Golf is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and the professional golf tours in the country are some of the most prestigious in the world. With so many different tours to choose from, it can be hard to keep track of them all. In this article, we’ll explore the various professional golf tours that take place in the US, from the PGA Tour to the LPGA Tour and beyond. We’ll discuss the history of each tour, their unique characteristics, and what makes them special. So, grab your golf clubs and get ready to tee off into the world of professional golf tours in the United States!
The Big Three: Major Professional Golf Tours in the US
The PGA Tour
Origins and history
The PGA Tour is the premier professional golf tour in the United States, founded in 1916. Originally known as the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) of America Tour, it was later renamed the PGA Tour to reflect its global reach. The tour’s history is rich with legendary players, memorable moments, and prestigious events that have shaped the sport of golf.
Tournament structure
The PGA Tour hosts over 40 events each year, including four major championships: the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. These major championships are considered the pinnacle of achievement in professional golf and attract the top players from around the world. In addition to the majors, the tour features various tournament categories, such as the FedEx Cup Playoffs, World Golf Championships, and the Players Championship.
Eligibility and qualification
To be eligible for the PGA Tour, a player must have a professional golf status and meet certain criteria. The primary way to obtain tour status is by earning points through participating in PGA Tour-sanctioned events, including the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly known as the Web.com Tour). Other ways to earn tour status include winning on other major professional tours, such as the European Tour or Japan Golf Tour, or by being a past major champion or World Golf Hall of Fame member.
TV coverage and sponsorships
The PGA Tour has a strong presence in the media, with extensive TV coverage provided by major networks such as CBS, NBC, and ESPN. These networks air tournaments throughout the season, reaching a massive audience and contributing significantly to the tour’s success. Additionally, the tour has numerous sponsors and partners, including major brands like FedEx, BMW, and Rolex, which help fund the events and contribute to the overall financial stability of the tour.
The LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour, also known as the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, was founded in 1950 by 13 women golfers, including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who was a World Golf Hall of Fame member. The LPGA Tour was created as a response to the discrimination women golfers faced in trying to compete in men’s professional tournaments.
The LPGA Tour features a series of events throughout the year, with the majority of tournaments taking place in the United States. The schedule typically includes 34-36 events, with the top 34 events offering official money and points towards the Player of the Year race. The LPGA Tour also has international events, with stops in Canada, China, and the United Kingdom, among others.
To be eligible to play on the LPGA Tour, a golfer must have a valid LPGA Tour membership and meet certain criteria. Most golfers gain membership through one of two ways: either by finishing in the top 10 at an LPGA Tour event, or by meeting the LPGA’s performance list criteria, which includes having a low official world golf ranking and a minimum number of events played.
The LPGA Tour has a strong presence on television, with broadcast partners such as Golf Channel and NBC providing extensive coverage of its events. In addition, the tour has a number of high-profile sponsors, including Rolex, CME Group, and IBM, which help fund the tour’s events and provide additional exposure for the players.
The Champions Tour
The Champions Tour, formerly known as the Senior PGA Tour, was established in 1980 as a professional golf tour designed specifically for players aged 50 and above. The tour was created to provide opportunities for older golfers to continue competing at a high level and showcase their skills. Over the years, the Champions Tour has become one of the most prestigious and respected tours in professional golf, with a rich history of legendary players and memorable moments.
The Champions Tour features a series of tournaments held throughout the United States, with a few international events as well. The tournaments are typically 54-hole events, with a cut after the second round to determine the top 70 players and ties. The winner of each tournament earns a trophy and a share of the prize money, which is typically several hundred thousand dollars. In addition to individual events, the Champions Tour also features team events and skills challenges, such as the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf and the Walmart Classic.
To be eligible for the Champions Tour, players must be at least 50 years old by the start of the calendar year in which they wish to compete. Some players may also qualify through certain medical exemptions or by finishing in the top 10 in previous Champions Tour events. Players who have played on the PGA Tour or other major professional golf tours are also eligible to compete on the Champions Tour.
The Champions Tour has a strong presence on television, with many of its events receiving extensive coverage on major networks such as CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel. The tour has also secured a number of high-profile sponsors, including major golf equipment manufacturers and financial institutions. These sponsorships help to fund the tour’s operations and provide additional prize money for the players. Overall, the Champions Tour has become a staple of professional golf in the United States and a beloved institution among golf fans around the world.
The Minor Leagues: Other Professional Golf Tours in the US
The Korn Ferry Tour
The Korn Ferry Tour, formerly known as the Nationwide Tour, is a minor league professional golf tour in the United States. It was founded in 1990 and is operated by the PGA Tour. The tour is designed to provide a pathway for aspiring professional golfers to advance to the PGA Tour.
