SALAMANDER Bay golfing prodigy Lachlan Pearson is on top of the world.
The talented 17-year-old schoolboy has become the Port Stephens region’s latest world champion after bringing home an international gold medal from the 11th annual Macau Golf Masters championships.
Rising star Lachlan, a 12.9 marker at Nelson Bay Golf Club, realised a dream when he produced masterclass performances last week to win the 18-hole Challenge League individual stroke play event at the world’s biggest golf tournament for people with intellectual disabilities.
In only his second overseas tournament, a dedicated Pearson carded gross scores of 86 in his two rounds at the prestigious Macau Golf and Country Club course to capture the trophy by an incredible 16 strokes.
It is a huge feat by the accomplished teenager who despite the humidity, rain and wet conditions underfoot, stayed focused to outclass his rivals.
After finishing runner up at last year’s event, the Tomaree High School student pledged that he would return in 2026 and secure the gold medal he coveted.
Lachlan defeated promising New Zealand golfer and runner up Max Walsh for the top prize.
The Challenge League division caters for golfers with handicaps ranging from 11 to 25, with Pearson the youngest competitor in a strong field of 14 international golfers from across the disability spectrum.
He was the youngest of four golfers on the Australian All Abilities squad and now has a world gold medal to add to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.
An ecstatic Lachlan told News Of The Area that winning the Macau Masters title was “a dream come true”.
“Having finished runner up last year my goal was to represent Australia again and bring back the gold and I achieved that,” he revealed.
There is no rest for the world champ since arriving back in Port Stephens last Sunday.
He continues his golfing journey at the Special Olympics Golf Nationals at Palm Meadows on 15 June and the Golf Australia All Abilities tournament in Coffs Harbour during July before representing Team NSW at the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne from 19 to 23 October.
By Chris KARAS
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