If you’ve ever found yourself curious about the world of golf and its major events, you’re in the right place. ClubhouseLegends is here to provide you with all the information you need. From the basics of how the game is played to the rules that govern each tournament, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even give you a rundown of the equipment used by the pros and offer tips on how to improve your own golf skills. So, if you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of golf, join us as we explore the major tournaments that make this sport so captivating.
The Majors
When it comes to professional golf, there are four tournaments that stand above the rest. Known as “The Majors,” these events attract the best golfers in the world and are considered the pinnacle of the sport. Each Major has its own unique history and prestige, making them must-watch events for any golf enthusiast.
The Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament is held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Founded by golfing legend Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts, the tournament has been a staple of the golfing calendar since its inception in 1934. Known for its iconic green jacket, awarded to the winner, and its picturesque setting, the Masters is a true celebration of the sport. Many consider it the most prestigious Major due to its rich tradition and exclusivity.
U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is one of the oldest golf championships in the world, dating back to 1895. The tournament is organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is known for its demanding courses and challenging conditions. The U.S. Open rotates to different courses across the United States, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the country’s golfing landscapes. Winning the U.S. Open is considered a true test of a golfer’s skill and mental fortitude.
The Open Championship
The Open Championship, often referred to as the British Open, is the oldest Major in golf. Dating back to 1860, the tournament has a rich history and is played on some of the most prestigious courses in the United Kingdom. The Open is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, links-style courses, and the famous Claret Jug, awarded to the champion. It is a true test of creativity and adaptability, making it a favorite among players and fans alike.
PGA Championship
The PGA Championship is organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America) and is one of the four Majors. Being the only Major that is organized by a professional golfers’ association, the tournament holds a special place within the golfing community. The PGA Championship is known for its deep field and consistently challenging courses. It attracts some of the best players in the world, who compete for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. The tournament provides a great opportunity for professionals to showcase their skills and compete against the best.
The Players Championship
While not officially recognized as one of the Majors, The Players Championship is often referred to as the “fifth Major” due to its highly competitive field and hefty prize money. Held annually at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, The Players Championship features one of the strongest fields in golf, with the world’s top players vying for the title. The tournament is known for its iconic par-3 17th hole, which requires players to hit their tee shots over water to an island green. The Players Championship is a must-watch event for any golf fan.
World Golf Championships
World Golf Championships (WGC) events are a series of tournaments that bring together the best golfers from around the globe. These events are co-sanctioned by various professional golf tours, including the PGA Tour, European Tour, Asian Tour, and PGA Tour of Australasia. The WGC tournaments provide an opportunity for players to compete against the best in the world and earn valuable world ranking points.
WGC-Mexico Championship
The WGC-Mexico Championship is held annually at the Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City. The tournament attracts a strong international field and is known for its challenging course and vibrant atmosphere. Playing at high altitude poses unique challenges for the players, requiring adjustments in club selection and shot execution. The WGC-Mexico Championship is a highlight of the golfing calendar and provides thrilling competition.
WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play
The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is a unique tournament that features a match play format, where players compete against each other in head-to-head matches. The event takes place at Austin Country Club in Texas and offers an exciting and unpredictable style of play. Fans get to witness intense battles between the world’s best golfers, showcasing their skills and strategic prowess.
WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational
Formerly known as the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational takes place at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. The tournament attracts a strong field and serves as a preparation for the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs. The course at TPC Southwind provides a challenging test of accuracy and shot-making, ensuring an exciting competition for players and spectators.
WGC-HSBC Champions
The WGC-HSBC Champions is held annually in Shanghai, China, and is the only WGC event to take place outside of the United States. The tournament boasts a stellar field, featuring top players from around the world. The HSBC Champions is renowned for its high-quality competition and ability to attract a global audience, further fueling the growth of golf worldwide.
The FedEx Cup Playoffs
The FedEx Cup Playoffs is a series of three tournaments that conclude the PGA Tour season. These events bring together the top players on the PGA Tour and determine the overall FedEx Cup champion. The playoffs consist of The Northern Trust, the BMW Championship, and the Tour Championship.
The Northern Trust
The Northern Trust kicks off the FedEx Cup Playoffs and is held at various courses across the United States. The tournament features a competitive field and serves as the starting point for players to accumulate points towards the FedEx Cup standings. The Northern Trust sets the stage for an exciting postseason.
BMW Championship
The BMW Championship is the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and showcases the top 70 players in the standings. The tournament is known for its challenging courses and provides players with an opportunity to solidify their position in the FedEx Cup standings. The BMW Championship is an important step towards securing a spot in the season-ending Tour Championship.
Tour Championship
The Tour Championship is the culmination of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and features the top 30 players in the standings. The tournament is held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, and offers a significant financial prize pool. The Tour Championship determines the overall FedEx Cup champion and provides a thrilling conclusion to the PGA Tour season.
European Tour
The European Tour offers a diverse range of tournaments across various countries in Europe, showcasing the continent’s golfing talent. From iconic events with long histories to newer tournaments that have quickly gained prominence, the European Tour provides a global stage for professional golfers.