The Korn Ferry Tour hosts a series of tournaments throughout the year, with most events taking place in the United States. The schedule typically includes around 25 tournaments, with the season culminating in the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. The tour also features a few international events, which are held in countries such as Canada, China, and Australia.
To be eligible to play on the Korn Ferry Tour, a golfer must have either turned professional or completed their college eligibility. Most players on the tour are former college golfers or players who have been playing professionally on smaller tours.
To earn points towards official money list rankings, players must finish in the top 10 at a tournament or in a designated money round. Points are also awarded for making the cut in tournaments. At the end of the season, the top 50 players on the money list earn status on the PGA Tour for the following season.
The Korn Ferry Tour has a television package that includes a weekly show on the Golf Channel, as well as live coverage of the final round of each tournament. The tour also has a number of sponsors, including Korn Ferry, who serve as the title sponsor of the tour. Other sponsors include the RBC Canadian Open, the Barbasol Championship, and the Lecom Suncoast Classic.
The Web.com Tour
The Web.com Tour, formerly known as the Nationwide Tour, was established in 1990 as a developmental tour for aspiring PGA Tour players. It was created to provide a platform for talented golfers who were struggling to make a name for themselves on the PGA Tour. Over the years, the Web.com Tour has produced numerous PGA Tour winners, including major champions and Ryder Cup players.
The Web.com Tour consists of a series of 24 events played across the United States. The season typically runs from January to September, with most tournaments being played over the weekend. The events range from 72-hole stroke play tournaments to 54-hole events, with the latter being played on shorter courses. The Web.com Tour also features a unique team event called the “Champions Classic,” which pits two-player teams against each other in a Ryder Cup-style format.
To be eligible for the Web.com Tour, golfers must have either played in at least 15 official money events on the PGA Tour or have earned at least $10,000 in prize money on the Web.com Tour in the previous year. Golfers who have never played on the PGA Tour but have won on the Web.com Tour can also gain membership through a tournament exemption or by finishing high enough in the money list.
The Web.com Tour has enjoyed increased exposure in recent years, thanks to a partnership with the PGA Tour. In 2013, the PGA Tour acquired the Web.com Tour, and as a result, the tour now benefits from increased television coverage and sponsorship opportunities. Many Web.com Tour events are now broadcast on the Golf Channel, and the tour has attracted new sponsors such as the RSM Classic and the Barbasol Championship.
Overall, the Web.com Tour provides a valuable platform for aspiring PGA Tour players to hone their skills and gain experience. Its unique structure and team event have helped to make it a popular tour among golf fans and players alike.
The Symetra Tour
The Symetra Tour, formerly known as the LPGA Symetra Tour, was established in 1982 as a developmental tour for women golfers looking to advance to the LPGA Tour. The tour was created by the LPGA to provide a platform for aspiring professional golfers to hone their skills and gain experience in a competitive environment. Over the years, the Symetra Tour has evolved into a standalone tour with its own unique identity and mission.
The Symetra Tour consists of a series of 24 tournaments held across the United States, with most events taking place in the spring and summer months. The tournaments vary in size and format, with some events featuring a 54-hole stroke play format, while others are played over three rounds of stroke play with a cut after 36 holes. In addition, the tour also includes a team event, the Island Resort Championship, which features two-player teams competing in a scramble format.
To be eligible to compete on the Symetra Tour, golfers must have a Handicap Index of 2.0 or lower and must have reached the age of 18 by the start of the calendar year. Golfers can gain entry into Symetra Tour events through various means, including qualifying tournaments, sponsor exemptions, and by finishing high in the money at other professional golf events.
The Symetra Tour has a partnership with the Golf Channel, which provides television coverage of many of its events. This exposure has helped to raise the profile of the tour and attract new sponsors. Many of the tournaments on the Symetra Tour are sponsored by companies in the golf industry, as well as by local businesses and organizations. The tour also has a number of official partners, including Titleist, FootJoy, and Lexus, which provide support and resources to the players.
The PGA Tour Champions
The PGA Tour Champions is a professional golf tour designed for players who are 50 years old and above. It was founded in 1980 as the Senior PGA Tour, and later rebranded as the Champions Tour in 2003. The tour has a rich history, with some of the most legendary golfers in the world having competed on it.
The PGA Tour Champions features a series of tournaments held throughout the United States, with most events taking place in the southeast and southwest regions. The tour consists of around 27 events, with the season culminating in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which determines the tour’s season-long champion.
To be eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, a golfer must be at least 50 years old and have played in at least 20 PGA Tour events, including at least one event in the previous five years. Additionally, golfers must have either reached the age of 48 and won a PGA Tour event or reached the age of 45 and played in at least 15 major championships.
The PGA Tour Champions has a dedicated TV audience, with many of its events being broadcast on major networks such as CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel. The tour has also secured numerous sponsorships over the years, with major brands such as Charles Schwab, Bass Pro Shops, and American Family Insurance among its biggest backers. These sponsorships have helped to increase the tour’s visibility and credibility, attracting top talent and growing its fan base.
