18 Mar Big line-up of golf coming
A strong lineup of golf events across Brisbane’s western suburbs is set to deliver an exciting and well-rounded season of competition, community engagement, and high-quality course experiences for players of all abilities. With a combination of regular tournaments, innovative formats, and inclusive social events, the upcoming schedule reflects the growing popularity and accessibility of golf in the region.
The next Red Deer Friday Back Marker Classic will be held on Friday, 20 March 2026, at McLeod Country Golf Club. Open to both men and women with a valid AGU handicap, the event provides an inclusive and competitive platform for golfers to test their skills in a professionally prepared environment. McLeod’s 18-hole course, featuring a slope rating of 132, is widely regarded for its strategic layout, offering a balance of risk and reward that challenges decision-making and shot execution. For this event, the course will be presented in full tournament condition by the club’s experienced greenkeeping team, complete with detailed pin placement cards designed to enhance fairness and competitiveness.
The Back Marker Classic forms part of the Western Suburbs Challenge, a collaborative initiative involving McLeod Country Golf Club, Oxley Golf Club, Gailes Golf Club, and Wolston Park Golf Club. This inter-club series provides golfers with consistent playing opportunities across multiple venues, encouraging both participation and a sense of community among players. At McLeod, the event is conducted as an open medley stroke competition, with tee times available from 6:00 am through to 12:30 pm, offering flexibility for participants with varying schedules.
Entry fees are set at $27 for members and $37 for visitors, inclusive of green fees and a meal voucher redeemable for a beef burger from the golfers menu, adding further value to the day’s experience. Prize pools are structured according to field size, with a typical field of approximately 45 players competing for rewards awarded to the top three finishers, as well as a rundown for several additional placegetters. This structure ensures that a wide range of participants remain engaged throughout the competition.
Complementing these feature events is the club’s Weekly Jackpot Competition, which adds another layer of excitement to the regular playing schedule. This open Stableford competition runs six days a week from Sunday to Friday, excluding Saturdays, and is available to men, women, and junior players. Tee times are offered from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm, with a competition fee of $17. Members benefit from reciprocal green fee arrangements, while Western Suburbs Challenge club players are only required to pay the competition fee. The format is designed to build momentum throughout the week, with all participants contributing to a growing prize pool that culminates in a jackpot awarded at the end of the week. As participation increases, so too does the value of the prize, creating a fun and engaging incentive for players to get involved regularly.
McLeod will host its Western Suburbs Challenge rounds on the third Friday of each month from March through December, creating a consistent fixture in the local golfing calendar. Complementing this, Oxley hosts events on the first Friday of each month, Gailes on the second Friday, and Wolston Park on the fourth Friday, providing golfers with regular opportunities to compete across different courses and playing conditions. Bookings can be made directly through each club’s professional shop, and further information is available via the official website at https://mcleodgolf.com.au/golf/western-suburbs-challenge/.
In addition to these monthly competitions, the Handiskins 2026 series continues to generate strong interest among players seeking a more dynamic and high-pressure format. Round 4 is scheduled for Saturday, 21 March 2026, with players competing for a coveted place in the final four. The series culminates in an 18-hole match play final, where the lowest handicapper competes from scratch and other finalists play from adjusted handicaps, ensuring a balanced contest.
A defining feature of the Handiskins format is its progressive prize structure. Each hole begins evenly poised, and if not won outright, the prize pool carries over to the following hole, steadily increasing both the stakes and the intensity of play. This creates a unique atmosphere where momentum can shift rapidly, rewarding both consistency and strategic risk-taking. If the final hole does not produce a winner, or if nearest to the pin is not claimed, the remaining prize vouchers are shared among the finalists, ensuring that all competitors are recognised for their performance. The series continues with Round 5 on 18 April and concludes with the final on 9 May, with each qualifying round winner receiving a premium prize pack that includes a selection of high-quality items and vouchers.
Gailes Golf Club will also host its Women’s Open Day on Thursday, 26 March 2026, offering a welcoming and enjoyable golfing experience tailored specifically for women across Brisbane. The event will be played as a 4BBB Stableford competition with a shotgun start, promoting a relaxed and social atmosphere while still maintaining a competitive edge. Participants will enjoy a full day’s experience, including morning tea, 18 holes of golf, and lunch in the clubhouse, making it an ideal opportunity for both regular players and those looking to expand their golfing network.
Entry costs are set at $35 for members and $45 for visitors, representing excellent value for a comprehensive event. Given the popularity of this day, early registration is strongly encouraged and can be completed online at https://forms.office.com/r/awbCTXHGMr.
Collectively, these events highlight the strength and vibrancy of the golfing community in Brisbane’s western suburbs. By offering a diverse mix of competitive formats, engaging weekly competitions, and inclusive social opportunities, the region continues to provide an appealing and accessible environment for golfers throughout the 2026 season.