In a captivating display of clutch putting and resilience, Danny Nesbitt of The Links Shell Cove has etched his name into Handiskins history, winning the 2025 ProHandiskins Championship and the esteemed Jarrod Lyle Memorial Trophy in his very first appearance at the prestigious event.
The Gold Coast played host to an electrifying ProHandiskins final, where Australia's top PGA Club Professionals battled for a share of the $10,000 prize pool and the honour of lifting one of the most meaningful trophies in club professional golf.
The Showdown: How the Skins Unfolded
The final four, emerging as the best from a strong field of PGA Club Professionals, featured Danny Nesbitt alongside formidable opponents: four-time ProHandiskins champion Jamie Hook (Pacific Dunes), Davyd Reeves (Moss Vale GC), and Steven Myers (Longyard GC). The stakes were high, with prize money escalating throughout the round: $400 for each of the first six holes, $500 for holes seven to twelve, and a significant $600 for each of the final six holes.
Early on, it seemed Jamie Hook was on track for an unprecedented fifth title, expertly pocketing $800 with birdies on the first two holes. However, the dynamic nature of skins golf quickly turned the tables. Steven Myers made his presence felt, claiming $400 on the third hole and then, after the fourth was halved, seizing another $800 on the fifth.
The tension reached fever pitch as an incredible eight consecutive holes – from the sixth through to the thirteenth – were halved. This unprecedented run saw the prize money jackpot to a massive $4,600, all riding on the outcome of the daunting 14th hole. It was here, under immense pressure, that debutant Danny Nesbitt delivered the defining moment. With nerves of steel, he holed the crucial putt, scooping the enormous pot and, with it, the 2025 ProHandiskins title.
While Nesbitt was the day's biggest earner with his decisive $4,600 skin, the remaining prize money was hard-fought: Jamie Hook finished with a commendable $2,800, Steven Myers took home $2,000, and Davyd Reeves secured $300.
"I didn't putt overly well today, but I was fortunate enough to make the putt on the 14th," a thrilled Nesbitt shared to Inside Golf's David Newberry post-round. "I guess I rolled one in at the right time. (Months ago) I reached out to Jamie [Hook] and asked him about this event, and he told me it was awesome and that I should come along, so I'm grateful for his advice. We've all had a great time. I absolutely love the concept of the event, and I will be back."
Understanding ProHandiskins: A Premier Event with Purpose
The ProHandiskins Championship stands as Australia’s richest Pro-Am skins game exclusively for PGA Club Professionals. It’s a highlight of the Handiskins National Championship Week, offering a unique platform for professionals who have actively supported the Handiskins program at their clubs and its partner charity, the Jarrod Lyle Foundation.
The format itself is a recipe for excitement:
- Eligibility: Open to Club Professionals who work at a club that hosts a Handiskins event, supporting Challenge Foundation and Jarrod Lyle's passion for supporting kids with cancer
- The Final: The top qualifying professionals at Handiskins Championship Week compete in a four-player skins game.
- Skins Format: Each hole is assigned a monetary value. A player wins the "skin" (the prize money for that hole) by winning the hole outright. If two or more players tie the best score, the skin jackpots to the next hole, continually building the pressure and potential reward.
- The ProHandiskins Champion: The professional who accumulates the most prize money at the end of the Championship round is crowned the ProHandiskins Champion.
The Jarrod Lyle Memorial Trophy: Honouring a Legacy
More than just prize money, the winner of the ProHandiskins Championship is bestowed with the Jarrod Lyle Memorial Trophy. This prestigious award honours the enduring legacy of beloved Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle, celebrating his incredible spirit, courage, and contribution to golf. The event also plays a vital role in supporting the Jarrod Lyle Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to children and families affected by cancer. The broader Handiskins Championship Week, including the ProHandiskins event, proudly contributes to this cause, with significant funds raised annually.
Danny Nesbitt’s remarkable debut victory is a shining example of the skill, sportsmanship, and excitement that define the ProHandiskins Championship. His name will now be proudly engraved on the Jarrod Lyle Memorial Trophy.
Congratulations to Danny Nesbitt on a spectacular win and a performance that will be remembered for years to come!
Read a recap of the 2025 Handiskins National Championship Week by Australia's best Golf Reporter David Newberry in the June 2025 edition of Inside Golf here
