Welcome to the Golfbox Ambrose shootout
GolfBox and Golfies have partnered to create an exclusive tournament that combines everything we love about golf: mateship, competition and unforgettable experiences.
The GolfBox Ambrose Shootout is more than just another golf tournament.
It’s months of great golf with your best mate, exciting knockout match play, the opportunity to compete in the National Finals, and ultimately qualify for the Golfies Championship in Thailand.
The magic of golf has never been about the scorecard. It’s about getting outside, walking the fairways with your mates, some healthy competition and sharing a drink after the round.
That’s exactly what this tournament is designed to create.
Whether you’re chasing the ultimate golfing experience in Thailand or simply looking for a reason to play more golf, we can’t wait to welcome you to the inaugural GolfBox Ambrose Shootout.
How it Works - Your Journey to Thailand
Register Your Team
Team up with a mate and register for the GolfBox Ambrose Shootout.
Limited to 64 teams per state ONLY. So get in while you can! Entry fee only $125pp
Build Your Team
Choose your 2-player team.
- Men's, Women's or Mixed
- Golf Australia handicap required
- 6 handicap rounds in the last 12 months
- Up to 2 reserve players
Play Your State Tournament
Play one knockout match each round against another team from your state.
Each round has a 4 to 6 week window, so you simply arrange a date that suits both teams.
Win and progress to the next round.
Become State Champions
Win six matches and you'll be crowned your State Champion.
From 320 teams across Australia, only five State Champions remain.
National Finals
The five State Champions progress to the National Finals.
Two states will be randomly drawn to contest a Preliminary Final before the Semi Finals and Grand Final.
All travel expenses for the National Finals are covered by GolfBox.
Qualify for the Golfies Championship
The winning team earns their place at the Golfies Championship in Thailand.
An unforgettable six-day golfing experience including:
- ✓ Return flights
- ✓ Luxury accommodation
- ✓ Four rounds of golf
- ✓ Meals & drinks
- ✓ Entertainment and more
THE GOLFIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Thailand
All-Expenses Paid.
Return Flights
Both players, fully covered
5-Star Hotel, 6 Days, 5 Nights
Luxury accommodation, single occupancy.
4 Rounds of Golf
Premier courses across Thailand
All Meals & Drinks
Yes, alcohol included
Beach Clubs, Spa Treatments & More
Nov 27th – Dec 2nd, 2027
$25,000
Hear From Our
Season 1 Finalists
Every tournament has a winner.
What makes Golfies different is the journey.
Hear directly from our inaugural finalists as they share what they loved most about the experience.
Months of great golf, unforgettable match play, new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
“It’s never really about the golf. That’s just an added bonus”
$125
PER PERSON TO ENTER
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THE FORMAT
Built for MATES who love the game.
The GolfBox Ambrose Shootout isn’t just another golf tournament. It’s months of great golf with your best mate, one meaningful match every month, and a reason to make golf a priority again.
The 2 person Ambrose match play format creates moments you simply don’t get in a normal Saturday competition. Every hole matters. Every shot counts. You celebrate the wins together and lift each other when the pressure is on.
Whether you’re chasing a place at the Golfies Championship in Thailand or simply looking for more great days on the course, this is golf the way it was meant to be played.
“The most fun I have ever had on a golf course is playing as a team in match play format. The competitiveness, the high fives and fist bumps, that look to your partner that says we’re still in this when we are 1 down with 2 to play… we describe this feeling as a money can’t buy experience.”
Paul Walvisch, Founder of Golfies
Strictly limited to 64 teams per state. Secure your spot now.
Rules and Eligibility
Age Restriction
All players, including reserves, competing in the Golfies Tournament must be 18 years or older.
Amateurs Golfers Only
The Golfies tournament is for amateur golfers only. If you have ever had a professional golf status you are ineligible to particpate at any level.
Only 1 teammate below 5 handicap
Each team may include only one player with a handicap of 4.9 or lower at the start of the tournament (28 September). The second player must have a handicap of 5.0 or higher.
