Baker and Stokker claim Riverside crowns

JARRAD Stokker and Stephanie Baker emerged victorious at the 2025 Oasis Auto Service Riverside Open, delivering composed performances to claim top honours at one of the region’s premier golfing tournaments.

Stokker, who returned to the Riverside winner’s podium after winning in 2019, said his victory was unexpected but deeply satisfying.

“It was a bit of a shock to the system on that day,” he said.

“My favourite round was probably the one that got me the win in the end and obviously having two eagles in one round was great.”

While Stokker has had limited golfing preparation due to recent family commitments, including the arrival of a new baby and getting married, the player credited his driving game.

“Probably the driver got me through the weekend really; it didn’t let me down like it sometimes usually does,” he said.

He finished seven strokes clear in the Open A Grade, registering a 143 over both rounds.

“Especially to win by seven, it was sort of a great feeling to separate myself from everyone else in the pack,” he said.

In the women’s bracket, the talented 16-year-old Baker continued her scintillating form, sealing her fourth championship win out of her last five outings.

“It felt pretty good, I played consistently but had a bad fall on the second day, which was a bit of work but I’m still happy with my two scores,” she said.

“I’ve been improving on some course management and on my swing,”

Currently seeking the professional route, Baker will be back in action this weekend at Red Cliffs.

“Hopefully I can get another win, but most importantly I want to just go out there and try my best and whatever happens, happens,” she said.

Looking forward, she is also set to play at the Malaysian Junior Amateur competition in Kuala Lumpur this July and also has plans for events in Thailand later in September.

“I really want to turn pro in the next few years and I’m just focusing on getting better to do that,” she said.

“Playing these opens, putting myself in those pressure situations and getting the different composures from events and golf courses is helping me get to that level.”

With over 170 players who participated and a strong field that included previous champions, the Riverside Open lived up to expectations on the district golf calendar.