Victoria are the first state to hoist the Australian Interstate Team Matches trophy

The victorious Victorian team: (Front) Co-captains Andre Lautee and Keeley Marx, (Middle) Konomi Matsumoto, Amelia Harris, Molly McLean, Manager Elissa Lal, (Back) Jasper Stubbs, Phoenix Campbell, Toby Walker and Coach Dean Kinney.

Victoria are the first state to hoist the Australian Interstate Team Matches trophy in the event’s new mixed gender format after a 5.5-2.5 win over traditional rivals South Australia in Thursday afternoon’s final at Sorrento Golf Club.

The home side finished top of the table and they showed why with consistent performances across the board in the final as co-captain Andre Lautee, Konomi Matsumoto, Toby Walker, Amelia Harris and Jasper Stubbs claimed the five victories which secured the title.

Lautee led from the front and earned a 1-up win over Jack Buchanan with a stunning hole-out eagle to resounding applause by the strong local crowd gathered around the final hole. 

“Off the club I knew it was going to be close and then I could tell it went in by the applause so that was pretty nice,” Lautee said.

“It hasn’t really sunk in. I always knew that Jack’s a great player and it was going to be a tough match. I’m just really stoked that the team got up.

“I’m super proud of them. We did super well the last two days. Everyone performed and I’m super proud of all the boys and girls who played this week.

“We definitely believed going into the week that we could win. Obviously there were some strong teams but we always knew that we could do this.”