If a player’s handicap is 5.0 or higher at the start of the tournament and later drops below 5.0 during the tournament, they remain eligible to continue playing with their original teammate. However, in this situation, they cannot be paired with a reserve player who has a handicap of 4.9 or lower.
Ambrose Match Play
The tournament follows a 2-person Ambrose match play format. In Ambrose, both teammates (Player A & Player B) hit from the tee box. The team then selects the preferred tee shot, and the other player picks up their ball and places it within a club length of the chosen ball. This process continues for each shot until the hole is completed.
8 Tee shots each
Each teammate must use a minimum of 8 tee shots over 18 holes. If the match ends before completing 18 holes, one player may use a maximum of 10 tee shots per round, after which the remaining tee shots must be taken by the other teammate. A breach of this rule results in the loss of the hole.
First ball must be played as it lies
When using Player A's ball, Player A must hit first, playing the ball as it lies without lifting it (unless the golf course has preferred lies). Before hitting, Player A must place a marker near the ball. Player B may then place their ball within a club length of the marker, no closer to the hole and in the same course condition. A breach of this rule results in the loss of the hole.
Play balls from the same course conditions
Both balls must be played from the same course conditions. For example, if the chosen ball is in the rough, the second ball must also be played from the rough, even if a club length takes them back to the fairway. This rule applies to all areas of the course, including fairways, bunkers, and other terrains. A breach of this rule results in the loss of the hole.
Balls can be marked and lifted on the Putting Green
The first ball being played may only be marked, lifted, and cleaned on the putting green. When replacing the ball for the first putt, Player A must place a marker next to it. Player B must then place their ball as close as possible to the original ball’s position. The one club-length rule does not apply on the green. Note: The teammate whose ball you are using MUST still play first. A breach of this rule results in the loss of the hole.
No putting out
Players must not putt out before their teammate has putted. If you putt first and then tap in, your team will register two putts, preventing your teammate from having a chance to one-putt. Always mark your ball to allow your teammate to putt after you.
Handicaps Capped at 26
Players with handicaps over 26 for both men and women are welcome to participate, but for integrity purposes, your handicap will be capped at 26 regardless of if it is higher.
THE GOLFIES EXPERIENCE
One Tournament. One App. Everything Connected.
Every player uses the Golfies App to manage their entire tournament journey. From the draw and live scoring through to exclusive member benefits, everything is in one place.
Scorecard
Track every hole and every shot.
Tournament
Follow the draw and your path to the final.
Dashboard
Your matches, deadlines and details in one place.
Live Scoring
Score in real-time and see match status live.
Member Benefits
Exclusive offers from leading golf brands.
Tournament Schedule 2026/27
Main Comp Draw 2026-27
Winners from the main draw win an all-expenses paid golf trip of a lifetime to Thailand.
| Round 1 | Sept 28 – Nov 8 | 6 weeks |
| Round 2 | Nov 9 – Dec 6 | 4 weeks |
| Round 3 | Dec 7 – Jan 10 | 5 weeks |
| Round 4 | Jan 11 – Feb 7 | 4 weeks |
| Round 5 | Feb 8 – Mar 7 | 4 weeks |
| Round 6 | Mar 8 – Apr 11 | 5 weeks |
| Round 7 | Apr 12 – May 9 | 4 weeks |
| Round 8 | May 10 – Jun 6 | 4 weeks |
2nd Chance Draw 2026-27
Golf Trip of a lifetime in Thailand
November 27th – December 2nd 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone play the GolfBox Ambrose Shootout?
To be eligible to play, each team member must hold a current Golf Australia handicap and have submitted a minimum of six handicap rounds in the 12 months prior to the tournament start date.
The maximum playing handicap is 26. Players with a handicap above 26 are still welcome to enter, however their playing handicap for the tournament will be capped at 26.
Teams should be located within approximately 150km of one of the tournament cities:
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth.
If you’re located outside the 150km radius, please contact us before registering to confirm your eligibility.
