Last year’s A-grade men’s winner, Matt Slade, says he is looking forward to defending his crown when golfers converge on western Cape York for the 2025 Weipa Goodline Open on 3-4 May. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
The combination of camaraderie and red-hot action on the course is what will draw golfers from across Far North Queensland to western Cape York in the first weekend of May, says the player aiming for back-to-back crowns at the 2025 Weipa Goodline Open.
Carpentaria Golf Club will roll out the red carpet to welcome competitors for the 36-hole showdown on 3-4 May, with the course set to impress visitors despite a “difficult” wet season.
Matt Slade, who wrestled the A-grade men’s title from fellow Weipa golfer Warren Brewer in 2024, said he had been thrilled to stop a Brewer four-peat and was looking forward to defending his crown in six weeks.
“It was good to get one up on him finally,” Slade said.
“If I can get it again this year, I’ll be happy.”
When asked what it was about the Open that attracted local players and those from more than 1,000 kilometres away each year, Slade said he believed there was significant appeal both on and off the course.
“It’s just a good weekend,” he said.
“A lot of the Weipa players, they’re really social, and it’s all about having fun together – the golf’s just a bonus.”
Club president Murray Mountjoy said the Open had developed a reputation that made it a must-do competition for amateur golfers in the state’s north.
“It’s certainly a fun, enjoyable event,” he said.
“It’s got a high level of competition – it’s a very competitive competition, but it’s also one where players are going to enjoy themselves; we like to think we’re good hosts, and certainly look forward to welcoming the other clubs who travel up here to compete.”
Although Weipa has experienced a hit-and-miss wet season, Mr Mountjoy said the course was playing well ahead of the biggest event on the local golfing calendar.
“Goodline are on board, and I’d like to acknowledge them as a wonderful, generous sponsor,” he said.
“I’m also very pleased to say the golf course at the moment, while the wet season has been a difficult one, is looking pretty good; the greens are in the best condition they have been in a long time, and we’re hoping that will hold out until May.”
