Future Golf member Michael Marden has won a brand-new Genesis GV70 SUV — valued at $118,000 — after hitting a hole-in-one at the opening event of the 2026 Prestige Series at Lonsdale Links.
The prize, offered by Future Golf’s luxury automotive partner Genesis, had been on the line across the entire 2025 Prestige Series season without being claimed. It took just the first event of 2026 for Marden to step up and ace the designated par-3 12th hole, triggering one of the biggest individual prizes ever awarded in Australian amateur golf.
Future Golf is Australia’s largest golf membership community with over 50,000 members, 250+ venue partners and more than 300 events run nationally each year. The Prestige Series, driven by Genesis, sits at the top of that calendar – a premium event series held at some of the country’s best courses, with prize pools that are unmatched anywhere in grassroots golf.
The Biggest Prizes in Amateur Golf
The Prestige Series is Future Golf’s flagship event series, offering members exclusive access to premium courses and prizes that rival – and in many cases exceed – anything else available in Australian amateur golf. The Genesis GV70 hole-in-one prize is a standout example: a six-figure luxury SUV on the line for any member who can find the cup from the tee.
Last year, two Future Golf members played their way to earn an incredible trip to the United States to enjoy world class hospitality at the Genesis Invitational, held at the famous Riviera Country Club in California – an opportunity up for grabs again in 2026!
For Michael Marden, it was a shot that changed his life. It’s the kind of opportunity that simply doesn’t exist for everyday club golfers, and it speaks to the unique value Future Golf brings to its members.
“When I woke up this morning, I put on my socks, and I said to my wife ‘I like these socks – they might be lucky’ and, yes, they were lucky!… I’ve been playing with Future Golf for about four years now, and it’s great because I’ve been able to connect and make friendships and, to me, that’s more important than the golf sometimes. So, it’s been a real blessing to be able to join Future Golf and play with the boys… (The hole-in-one) was fantastic. I don’t celebrate like other blokes, I’m pretty low-key, but that’s just how I roll!”
— Michael Marden, Future Golf Member
“This is what Future Golf is all about. We run over 300 events a year to give everyday golfers experiences and opportunities they can’t get anywhere else – and a $118,000 brand new luxury Genesis vehicle on the line for a hole-in-one is about as good as it gets. Michael’s ace is an incredible moment, and it’s proof that these amazing prizes are made accessible for our Future Golf members. We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Genesis and what we’re building through the Prestige Series. Can’t wait for the next hole-in-one!”
Brenton Humphreys, Chief Operating Officer, Future Golf
“I’ve played golf my whole life and have never hit a hole-in-one, so I’m very happy, and a little jealous, to congratulate Michael. Not only did he hit a hole-in-one, which is a fantastic achievement in itself, but he’s also won a $118,000 Genesis GV70 Signature Sport, one of the best luxury SUVs on the market.”
“Thanks to Genesis and our great partners at Future Golf, Michael was given the opportunity to win big, and he’s hit the shot that deserves the prize. We’re offering more opportunities to win Genesis vehicles at Prestige Series events throughout the year, so I encourage everyone to get out there and play.”
Justin Douglass, Head of Genesis Motors Australia
Giving Everyday Golfers Extraordinary Opportunities
Future Golf exists to make the game more accessible, more social, and more rewarding. With over 250 venue partners across Australia and a calendar of more than 300 events per year – from relaxed social rounds to the premium Prestige Series, Driven by Genesis – members gain access to a wide network of courses in their state, a constant stream of opportunities to play, and – as Michael Marden has just demonstrated – the chance to win prizes that most amateur golfers could only dream of.
From luxury vehicles and premium golf equipment to exclusive event experiences, the Prestige Series, driven by Genesis and Future Golf’s broader event calendar, consistently deliver some of the most valuable prize pools in grassroots golf – not just in Australia, but globally.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Future Golf: Future Golf is Australia’s largest golf membership community with over 55,000 members, over 250 venue partners nationally and more than 300 events run across the country each year. Members enjoy access to courses across their state, a year-round calendar of social and competitive events, and exclusive benefits from premium brand partners. Future Golf is on a mission to make golf more accessible, social, and rewarding for everyday Australians.
About Genesis: Founded as the luxury arm of Hyundai Motor Group in 2015, Genesis places customer comfort at the centre of every decision, redefining luxury with a distinctly Korean perspective and an audacious spirit. Rooted in its Athletic Elegance design philosophy, Genesis delivers an award-winning lineup that blends progressive design, advanced safety technologies, and dynamic performance. Each model is engineered to provide a secure and sophisticated driving experience.
Committed to a more sustainable future, Genesis is leading the shift toward electrification with models like the Electrified G80, GV60, and Electrified GV70, with plans to expand electrified powertrains across its portfolio.
As Genesis moves beyond its 10th anniversary, the brand sets its sights on the future, driving forward with an unwavering commitment to refining disruption in every aspect of its business.
For more information, please visit the official website at https://www.genesis.com
Media Contact
Boon Souphanh
Partnerships & Marketing Manager, Future Golf
boon@futuregolf.com.au
