Royal Sydney Golf Club’s Gavin Macpherson has etched his name into the history books as the first-ever winner of the NSW Virtual Open, an innovative new event bridging the gap between simulator golf and the state’s top professional competition.

Macpherson fired a score of three-under-par to claim the title, earning himself $10,000 in prize money and a guaranteed start in the 2026 Ford NSW Open.

The event, launched this year by Golf NSW, is the first state-based virtual golf tournament conducted by a representative body in Australia. Players competed across a network of simulators, with the final held on Friday night.

For Macpherson, the win was as surreal as it was satisfying.

“I feel very lucky because opportunities like this don’t really come along too often,” he said.

“It’s been a great initiative by Golf NSW, and it’s just a real feeling that I’ve actually done it and won. I’m looking forward to the NSW Open.”

The Sydney-based professional said the prize purse would go a long way toward supporting his playing career.

“Living in Sydney can be quite expensive, and being a golf pro travelling around, the $10,000 will help cover some expenses — and maybe I’ll treat myself to something nice,” he laughed.

With the victory now behind him, Macpherson’s focus turns to a busy few weeks of golf, including next week’s National PGA Associate Championships in Cobram.

“That’ll be the focus next week, then I’ll look at my numbers on the TrackMan before heading to The Vintage for a practice round,” he said.

A self-confessed simulator regular, Macpherson said the virtual environment has become a key part of his preparation.

“We had to play six rounds in qualifying and I probably played another 12 practice rounds, so I guess I’m quite experienced in the sim golf world now,” he said.

Related Links:
NSW Virtual Open Finals Leaderboard
NSW Virtual Open: Australia’s First State-Backed Simulator Tournament

As for his game plan for the Ford NSW Open, Macpherson said he’ll begin strategising as soon as his national commitments wrap up.

“After nationals, my full attention will be on the NSW Open, getting on Google Maps, working out hole distances, and putting together a proper game plan,” he said.

The NSW Virtual Open represents a new frontier for golf in the state, offering players from across NSW and the ACT a chance to compete for professional pathways, all without stepping onto a fairway.

And for Gavin Macpherson, it’s already opened a door to one of the biggest stages in Australian golf.