Tournament Guide
Your complete resource for understanding golf competitions - from local club events to major championships.
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The Four Majors
The most prestigious events in professional golf
The Masters
Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
PGA Championship
Rotating Venues, USA
U.S. Open
Rotating Venues, USA
The Open Championship
Rotating Links Courses, UK
Professional Tours
Where the world's best compete every week
PGA Tour
The premier professional golf tour in North America, featuring the world's top players competing for the largest purses in golf.
DP World Tour
International professional golf tour with events across six continents. Formerly the European Tour.
Korn Ferry Tour
The official developmental tour for the PGA Tour. Top performers earn their PGA Tour cards.
LPGA Tour
The world's premier professional golf tour for women, featuring the best female golfers from around the globe.
LIV Golf
A team-based golf league featuring 54-hole events, shotgun starts, and lucrative purses for both individuals and teams.
Tournament Formats
Different ways to compete and score
Stroke Play
Most common format - total strokes over all rounds determine the winner.
- 72 holes (4 rounds)
- Cut after 36 holes
- Lowest score wins
Match Play
Head-to-head format where holes won/lost determine advancement.
- Bracket elimination
- Win holes, not strokes
- WGC Match Play
Scramble
Team format where all players play from the best shot.
- 2-4 player teams
- Best ball selection
- Fun charity format
Stableford
Points-based system rewarding aggressive play.
- Eagle = 5 pts
- Birdie = 3 pts
- Highest total wins
Qualification Process
How to earn your spot in the field
Build Your Amateur Record
Excel in junior, college, or adult amateur competitions. Win state and regional events.
Turn Professional
Declare professional status, forfeit amateur eligibility, and start earning prize money.
Mini-Tours & Development
Gain experience on PGA Tour Americas, Latinoamérica, or local mini-tours.
Q-School & Korn Ferry
Qualify through Q-School or earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour.
PGA Tour
Finish Top 30 on Korn Ferry to earn your PGA Tour card and compete with the best.
Amateur Golf
Competitive golf for non-professionals
National Level
- • U.S. Amateur Championship
- • U.S. Mid-Amateur
- • U.S. Senior Amateur
- • U.S. Women's Amateur
- • Walker Cup (Team)
Regional Level
- • State Amateur Championships
- • Regional USGA Qualifiers
- • GAM Championships
- • Sectional Qualifiers
- • Multi-state Amateurs
Local Level
- • Club Championships
- • Member-Guest Events
- • Local Association Events
- • Pro-Am Tournaments
- • Charity Tournaments
Tournament Prep
Get ready to compete at your best
Before the Event
- Play practice rounds and study the course layout
- Check and pack backup equipment
- Physical conditioning and stretching routine
- Mental preparation and visualization
- Review local rules and conditions
During the Event
- Stick to your pre-shot routine
- Stay hydrated and maintain energy levels
- Smart course management over hero shots
- Stay patient - it's a marathon, not a sprint
- Positive body language and mindset