Lismore will again take its place on the NSW professional golf calendar, with the Lismore Workers Golf Club set to host a 2026 Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event from Sunday, 26 July to Tuesday, 28 July.
The three-day event will begin with a Pro-Am on Sunday, followed by two tournament rounds on Monday and Tuesday.
This event in Lismore is part of the Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series for Men, which provides a pathway into the prestigious Ford NSW Open Championship, to be held at The Vintage Golf Club in the Hunter Valley from 12 to 15 November 2026.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the return of the qualifier reinforced Lismore’s reputation as a destination for major regional sporting events.
“It’s great to welcome this event back to Lismore. It brings players, officials and visitors to our city, which means more people staying, eating and spending locally, while showcasing everything our region has to offer,” he said.
“It’s also another opportunity to showcase Lismore as a thriving events destination, with the facilities and hospitality to host these high-quality competitions.”
Mayor Krieg also acknowledged the Lismore Workers Golf Club’s work in preparing for the event.
“Thanks to the club, their staff and volunteers for the dedication to preparing the course and facilities. Their efforts play a key role in attracting events like this, delivering a fantastic experience for competitors and visitors,” he said.
Each regional qualifying event carries a $50,000 prize pool, with the top three non-exempt finishers earning direct entry into the 2026 Ford NSW Open Championship.
Golf NSW Manager of Tournaments spokesperson, Nicole Martin, said Lismore remained an important stop on the Regional Qualifying Series.
“Lismore Workers Golf Club is a fantastic venue, and the Northern Rivers community has always been incredibly welcoming to our events,” she said.
“The Regional Qualifiers give players from across the region a genuine opportunity to compete for a place at the NSW Open. Events like this don’t just matter to golfers; they bring visitors, activity and attention to the regions that host them, and the support of Lismore City Council in helping make that happen is something we’re truly grateful for.”
Director and Head Professional at Lismore Workers Golf Club, Luke Ryan, said the Club was proud to again host the event and showcase the strength of golf in Lismore.
“We have a brand-new greenkeeper, Dave Hobday, who is helping build a culture here where nothing is too hard, and we have an outstanding field of players coming to Lismore,” he said.
“We are very lucky to have Lismore City Council and Golf NSW on board, and their support helps make events like this possible.
“Moving forward, junior golf is also a real focus for us in Lismore, so this is a great chance for young and up-and-coming players to come along, watch the professionals up close and be inspired by where the game can take them.”
The 2026 Regional Qualifying Series includes events in Lismore, Teven, Coffs Harbour, Southwest Rocks, Catalina and Queanbeyan.
Lismore City Council is proudly supporting the event, alongside Golf NSW and the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
Further event details will be announced in the lead-up throughout July.
Photo: Left to right – Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, Director and Head Professional Lismore Workers Golf Club Luke Ryan, Golf Associate Harry White and Greenkeeping Superintendent Dave Hobday.
