Wake Forest, it’s time to shake off the rust and get those simulators humming. The off-season is officially over, and the hunt for The Major starts right here at Brookfields Indoor Golf & Lounge.
We are officially kicking off the 2026 BGA Qualifier #1, proudly sponsored by our friends at Ducks Unlimited. This isn’t just another practice session—this is where the season begins, every stroke matters, and the virtual fairways become the ultimate proving ground for the local golf community.
The Schedule & Format
The journey to the championship is a marathon, not a sprint. This qualifier consists of three rounds totaling 27 holes of competitive play. Round 1 opened on March 1, followed by Round 2 on March 9, and the final push in Round 3 starting March 16. Each 9-hole round requires just one hour of bay time on our premium Full Swing simulators, giving you the perfect window to dial in your numbers and climb that leaderboard.
Fair Play: Understanding SHIN vs. GHIN
We know the first question in any tournament is always about the handicap—how do we keep the leaderboard honest? We use a specialized system to ensure every golfer has a fair shot. If you’re a returning player, you’ll continue playing off your established SHIN (our Simulator Handicap Index Network), which is specifically tuned to indoor play.
If you’re a new face at the lounge, welcome! You’ll start by using an adjusted GHIN (your traditional outdoor handicap) to get you into the action immediately. Once you’ve submitted five scores within our system, we’ll transition you over to a formal SHIN. This “5-score fly-in” period allows our tech to learn your specific simulator game, making sure the competition stays fierce and the playing field stays level for everyone.
Registration & Giving Back
Getting in on the action is simple. Registration is $40 (due before you tee off for Round 1), with each 9-hole session costing $20 for your simulator time. We’re also playing for a cause bigger than the game itself—a portion of all registration fees will benefit the Raleigh Testicular Cancer Foundation. It’s the perfect way to compete at a high level while giving back to our local community.
If you have any technical questions about the format, the handicap system, or how the points list works, don’t hesitate to ask Brian—seriously, he lives for the stats and would love to talk shop with you.
What’s on the Line?
So, what’s actually on the line? The winner of this qualifier receives an automatic invitation to The Major Tournament on November 21, 2026. Even if you don’t take the top spot this month, every round counts toward the season-long points list, where the top 30 players will eventually secure their spots in the big show.
Get Signed Up
The road to November starts this March, and the leaderboard is waiting for a new name at the top. You can click here to register online right now or chat with one of our staff members the next time you’re in the lounge to get signed up. Let’s see those big swings and even bigger leaderboard moments!