THE Vines golfer Tom Morgan has returned from Melbourne with a silver medal after representing the state at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games.

Morgan finished second in Level 5, division 1 at Sandy Golf Links in Cheltenham, completing 18 holes on each of the tournament’s three days.

His father John Morgan said the result was a testament to the quality of golf displayed at the event by the six-member WA golf team.

“The weather was perfect for golf and the course was in fabulous condition,” he said.

“All competitors enjoyed the three-day tournament.”

Morgan’s silver was one of three medals won by WA golfers, alongside a gold for Zack Byala and a bronze for Ryan Belzunce.

The team’s remaining three golfers earned ribbons which Mr Morgan said was an excellent result.

For Morgan, the medal follows a return to a sport that has been part of his life since childhood.

As reported in Vines golfer to compete in Special Olympics (Echo News, October 16), Morgan resumed playing about three years ago after a period away from the game.

His family said his interest in golf began when he was eight.

He attended Guildford Primary School before spending five years in Como Senior High School’s golf academy.

As a teenager, he joined Hartfield Country Club, where his achievements included finishing runner-up in a major senior event and winning the Chester Vern Trophy.

His return to regular golf brought him into contact with MTI Golf Academy instructor Mark Tibbles, who recognised his ability on the driving range and invited him to join a course for people with disabilities.

Before the games, Mr Tibbles told Echo News the step from Morgan’s regular nine-hole rounds to three consecutive days of competitive 18-hole golf would be a challenge.

The silver medal came after Morgan completed that longer tournament format in Melbourne.

Mr Tibbles also highlighted the social benefits of returning to golf, including the opportunity to interact with others and experience being part of a team.

Those opportunities formed part of a national event bringing together athletes with intellectual disability and/or autism for competition across a range of sports.

The 2026 National Games ran in Melbourne from October 19 to 23, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics in Australia.

Organisers said more than 900 athletes from every Australian state and territory, along with four athletes from New Zealand, were taking part.

In the golf competition, players were grouped into divisions according to their ability and handicap, John said.

Morgan competed alongside teammate Lily Broadbridge in Level 5, division 1.

Broadbridge finished equal fourth and received a ribbon after also playing 18 holes each day.

The other four WA golfers contested Level 4 divisions, playing nine holes on each competition day.

Byala won gold in division 3, while Belzunce secured bronze in division 6.

Jack Neuman placed fourth in division 2 and Greg Carstens finished fifth in division 4, both earning ribbons.

The results gave the state team a gold, silver and bronze medal spread across three divisions, alongside its three ribbon-winning performances.