Some fresh faces and seasoned competitors will represent the NSW Blues in their quest to reclaim the Australian Interstate Teams Matches Title in May.
With 2024 NSW team co-captain Jye Pickin announcing his decision to turn professional following last year’s series on the Gold Coast, a revamped squad has been named by Golf NSW for the 2025 competition held at Melville Glades Golf Club in Western Australia.
The NSW Interstate team is:
Men:
Declan O’Donovan (Avondale)
Jye Halls (Mollymook/NSW GC)
Kayun Mudadana (NSW GC)
Blake Phillips (Concord GC)
Coby Carruthers (Concord GC)
Women:
Rachel Lee (Avondale GC)
Ella Scaysbrook (The Australian)
Sophie Eppelstun (St. Michael’s/Catalina Club)
Charlotte Perkins (The Australian)
Annika Rathbone (The Australian)
Once again, the team managers for this year’s series are Mr Michael Medway and Ms Olivia Wilson.
Declan O’Donovan will begin his third series in NSW Blue after another standout summer, which included the successful defence of his NSW Amateur crown and WAGR-ranked Avondale Amateur.
Jye Halls, the reigning Australian Amateur Champion, will make his second appearance for NSW alongside Concord’s Coby Carruthers.
Blake Phillips from Concord earns his first cap for NSW, and so does the 2024 Australian Junior runner-up, Kayun Mudadana of NSW GC.
The women’s squad is no less impressive.
Spearheaded by Australian Women’s Amateur Champion Rachel Lee, every member of this year’s women’s squad has previously represented NSW at the senior level.
Joining Lee are The Australian Golf Club’s Annika Rathbone, Ella Scaysbrook and Charlotte Perkins.
Rathbone, co-captain of last year’s team, will be looking to repeat her heroics of 2023 when she remained undefeated. Scaysbrook will be looking to consolidate her reputation as one of the rising stars of Australian Women’s golf.
Charlotte Perkins, currently in her sophomore year at Florida Atlantic University in the US, rejoins the team after a one-year break. Batemans Bay-based Sophie Epplestun rounds out the squad after debuting last year.
Golf NSW Representative Alumni 1904 – 2025 (Click to View)
The Lakes Golf Club Teaching Professional Earl McGlinn will coach the team for the Second year. McGlinn is no stranger to high-performance golf, having worked alongside some of the State’s brightest talent over several years.
Graeme Phillipson, Golf NSW’s Chief Operating Officer, said the selected group had performed exceptionally over the past year.
“Looking at this year’s team, I’m confident we have selected the right mix of skill and determination.
“The combination of experience and promise in the squad ensures we have a balanced team ready for the challenge.”
Mr Phillipson said the honour of representing your State was a significant milestone in a player’s career and one they will cherish throughout their journey in the sport.
For the established team members, representing New South Wales solidifies their legacy. However, for newcomers like Blake and Kayun, it presents a chance to enhance their growing reputations on the national stage.
“Whatever the outcome, representing our State is a special part of their golfing journey and one that they will remember for a lifetime,” Mr Phillipson added.