BMW PGA Championship
The BMW PGA Championship is one of the most prestigious events on the European Tour. Held at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, the tournament attracts a strong field and offers a generous prize purse. Known for its iconic West Course, the BMW PGA Championship tests players’ skills and provides a thrilling competition for both players and spectators.
Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is a historic tournament that attracts top golfers from around the world. Played on various courses across Ireland, the tournament has a rich history and is known for its passionate crowds and electric atmosphere. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open showcases the beauty of Irish golf courses while providing an exciting stage for the competitors.
Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open is another highlight on the European Tour schedule. Played on some of Scotland’s most renowned courses, including The Renaissance Club, the tournament attracts a strong field and offers golfers a chance to prepare for the following week’s Open Championship. The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open provides a true Scottish golfing experience for players and fans alike.
Omega European Masters
The Omega European Masters is one of the oldest tournaments on the European Tour, dating back to 1923. Held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, the event takes place on a picturesque mountain course and offers stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The Omega European Masters combines breathtaking scenery with competitive golf, creating a unique experience for all involved.
DP World Tour Championship
The DP World Tour Championship serves as the final event of the European Tour season. Held at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the tournament brings together the top players who have accumulated points throughout the season. The DP World Tour Championship is known for its luxurious setting and generous prize money, making it a fitting finale to the European Tour calendar.
Asian Tour
The Asian Tour provides a platform for professional golfers in Asia to compete and showcase their skills on the international stage. The tour features a variety of tournaments across different countries, reflecting the diversity of golf in the region.
Maybank Championship
The Maybank Championship is a prestigious event held in Malaysia and offers a strong field of international and Asian golfers. Known for its immaculate courses and tropical setting, the tournament combines world-class golf with the vibrant culture of Malaysia. The Maybank Championship continues to grow in stature and attracts both players and fans from around the world.
Thailand Open
The Thailand Open is one of the oldest golf tournaments in Asia, dating back to 1965. Held on various courses in Thailand, the event attracts top players from across the region. The Thailand Open is a celebration of golfing excellence in Thailand and provides a platform for local talents to compete against their international counterparts.
SMBC Singapore Open
The SMBC Singapore Open is a premier golf tournament held at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. It attracts a strong international field and offers impressive prize money. The SMBC Singapore Open showcases the beauty of the Sentosa Golf Club while providing thrilling competition for golf enthusiasts.
Indonesia Open
The Indonesia Open is a prominent tournament on the Asian Tour schedule. Played on various courses in Indonesia, the event has a long history and attracts top golfers from the region. The Indonesia Open promotes golf in the country and provides players with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Ho Tram Open
The Ho Tram Open is a relatively new addition to the Asian Tour, held at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam. The tournament combines the natural beauty of Vietnam with world-class golf, creating a truly unique experience for players and spectators. The Ho Tram Open has quickly gained recognition and serves as a testament to the growth of golf in Vietnam.
PGA Tour of Australasia
The PGA Tour of Australasia features a series of tournaments held in Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring countries. The tour provides a platform for golfers in the region to compete against each other and gain valuable experience on their journey to becoming world-class players.
Australian Open
The Australian Open is the oldest and most prestigious golf tournament in Australasia, with a history dating back to 1904. Held on various courses across Australia, the tournament attracts top players from around the world. The Australian Open showcases the beauty of Australian golf courses and provides an exciting competition for both players and fans.
New Zealand Open
The New Zealand Open is a significant event on the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar. Played on various courses in New Zealand, the tournament attracts top international players and serves as a celebration of golf in the country. The New Zealand Open offers a unique golfing experience, combining the stunning landscapes of New Zealand with competitive golf.
Queensland Open
The Queensland Open is a long-standing tournament held in Queensland, Australia. It features a mix of local and international players and provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring professionals to showcase their talents. The Queensland Open promotes golf in the region and continues to play a vital role in the development of the sport.
Australian PGA Championship
The Australian PGA Championship is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events on the PGA Tour of Australasia. It attracts a strong field of both local and international players and offers significant prize money. The Australian PGA Championship showcases the best of Australian golf and provides a thrilling competition for golf enthusiasts.
NSW Open
The NSW Open is a prominent tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia, traditionally held in New South Wales, Australia. The event serves as a platform for up-and-coming golfers to gain valuable experience and compete against established professionals. The NSW Open represents the development of golf in the region and offers a stepping stone for future stars.
Japan Golf Tour
The Japan Golf Tour attracts top professional golfers from around the world to compete in tournaments held in Japan. With a rich golfing tradition and a passionate fan base, the Japan Golf Tour showcases the country’s love for the sport and provides an exciting platform for players.
The Crowns
The Crowns is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour. Dating back to 1960, the event has a rich history and attracts the best players from Japan and beyond. The Crowns provides a challenging test of skill and serves as a showcase for the talent in Japanese golf.
