X-Golf West Lakes has been named a finalist in the 2026 South Australian Golf Industry Awards, adding to a growing list of state and national accolades for X-Golf as off-course golf continues to establish its place in Australia’s sporting landscape.
The venue is a finalist in the Most Outstanding South Australian Club, Facility or Place to Play (Off-Course) category, recognising its contribution to making golf more accessible, social and relevant to a broader audience.
For X-Golf Group co-founder and managing director Ben Styles, the recognition reflects a wider shift in how Australians are discovering and engaging with the game.
“Golf doesn’t have to start on a traditional course and gameplay doesn’t have to be in a traditional format,” Ben said.
“Our focus has always been on creating more opportunities for people to play, whether they’re experienced golfers looking to improve or complete beginners who simply want to have a hit with friends. When venues make golf more approachable and enjoyable, the whole industry benefits,” he said.
At the heart of West Lakes’ approach is a commitment to making golf more accessible to people who may not naturally see themselves in a traditional golf environment. Its popular women’s sessions combine professional guidance with a relaxed, social introduction to the game. The venue has also hosted a Minerva Network Women in Sport event, building connections with women across the broader sporting community.
West Lakes is also introducing younger generations to golf through its adjoining Hey Caddy mini-golf venue, which has welcomed OSHC students, NDIS clients and their carers, and others of different ages and abilities to enjoy golf-based recreation.
Partnerships, regularly competitions and community collaboration are all a fantastic demonstration of how West Lakes is using indoor golf to grow participation, support existing players and create new pathways into the sport.
Another strong round for the X-Golf network
The West Lakes finalist position adds to an epic run of recognition for X-Golf, whose venues have earned honours across golf industry, customer service and franchising awards recently.
In 2025, X-Golf Palmerston was named Australia’s Most Outstanding Off-Course Facility at Golf Australia’s National Awards of Excellence, while X-Golf South Bank claimed Queensland’s equivalent title.
In 2026, X-Golf Group was named Franchisor of the Year in the 26–50 Units category at the Franchise Council of Australia’s National Franchise Awards.
X-Golf Mackay was also shortlisted in the 2026 Queensland Golf Industry Awards, while X-Golf Rockingham earned national finalist recognition, demonstrating the breadth of the network’s industry presence.
X-Golf’s customer experience has also earned national recognition, with X-Golf Geelong winning Victoria’s Australian Achiever Award for the best customer service in hospitality in 2025, followed by X-Golf Clyde North taking home the honour in 2026.
“Recognition across different awards programs is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges different parts of what we’re building,” Ben said.
“It’s about the performance of individual venues, the commitment of our franchise partners and the strength of a model that brings golf, technology and hospitality together.”
“We’re proud of what our teams are achieving and we see plenty of opportunity to keep growing participation and contributing to the future of the game,” he said.
The winners will be announced at the South Australian Golf Industry Awards Gala on Saturday, 14 November 2026 at the Wolf Blass Centre. Oh behalf of the entire X-Golf network, we wish West Lakes all the best on the night!
With a growing number of venues across Australia and New Zealand, X-Golf combines golf simulator technology with coaching, leagues, social competitions and hospitality. Its model gives newcomers an accessible entry point while offering experienced players opportunities to practise, compete and develop their skills year-round.
To experience X-Golf’s standout golfing hotspots for yourself, find your nearest venue here.
