - kholcombe@lexusofblackburn.com.au