Community Golf Day 2026

On Friday 1 May 2026, the Mentone Grammar Community Golf Day was proudly held at Spring Valley Golf Club, delivering a memorable celebration of sport, connection, and community.

The day dawned beneath a spectacular pink-sunrise sky, setting a stunning backdrop for what would become an outstanding event. While there were no hot air balloons drifting across the horizon this year, the atmosphere was buoyant with energy, anticipation, and camaraderie.

Guests were warmly welcomed by Principal Andy Müller while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch, as he reflected on the many connections in the room, bonds spanning generations that unite current parents, alumni, staff, and community members in a shared sense of belonging. Looking across the gathering, he spoke to the enduring strength of the Mentone Grammar community and shared insights into the exciting developments ahead, including a new Master Plan for Keysborough. His remarks highlighted how this important space is set to evolve over the coming years, shaping the future of sport at the School for generations to come.

A total of 32 teams, comprising 128 players, took part in the 4 Ball Ambrose Competition. Teams represented the breadth of the School community, including current and past parents, Mentonians, alumni sporting groups, and friends of the School, highlighting the strong ties that connect our community.

One of the standout moments came early when current parent, Chris Thick achieved an extraordinary hole-in-one on his very first hole, a thrilling and unforgettable highlight that quickly became the story of the day.

Individual excellence was recognised across the course, with the following competitions on the day proudly supported by our sponsors Quayclean, GrasSports and CPC Insurance Services:

• Nearest to the Pin
  • (F) 5th hole: Kylie Burchmore
  • (M) 10th hole: Chris Thick
• Longest Drive
  • (F) 7th hole: Amanda Hough
  • (M) 17th hole: Stephen White

Two prestigious perpetual trophies were also at stake.The RB Johnston Perpetual Cup,recognises the best performing team of Old Mentonians, while the Sporting Club Community Perpetual Cup, is awarded to the best performing team representing a TMA Sports collective. Both were jointly won by the team of Brad Norton, Tom Cashion, and Cameron Dennis (all Class of 2006), alongside community member Matthew Pettering, who also represented the Footy Club. The team finished sixth overall with a strong score of 58, securing both cups.

Topping the field to win the Parents & Friends Golf Trophy were current school parents Liam O’Donnell, Troy McGlone, and Tim Hilton, joined by community member Anthony Lewis. Their exceptional teamwork and consistency across all 18 holes resulted in the best score of the day, an impressive 55.5, earning them a well-deserved overall victory.

The day also featured a popular raffle and prize draw, with participants enjoying the chance to win a fantastic range of prizes generously contributed by the School and community partners. Highlights included a Mentone Grammar hamper, a PowerPlay Go Kart Racing experience, an Air Adventure Golf experience, a Spring Valley Golf Club round of golf for four, and a House of Golf – 5 Iron Simulator package valued at $1250, all adding excitement and energy to the celebrations.

Adding an element of fun to the day, the Lucky Prize for the 50th person to register was awarded to Mark Ticli, rounding out a day filled with celebration and shared success.

The Community Golf Day organising committee extends its sincere thanks   to Spring Valley Golf Club and their staff for the exemplary presentation of the course and their generous hospitality throughout the day. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to the volunteers from the Parents & Friends group, The Mentonians Association, and School staff, whose tireless   efforts were pivotal in making the event a resounding success.

Special thanks go to Convener Mark Evans (Class of 1990) for his leadership and coordination, and to P&F member and MC for the day John Merkus who expertly guided proceedings and kept the program running smoothly. Equal thanks to Josh Burt (Class of 1989) and Mark Evans (Class of 1990) and community member Tim Cocks, whose professionalism and  generosity of time were invaluable to the smooth running of the event.

A final thank you is extended to all of our sponsors for their generous support of the Mentone Grammar Community Golf Day. We are sincerely grateful to Quayclean, GrasSports, CPC Insurance Services, House of Golf, Spring Valley Golf Club, Air Adventure Golf, PowerPlay Go Kart Racing, LOD Promotions, Chartwells, and MMR Creative Agency. Their generosity was felt by every participant on the day.

From meaningful connections and shared vision to remarkable performances on the course, the 2026 Mentone Grammar Community Golf Day was a fitting reflection of the pride, spirit, and future focused strength of the Mentone Grammar community.