Road to Perth: Wodonga's Scott Petts Fulfils Lifelong Dream at World Masters

For Wodonga's Scott Petts, competing at the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships is far more than another tournament – it's the fulfilment of a dream more than 40 years in the making.

A lifelong member of the Wodonga Squash Club, who also regularly competes at the Commercial Club Albury, Petts and his family will make the journey to Perth the old-fashioned way, embarking on a caravan adventure of more than 3,500 kilometres before he steps onto court to represent Australia.

For Petts, however, the event is about much more than squash.

"It's become a family adventure," he said.

"I'd already told my wife that if I ever got the chance to play in the World Masters, we'd go no matter where it was in the world and turn it into a holiday”

"When we found out it was being held in Australia, we thought, 'Absolutely. Let's drive across and make the most of it.'

The family will spend almost seven weeks exploring Western Australia. Their six-year-old son (Reggie) will make the trip across the Nullarbor by road, while their 15-year-old daughter (Lily) will fly to Perth joining the family for the championships before the drive home.

Squash has been part of Petts' life since before he was born.

"My mum was still playing squash when she was eight months pregnant with me," he said.

"So, I always joke that I was practically born on a squash court."

He first picked up a racquet at just four years of age and spent his junior years playing before life took him away from the sport for almost two decades.

But the competitive spark never disappeared.

"When I started playing again, I slowly rediscovered the passion for it," he said.

"I honestly feel like I'm playing some of the best squash of my life."

While the friendships and community keep him coming back, Petts says the game is ultimately about challenging himself.

"The people are fantastic and the camaraderie is amazing, but once you walk through that court door, you're really playing against yourself.

"You always want to walk off knowing you've given everything you've got.

"As you get older, it becomes harder to move around the court, so every opportunity to play is something I really appreciate."

That appreciation became even greater after Petts suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) 14 years ago.

The experience changed his outlook on life and reminded him never to take opportunities for granted.

"Just being able to get on a squash court is a bonus," he said.

"Fourteen years ago, I wasn't sure what life had in store. To now have the chance to represent Australia at a World Championships is something I never thought I'd get to do.

"Wearing the Australian colours is incredibly special, and it's something I'm immensely proud of."

Petts is quick to acknowledge that the journey hasn't been his alone.

"My wife has been my biggest supporter from day one," he said.

"She's travelled all over Australia with me for tournaments, spending countless weekends sitting around squash centres full of hot, sweaty squash players just to support me.

"There have been long drives, weekends away, early mornings and late nights, and she's never once complained. She's always encouraged me to chase my goals, even when it meant organising family life around squash.

"I honestly wouldn't be where I am today without her support.

"People see the person on court, but they don't always see the sacrifices made by the family behind the scenes. My wife has given up countless weekends so I could chase this dream, and now being able to share this experience with her and our kids makes it even more special."

He also credits his children for embracing the journey.

"Our kids have grown up around squash, and it's pretty special that this World Championships has become something we can all experience together as a family. Hopefully it's something they'll always remember."

Petts is equally grateful for the support he's received from his local squash community.

"I'd also love to acknowledge the incredible support I've received from Chris and Rose Breitkopf at Racquet Focus," he said.

"They've done so much more than re-string my racquets or help with equipment. They've always been there with encouragement and have created such a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the shop door.

"I'm incredibly grateful for everything they've done for me over the years."

He also acknowledges the support of his local squash community, whose encouragement has helped him return to the sport and continue improving.

The World Squash Masters Championships will be Petts' first appearance at the prestigious event, completing a journey that first began when he was a teenager.

"When I was 14 or 15, representing Australia was something I dreamed about," he said.

"Life took me in different directions, and for a long time I thought that opportunity had passed me by.

"So, to now be representing my country at a World Championships, especially here in Australia, means more than I can really put into words.

"It's taken a lifetime to get here."

As for his goals in Perth, they're refreshingly simple.

"If I can walk off the court knowing I've played the best squash I can play, I'll be happy.

"I'd love to win a few matches, of course, but at the end of the day I just want to know I've given everything I've got.

"Everything after that is a bonus."

And if his story encourages someone else to give Masters squash a go, that's another win.

"Age shouldn't stop anyone from getting involved.

"The friendships you make, the people you meet and the enjoyment you get from the game are what it's really all about.

"I'm proof that it's never too late to come back to a sport you love. You never know where it might take you."

The 2026 World Squash Masters Championships will be Petts' first opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage—an achievement that once seemed out of reach, but one that has become possible through perseverance, the unwavering support of his family and friends, and a lifelong love of the game.

The World Squash Masters Championships is free for spectators to attend, giving fans of all ages the opportunity to support Australian and international players competing across Perth.