The Japan Open
The Japan Open is one of the most revered tournaments in Japanese golf and is steeped in tradition. Dating back to 1927, the event brings together top Japanese players and international stars to compete for the coveted title. The Japan Open is a true celebration of the sport and captures the essence of golf in Japan.
The Golf Nippon Series JT Cup
The Golf Nippon Series JT Cup is the season-ending tournament on the Japan Golf Tour. It features a select field of players who have performed well throughout the season and offers a significant prize purse. The Golf Nippon Series JT Cup provides a thrilling conclusion to the tour calendar and serves as a showcase for the top players in Japan.
The Japan Golf Tour Championship
The Japan Golf Tour Championship is one of the premier events on the tour, attracting a strong field each year. The tournament rotates to different courses across Japan, providing players with a variety of challenges. The Japan Golf Tour Championship highlights the best of Japanese golf and offers an exciting competition for both players and fans.
The Taiheiyo Masters
The Taiheiyo Masters is one of the most prestigious tournaments in Japanese golf. Played at various courses across Japan, the event attracts both domestic and international players. The Taiheiyo Masters offers a great platform for golfers to compete at the highest level in Japan and provides a thrilling competition for all involved.
Web.com Tour
The Web.com Tour serves as a developmental tour for aspiring professional golfers, offering them an opportunity to gain experience and hone their skills before advancing to higher-level tours. The tour features a range of tournaments across the United States and highlights the next generation of golfing talent.
Panama Championship
The Panama Championship is one of the early events on the Web.com Tour schedule, providing players with an opportunity to kickstart their season. Held at various courses in Panama, the tournament attracts aspiring professionals who are looking to make a name for themselves and earn valuable playing privileges on the tour.
Albertsons Boise Open
The Albertsons Boise Open is a highly regarded tournament on the Web.com Tour. Held at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho, the event attracts a strong field and offers an exciting competition for players and fans. The Albertsons Boise Open provides a great platform for up-and-coming professionals to showcase their skills and compete against their peers.
Web.com Tour Championship
The Web.com Tour Championship serves as the season-ending tournament on the Web.com Tour. Held at the Atlantic Beach Country Club in Florida, the event brings together the top players who have accumulated points throughout the season. The Web.com Tour Championship offers a significant purse and serves as a stepping stone for players aiming to secure their PGA Tour cards for the following season.
The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic
The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic is a unique event on the Web.com Tour schedule, known for its stunning location and challenging course. Played at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course in Great Exuma, Bahamas, the tournament offers players a memorable experience while providing a platform to compete against their peers. The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic showcases the beauty of the Bahamas and attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world.
LECOM Suncoast Classic
The LECOM Suncoast Classic is another highlight on the Web.com Tour schedule. Held at Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, the tournament attracts a strong field and offers an exciting competition for players and fans. The LECOM Suncoast Classic provides an opportunity for aspiring professionals to showcase their abilities and earn valuable tour status.
LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour is the premier women’s professional golf tour in the world, showcasing the incredible talent and skill of female golfers. The tour features a diverse range of tournaments across different countries, highlighting the global appeal of women’s golf.
ANA Inspiration
The ANA Inspiration is one of the most prestigious events on the LPGA Tour schedule, often referred to as the “fifth Major” in women’s golf. Held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, the tournament offers significant prize money and a chance to compete for a coveted green jacket. The ANA Inspiration showcases the best of women’s golf and provides a thrilling competition for players and fans.
U.S. Women’s Open
The U.S. Women’s Open is the premier women’s golf tournament in the United States and one of the oldest championships in women’s golf. Organized by the USGA, the event attracts the top female golfers from around the world. The U.S. Women’s Open is known for its challenging courses and fierce competition, making it a highlight of the LPGA Tour season.
Women’s British Open
The Women’s British Open is the most prestigious championship in women’s golf in the United Kingdom. Played on various links-style courses across the country, the tournament attracts a strong international field and offers a unique and challenging experience for the players. The Women’s British Open showcases the rich history and tradition of the sport in the UK while providing a thrilling competition for all involved.
Evian Championship
The Evian Championship is one of the five Major championships in women’s golf and is held annually in France. The tournament takes place at the Evian Resort Golf Club and features a competitive field of top players from around the world. The Evian Championship offers beautiful views of Lake Geneva and provides a true test of skill and mental fortitude for the golfers.
CME Group Tour Championship
The CME Group Tour Championship serves as the season-ending tournament on the LPGA Tour. Held at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, the event brings together the top players who have accumulated points throughout the season. The CME Group Tour Championship offers significant prize money and determines the season-long winner of the Race to the CME Globe. The tournament provides a thrilling conclusion to the LPGA Tour season.
In conclusion, the world of golf is filled with a diverse range of tournaments, each offering its own unique challenges and opportunities for players. From the prestigious Majors to the developmental tours, golf fans have a plethora of events to follow and enjoy throughout the year. Whether it’s witnessing history at the Masters or supporting local talents in regional tours, the excitement and passion of golf continue to captivate audiences worldwide. So grab your clubs and join in the excitement of these incredible tournaments!