SALAMANDER Bay golfer Lachlan Pearson has earned another major accolade on his distinguished sporting journey.
The former Tomaree High schoolboy represented Team NSW at last week’s Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne and picked up a bronze in the Level 5 Division 2 category.
Competing over three days at Sandy Golf Links, Lachlan was one of 49 golfers to showcase their skills and sportsmanship in warm conditions.
The golfers represented NSW, ACT, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia across multiple divisions in individual nine-hole and 18-hole gross and net categories, demonstrating that golf is a game for everyone.
Eighteen-year-old Lachlan finished third behind Tamworth’s Nat Young and ACT’s Jacob Jones in the Level 5 Division 2 Individual 18 Hole Gross division and top four in the Individual 18 Hole Net category.
The golf event formed part of the 2026 National Games, which brought together athletes from across Australia to compete in 12 sports.
Held every four years, the Games returned to Melbourne for the third time and marked the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Australia.
The National Games also served as a qualifying event for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile, where qualifying athletes will have the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage.
A closing ceremony last Friday celebrated the achievements of athletes and the spirit of inclusion that defined the event.
Lachlan, a 12.9 marker at Nelson Bay Golf Club, realised a dream earlier this year when he became the Port Stephens region’s latest world golfing champion after bringing home an international gold medal from the 11th annual Macau Golf Masters championships.
In only his second overseas tournament, the talented Pearson produced masterclass performances to win the 18-hole Challenge League individual stroke play event at the world’s biggest golf tournament for people with intellectual disabilities.
An excited Pearson told News Of The Area that 2026 had proved a year of personal milestones for the gifted golfer.
“Representing NSW and Australia in golf events has been a dream come true,” he said.
“Winning a world title and picking up a bronze medal at the Special Olympics were very memorable moments.”
By Chris KARAS
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