Specialized Tours: Niche Professional Golf Tours in the US
The LPGA Developmental Tour
The LPGA Developmental Tour, formerly known as the LPGA Futures Tour, was established in 1989 to provide a platform for aspiring female golfers to develop their skills and advance to the LPGA Tour. The tour was created to address the need for a more accessible pathway for young professionals to showcase their talents and earn points to gain entry into the prestigious LPGA Tour.
The LPGA Developmental Tour typically hosts between 16 to 20 events per season, with most tournaments consisting of 54-hole competitions. The events are spread across the United States, with a few international stops. The tour’s schedule is designed to accommodate the development of players while minimizing conflicts with other professional golf tours.
To be eligible to compete on the LPGA Developmental Tour, players must have a Handicap Index of 2.0 or lower, and meet the minimum tournament competition requirements set by the LPGA. Many players transitioning from college golf or other amateur circuits find the Developmental Tour to be an ideal stepping stone towards achieving their goals on the LPGA Tour.
The LPGA Developmental Tour has seen an increase in sponsorship and media exposure over the years, with many events being broadcast on television and streaming platforms. This increased visibility has attracted more sponsors and allowed the tour to offer higher purses, making it an attractive option for young professionals looking to establish their careers in golf.
By participating in the LPGA Developmental Tour, players can gain valuable experience, improve their skills, and work towards their ultimate goal of competing on the LPGA Tour. The tour provides a crucial link in the development of women’s professional golf, ensuring that the next generation of stars has a strong foundation to build upon.
The PGA Tour Canada
The PGA Tour Canada is a professional golf tour in Canada that was founded in 1919. Originally known as the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA), it was created to promote and organize professional golf tournaments across the country. The tour was later rebranded as the PGA Tour Canada in 2013, aligning it with the more prominent PGA Tour in the United States.
The PGA Tour Canada hosts a series of tournaments throughout the golf season, which typically runs from April to October. The schedule consists of around 12 events, with most tournaments taking place in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. The tour’s season culminates with the Mackenzie Tour Championship, which awards a $100,000 purse to the winner.
To be eligible for the PGA Tour Canada, players must meet certain criteria. First, they must have a Handicap Index of 3.0 or lower, as determined by their local golf association. Additionally, they must have played in a minimum of six Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) events in the previous two years, or have played in a minimum of 10 PGA Tour Canada events in the previous two years. Players who do not meet these requirements may still apply for a medical exemption or a tour exemption based on their professional golf experience.
The PGA Tour Canada has partnerships with various television networks, including TSN and RDS, which provide extensive coverage of its events. These broadcasts reach a wide audience across Canada, as well as in the United States through online streaming services. The tour also secures sponsorships from several major companies, which help fund its tournaments and contribute to the overall prize purses. Notable sponsors include Mackenzie Investments, Syncrude, and BDO Canada.
The PGA Tour Latinoamérica
The PGA Tour Latinoamérica is a professional golf tour that was established in 2012 to provide a platform for talented golfers from Latin America and the Caribbean to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level. The tour was created as a result of the growing popularity of golf in the region and the need for a more structured and organized professional golf circuit.
The PGA Tour Latinoamérica features a series of tournaments that are played throughout the year in various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. The tour’s schedule typically includes around 10-12 events, with each event offering a purse of approximately $500,000. The tournaments are designed to test the skills of the golfers in a variety of conditions, from windy coastal courses to high-altitude mountain courses.
To be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica, golfers must have a minimum official world golf ranking (OWGR) of 500 or higher. In addition, golfers must also meet certain residency requirements, with a minimum of 12 months residency in Latin America or the Caribbean within the past three years.
Golfers who do not meet the OWGR or residency requirements may still be eligible to compete in certain events through sponsor exemptions or other forms of invitation.
The PGA Tour Latinoamérica has partnerships with a number of television networks and online platforms to provide coverage of its events to a global audience. These partnerships have helped to increase the visibility of the tour and attract new sponsors and partners.
In addition to its television partnerships, the PGA Tour Latinoamérica also has a number of official sponsors and partners, including major golf equipment manufacturers and apparel brands. These sponsorships provide important financial support for the tour and help to raise its profile within the golf industry.
The PGA Tour China
The PGA Tour China is a professional golf tour that was established in 2014. It is a subsidiary of the PGA Tour, which is the primary professional golf tour in the United States. The PGA Tour China was created to provide a platform for aspiring professional golfers in China to showcase their skills and gain exposure to the international golf community.
The PGA Tour China hosts a series of tournaments throughout the year, with the majority of the events taking place in China. The tour consists of a series of 14 events, with each event featuring a field of 126 players. The tournaments are held over four rounds, with the winner being determined by the lowest total score over the four rounds.
