The inaugural AVGA State Team Challenge was held at the Mornington Peninsula between the 24th and 26th March 2026. This inaugural event involved a team from each of South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. The Tournament Director was the AVGA President, Brian Nankivell.

Whilst Vets golf is mainly about participation and camaraderie, the competition started off in a very competitive manner.

At the end of the first round, played at the Legends Course at Moonah Links, there was only 3 points separating the three teams.

The second round, played at Cape Schanck, saw the Western Australian team come home in front by a reasonable margin.

After two days of fabulously mild, dry weather, the third produced heavy rain and strong winds for most of the day. As a result, only a handful of players finished the third round. Accordingly the Tournament Director had no choice but to base the results on the two completed rounds declaring the 2026 AVGA State Team Challenge winners were the team from Western Australia.

This extension of Vets Golf proved extremely popular, with all players taking home fond memories and new acquaintances. Subject to feedback, this challenge will be held again in a year or two, and hopefully other states will join in to make it a truly national event.