Which cities is the tournaments held?
The GolfBox Ambrose Shootout tournaments will be operating in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. Spots are limited so get in quick!
If you live outside 150km from these cities, please contact us before registering for the tournament.
Where will my opponents be located?
Your opponents will be matched as close to your nominated golf club as possible. Your team location is determined by the golf club you select during registration, and we’ll always aim to minimise travel where we can.
During the State Tournament, all matches will be played within 150km of the city.
Once the State Tournaments are complete, the five State Champions progress to the National Finals, where interstate travel may be required for your matches. All travel expenses for the National Finals are covered by GolfBox.
Which courses do we play at?
The “Home” team gets to decide which course the match is played at. The Golfies app will use an algorithm to select the home and away teams fairly. You do not need to play on your home course if you don’t want to or are unable to schedule the match there.
Do we have to pay green fees?
Yes, if you are not a member at the golf club, you will need to pay green fees as usual.
Each player will pay their own green fees.
How do we keep score?
Both team captains will use the Golfies App for scoring after each hole.
You will enter the total score and which teammate’s ball was used for the tee shot for both teams.
This will ensure your scores and tee shots match and it will alert you if there is a discrepancy. (the app will adjust the nett score automatically using the handicaps and display the match score and how many tee shots each player has used to keep track.)
What is included in the Thailand golf trip for the winners?
The Golf trip of a lifetime will ensure players receive the royal treatment from the time they step off the plane. Including:
* Flights
* Luxury airport transfers
* 5-Star accommodation
* 4 rounds of golf on some of the best golf courses in Thailand
* Amazing prizes
* All meals with drinks (including alcohol)
* Entertainment and activities
* The experience of a lifetime
Valued at $25,000 per team!
What is the prize for the 2nd Chance Tournament?
How is my teams handicap calculated?
Your teams’ handicap will be calculated on the Golfies scoring app using your daily handicaps from Golf Australia.
You will be required to enter the tees which will populate the par, slope and scratch rating for the course.
The formula used to calculate your Daily Handicap is:
(GA Handicap x (Slope Rating÷ 113) + (Scratch Rating – Par)) x 0.93.
Once the app has calculated your individual daily handicaps, your team handicap is calculated by adding the sum of your daily handicaps and dividing by 4 (rounded to the nearest whole number). Eg 10 handicap and 18 handicap. Team handicap will be 10 + 18 = 28 divided by 4 = 7 handicap for your team.
For the match handicaps, the team with the lowest handicap will go back to zero and their opponents will be deducted the same amount.
eg
Team A has a handicap of 4.
Team B has a handicap of 10.
Team A will go to 0 (4-4).
Team B will go to 6 (10-4).
Team B will have 6 shots on the first 6 indexed match play holes (the Golfies app will calculate this for you).
Dont worry if this is confusing, the app will do all the calculations for you.
Can we form a team using 2 low handicap players?
Teams can only have 1 player under handicap of 5 (4.9 or below). The other player must be over 5 handicap at the start of the tournament. Teams may have another reserve player under 5 handicap but the 2 players under 5 handicap may not play together at any time.
If both teammates’ handicaps fall below 5 following registration and prior to the tournament starting, and you are unable to participate or do not want to use a reserve player, you may request a full refund.
What if my partner is unavailable to play?
Two reserve players can be nominated to support your team throughout the tournament.
You can use either of your reserve players and they can change as long as they have not been used throughout the season.
You will need to add them to your profile with their Golf ID at least 24 hours prior to your match.
Which tees do we play from?
You can play from whichever tees you all agree on. All men in the group must play from the same tees as the other men and all women the same). Women can play from the forward tees if they wish. Use the Golfies app to select your tees which will adjust yourt handicaps accordingly.
Some Golf Clubs do not have the slope rating for women on the back tees or men on the forward tess so they are not able to be played, but if you can select the tee in the Golfies app you will be able to play that tee box.
Don't miss your shot.
Only 64 Teams in Each State.
Don’t miss your tee time.
Register now.