2026 Melbourne City Lexus | Lexus of Essendon Golf Invitational - Yarra Yarra

The Melbourne City Lexus and Lexus of Essendon Golf Invitational was held at Yarra Yarra Golf Club, where the fast greens were sure to challenge even the most confident putters. Scoring was incredibly tight, with five teams finishing within a shot of the runner-up score.

Claiming third place by just 0.12 of a shot over four other teams were John Merritt, Warren Stewart, Michael Sistanis and Harley Flynn with a nett 57. They made a slow start, recording four pars and a bogey in their opening five holes. However, they soon found their rhythm, producing three birdies over the next four holes. With five holes remaining, they were three under par and needed a strong finish to contend. They delivered in spectacular fashion, stringing together four consecutive birdies to surge past several teams and secure third place by the narrowest of margins.

Finishing just 0.38 of a shot ahead of the third-placed team were runners-up Tanya Groves, Brendan Groves, Ken Wheeler and Sylvia Tesche with a nett 56.62. After opening with a par, birdie and bogey, their round was still taking shape. However, six birdies over the next eight holes saw them build momentum and move into contention. With seven holes remaining, they were well placed to challenge for the title, but could manage just one more birdie over that stretch, leaving them just under two shots short of the winning score.

Taking out the event in impressive fashion were Leigh Rubenstein (26), Bom Yonzon (22), Tony Cant (20) and Mauro De Girolamo (14) with an outstanding nett 54.75. Their gross score of 65 was equal-lowest of the day, and their handicaps proved the difference in securing the victory. They got off to a flying start with three birdies in their opening four holes before adding another five birdies throughout the round. Such was their scoring that they could afford a bogey on their final hole and still claim an emphatic win.

For the full results from the day, please click the Download All Results button below.

The on-course charity challenge and raffle was once again a success, raising $3,107.90 for the Royal Children's Hospital and when that was matched by the dealership, that soared to more than $6,000 . Thank you to everyone who generously contributed and helped support such a worthwhile cause.

Twenty six guests also took part in the beginner golf lessons hosted by three local golf professionals. See below for the winners.

Putting Winner - Elizabeth Panakova

Putting R/Up - Elanor Nikojevic

Chipping Winner - Peter Phillip

Chipping R/Up - Heivaha Ayeni

The opportunity to go to the Lexus Melbourne Cup was drawn and David Rae was the lucky winner. David will join other guests at LANDMARK by Lexus for the running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Keep an eye out for the Lexus Australia Golf Tour that will be taking place this year as below:

The Australian Open (2 days at the AO & golf at Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath & St Andrews Beach) - 3rd to 8th December

Flightscope was on the 10th hole - for a collection of swings, please see the video below.