Wagga Wagga Country Club members Isabella Johnson and Kurt Pideski are City of Wagga Open champions for the first time.
The pair posted impressive victories in the 2025 edition of the Kilbrogan Trading City of Wagga Open at WWCC on Sunday evening.
Johnson posted rounds of 82 and 80 to win by five shots from Cathy Haggar (81,86). In the process, Johnson became one of the youngest ever winners of the tournament at just 16 years of age.
Pideski took out the men’s title, ending a long pursuit of the prestigious event. Pideski and good mate Charles Talbot had an entertaining duel in Sunday’s second round with the eventual champion coming from three shots back with six holes to play to win by one.
Pideski shot rounds of 69 and 70 to finish at -5, edging out Talbot (68,72).
“It feels really good,” Pideski said.
“It feels good to finish the tournament off the way I did.
“I’ve been close in previous years and I’ve had leads and things like that after first rounds and haven’t continued on so I felt a bit more comfortable chasing this time and I was stoked to come from behind and get it done.”
Johnson had been building up to a breakthrough victory after some strong results of late.
She was thrilled to get her first open title.
“It feels really good,” Johnson said.
“Knowing that I came in one down after (Saturday) and just to come back, steady and come home with the win.”
WWCC Club Captain Dennis Schultz took out the Over 65 title, while Henry Molloy produced a big second round to take out the Junior title.
Gold Creek Golf Club visitor Connor Taylor-Osborne survived three play-off holes to take out the Men’s B Grade title over Mal Hillier. David Merlino won C Grade.
