The NSW Virtual Open is here - the first state-based virtual golf tournament run by an official golf body anywhere in Australia.

Instead of fairways and bunkers, this event plays out on simulators at golf centres and clubs across NSW and the ACT, giving players from everywhere a shot at something big: a place in the 2025 Ford NSW Open or its Pro-Am.

Qualifiers will be held through August and September at venues with simulator facilities, with the finals set for October at GolfSpace in Alexandria.

Olivia Wilson, Golf NSW’s General Manager of Golf, says it’s about embracing a new side of the game.

“Simulator golf is a significant part of the sport’s growth and attracts a participant base from a source never seen before in golf’s long history,” Wilson says.

“The NSW Virtual Open represents our commitment to innovation, as well as to making golf accessible while creating new pathways for participation.”

There are two ways to take part:

NSW OPEN QUALIFYING

For the serious players - elite amateurs and PGA pros - this is the path to the real deal: a spot in the 2025 Ford NSW Open at The Vintage Golf Club, November 13–16.

Venues can run their qualifying rounds however they like: single 18-hole rounds on set days, flexible tee times, best-score formats, or weekly qualifiers leading to a venue final. The only catch? No handicaps here; it’s gross score all the way.

NSW OPEN PRO-AM QUALIFYING

This one’s for everyone else. Any amateur golfer, regardless of ability, can try their luck at securing a place in the Pro-Am. Handicaps come into play here, with net, Stableford or par formats available, and the vibe is team-based. Formats like three-person Ambrose, Three-ball Best Ball and Texas Scramble will be in the mix.

Winners from each venue move on to the October finals at GolfSpace, with spots in either the Open or the Pro-Am on the line.

“We’re creating opportunities for golfers who may never have considered experiencing the thrill of tournament golf as a pro-am participant,” Wilson says. “The virtual format removes traditional barriers while keeping that competitive spark alive.”

It’s not just players who benefit. Host clubs and venues get the chance to bring in new members, reward regulars and raise their profile with the support of Golf NSW’s marketing and promotion.

If your club or golf centre is keen to host a qualifier, Golf NSW is taking expressions of interest now.

The NSW Virtual Open is part tradition, part tech and maybe the start of something big for golf in Australia.

For more details, visit the tournament information page or email info@golfnsw.org.au.

The Ford NSW Open is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.