A month in France, barely a golf club in hand and the Monash golfer still walked away with a national title.

Four weeks away from the game. For most golfers, that’s a recipe for rust, doubt and perhaps even a little dread walking back onto the first tee. For Jacqui Morgan, it turned out to be the recipe for a national title.

Morgan arrived at the 2026 AVGA National Championship on the Gold Coast fresh off a month-long trip to France with her husband, having barely swung a club the entire time she was away. She came home with the women’s gross title.

“I had no expectations,” Morgan says. “I had never played the AVGC before and it was a nice break with my husband after being away for four weeks with the girls. I just tried to think my way round the two courses and limit the really bad holes.”

That no fuss, no grand narrative approach about overcoming the odds carried her through a week where sharper preparation might have meant more pressure, not less.

“You always cherish a win,” she says, “this was very pleasing after a break.”

FORGED AT MONASH

Morgan’s game has been shaped by decades at the same club. She joined Monash Country Club in 1987, having come through Bayview beforehand and credits the demands of the layout for keeping her sharp.

“Playing regularly on such a tough course with good practice facilities certainly helps to keep you on your toes,” she says.

Nearly 40 years on, she’s still logging serious hours. A typical week includes three rounds of golf, a couple of games
of bowls, at least one short-game practice session and three trips to the gym in a schedule that would test golfers half her age.

“I’m not sure what a normal month is,” she laughs. “I haven’t been home for a month this year.”

Tournament champions Jacqui Morgan (Monash Country Club, NSW) and Shayne Walker (Launceston Golf Club, Tasmania) at the 2026 AVGA National Championship on the Gold Coast.

A FAMILY GAME

Much of Morgan’s competitive fire traces back to her family. Her son, Spencer, plays off scratch and is, by her account, a formidable foursomes partner. It was Spencer who pushed her towards coach David Saunders two decades ago, a relationship that’s lasted ever since.

“I have a rivalry with our son Spencer,” she says. “He convinced me 20 years ago to go to his coach David Saunders and I’ve been with him ever since. Of course, travelling to many events over the years would not have been possible without the wonderful support of my husband and a band of fun friends.”

Ask her what’s actually changed in her game over that time and Morgan points to something less technical.

“My coach has helped enormously, but one thing that has changed is my fitness and strength training, which I continually work on. Also, self-belief.”

Decades at the top of Australian senior women’s golf and Morgan still isn’t coasting. In October, she pulled on the green and gold for the Trans-Tasman Seniors clash against New Zealand at Brisbane Golf Club, a selection that clearly still meant something. But true to form, she doesn’t make too much fuss about it, more focused on what she can pass on than what she’s achieved.

“I like encouraging new golfers to reach their potential,” she says.

For anyone hesitant to pick up a club or return to one, Morgan’s advice is simple.

“Get out there and give it a crack,” she says. “It’s a game for all ages which allows us to have a lovely walk with a goal in mind while meeting new people.”