The 2026 ISPS Handa Vic Open has wrapped up at 13th Beach, and once again this unique tournament delivered compelling golf and important insights for players at all levels.

Course Setup Philosophy

13th Beach presented its usual test: firm, fast conditions with strategic bunkering and greens that reward precision. What stood out this year was how the course setup rewarded course management over pure power.

Several longer hitters found themselves in difficulty by being overly aggressive, while players who embraced conservative strategies and focused on positioning often posted better scores.

This is directly relevant to club golfers. The professionals face the same fundamental challenge we all do: balancing aggression with sensible play based on current conditions.

The Short Game Difference

Watching the world’s best scramble around 13th Beach’s greens reinforced how critical short game performance is to scoring. The winning margin often came down to getting up and down from difficult positions rather than hitting perfect approach shots.

The greens at 13th Beach are notoriously tricky, with subtle breaks and firm surfaces that punish poor distance control. Players who consistently judged pace and read greens effectively separated themselves from the field.

For amateur golfers, this is perhaps the most important lesson. Hours spent on the range hitting driver matter less than developing a reliable short game that can save strokes when needed.

Strategic Layup Decisions

One fascinating tactical element throughout the week was watching professionals lay up on par 5s despite having the distance to reach in two.

The risk-reward calculation often favoured positioning a wedge shot to a specific distance rather than attempting a heroic long iron or fairway wood into a firm green with trouble lurking.

This disciplined approach is something club golfers should embrace more readily. The ego boost of reaching a par 5 in two rarely outweighs the scoring benefit of a controlled wedge to 90 metres.

Wind Management

The coastal wind at 13th Beach created fascinating strategic challenges throughout the tournament. Players constantly adjusted club selection and shot shape to account for changing conditions.

What impressed me most was watching players accept that some pins were simply not accessible in certain wind conditions. Rather than forcing shots, they played to safer areas and took their chances from there.

Amateur golfers often struggle with this acceptance. We see the pin and aim for it regardless of wind, hazards, or our actual ability to execute the required shot. The professionals demonstrate that course management sometimes means deliberately aiming away from the flag.

Equipment Observations

The equipment choices on display offered some interesting insights. Driver loft selections varied significantly based on player preference and the firm conditions, with some opting for lower lofts to maximise roll.

Wedge play was particularly noteworthy, with players frequently using different lofts and bounce options based on specific lies and green conditions. The versatility in their short game toolkit was impressive.

Dual Gender Format Success

The Vic Open’s unique format of running simultaneous men’s and women’s tournaments continues to prove itself. The shared tees, equal prize money, and equivalent media coverage create a compelling event that showcases golf at its best.

From a spectator perspective, it adds variety and interest to be able to watch different playing styles and approaches on the same course setup.

This format could serve as a model for more events globally, demonstrating that equality in professional golf isn’t just possible but enhances the overall product.

Mental Game Elements

Television coverage captured several instances where mental fortitude determined outcomes. Players faced challenging recovery shots, difficult putts under pressure, and the psychological challenge of playing in contention.

The ability to stay present, commit to shots despite doubt, and maintain composure after mistakes separated contenders from those who fell away.

These mental challenges scale directly to amateur golf. The pressure of a club championship final or a crucial match play encounter requires the same psychological skills, just in a different context.

Technology in Tournament Golf

The broadcast coverage highlighted how technology increasingly influences professional tournament golf, from launch monitors providing instant feedback to advanced statistics shaping strategic decisions.

Team400 has been working with several golf organisations on AI-powered analytics platforms, and seeing how data informs professional decision-making suggests similar tools will eventually filter down to club level.

The question isn’t whether technology will transform amateur golf, but how quickly and in what forms.

Takeaways for Club Golfers

Several practical lessons emerged that apply directly to weekend golfers:

First, course management matters more than raw distance. Position and angles trump pure power.

Second, short game practice delivers better scoring improvements than range sessions focused on full swings.

Third, accepting limitations and playing within your game beats attempting heroic shots that exceed your skill level.

Fourth, mental preparation and staying present throughout the round are critical to performing under pressure.

The Broader Picture

The Vic Open remains one of Australian golf’s premier events, attracting strong international fields and showcasing our courses at their best.

13th Beach in particular demonstrated why Australian courses deserve recognition globally. The strategic variety, firm playing conditions, and natural beauty create a compelling championship venue.

For Australian golf more broadly, events like this raise the profile of our game and inspire the next generation of players.

Looking Forward

As the professional season continues, the lessons from this year’s Vic Open will influence how players approach upcoming tournaments. The emphasis on positioning, short game excellence, and mental resilience will remain constant regardless of venue.

For those of us who won’t be teeing it up on the professional tours, these same principles apply to our own games. The fundamentals of good golf don’t change based on skill level, only the precision with which we can execute them.

If you get the chance to attend next year’s event, I highly recommend it. Watching world-class golf in person provides insights that television can’t fully capture, and 13th Beach is a spectacular venue to spend a few days.