To be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour China, players must have a handicap of 2 or lower. Additionally, players must be amateurs or professionals who have not yet earned enough money to qualify for the PGA Tour. Players can also gain entry into the tour through various qualifying tournaments that are held throughout the year.
The PGA Tour China has a broadcasting agreement with several major television networks in China, including CCTV and Dragon TV. This has helped to increase the exposure of the tour and attract more sponsors. The tour has also attracted a number of major sponsors, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, among others. The sponsorship money has helped to increase the prize money on offer, making the tour more attractive to players.
The PGA Tour Australia
The PGA Tour Australia, formerly known as the OneAsia Tour, was established in 2009 with the goal of promoting professional golf in Australia and the surrounding region. The tour was created by a group of investors who saw an opportunity to develop a professional golf circuit in the region, which had been largely overlooked by the global golfing community.
The PGA Tour Australia features a series of tournaments throughout the year, with a mix of events in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries in the region. The tour features a variety of tournament formats, including stroke play, match play, and team events. The tour also features a number of major championships, including the Australian Open, the Australian PGA Championship, and the Australian Masters.
To be eligible to play on the PGA Tour Australia, players must have a handicap of 0 or lower, and must be members of a recognized golf club or association. Players can also qualify for events through various local and regional qualifying tournaments, or by earning points on the tour’s order of merit.
The PGA Tour Australia has secured a number of television broadcast deals, including agreements with major networks in Australia and the surrounding region. The tour has also attracted a number of high-profile sponsors, including major golf equipment manufacturers and other corporate partners. This has helped to increase the profile of the tour and has provided valuable financial support for the organization.
The Future of Professional Golf Tours in the US
Emerging trends and technologies
As technology continues to advance, professional golf tours in the United States are incorporating new innovations to enhance the fan experience, improve player performance, and streamline operations. Some of the emerging trends and technologies in professional golf include:
- Virtual and augmented reality: Professional golf tours are exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality to provide fans with an immersive experience. For example, virtual reality simulations can allow fans to experience what it’s like to play a hole on a golf course, while augmented reality can provide real-time data and insights to players during a tournament.
- Advanced analytics: The use of advanced analytics is becoming increasingly popular in professional golf. By collecting and analyzing data on factors such as swing mechanics, ball spin, and shot placement, players and coaches can gain insights into their performance and make data-driven decisions to improve their game.
- Wearable technology: Wearable technology such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are being used by professional golfers to monitor their physical performance and track their progress over time. This data can be used to optimize training and improve overall health and wellness.
- Green technology: Professional golf tours are also embracing green technology to reduce their environmental impact. For example, some courses are using sustainable turf and irrigation systems, while others are implementing recycling programs to reduce waste.
- Enhanced fan experiences: Professional golf tours are also exploring new ways to enhance the fan experience. For example, some courses are offering interactive exhibits and experiences, while others are using social media and other digital platforms to engage with fans and provide behind-the-scenes access to tournaments.
Overall, these emerging trends and technologies are transforming the world of professional golf tours in the United States, providing new opportunities for growth and innovation while also addressing important social and environmental issues.
Challenges and opportunities
The future of professional golf tours in the United States is a complex and dynamic landscape, filled with both challenges and opportunities. Here are some of the key factors that will shape the future of professional golf in the US:
Increasing competition from other sports
One of the biggest challenges facing professional golf in the US is increasing competition from other sports. With the rise of popularity in sports like soccer, basketball, and football, golf faces stiff competition for the attention of fans and sponsors. To remain relevant, professional golf tours will need to continue to innovate and offer unique experiences that cannot be found in other sports.
Changing technology and its impact on the game
Another challenge facing professional golf is the rapid pace of technological change. Advancements in equipment and training techniques have made the game more competitive than ever before, but they have also made it more difficult for golfers to stand out from the crowd. To stay ahead of the curve, professional golf tours will need to embrace new technologies and find ways to differentiate themselves from other sports.
The growth of the global golf market
Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities for professional golf tours in the US. The global golf market is growing rapidly, and the US remains one of the most important markets for golf-related products and services. To capitalize on this growth, professional golf tours will need to expand their reach and build relationships with international partners.
The rise of social media and its impact on golf
Social media has also played a major role in the growth of professional golf in the US. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have given golfers a direct line of communication with fans, and they have helped to build a community of golf enthusiasts around the world. To take advantage of this trend, professional golf tours will need to continue to invest in social media and find new ways to engage with fans online.
The need for innovation and change
Finally, to remain relevant in the years to come, professional golf tours in the US will need to embrace innovation and change. This may mean experimenting with new formats, incorporating new technologies, or finding new ways to engage with fans and sponsors. By staying ahead of the curve, professional golf tours can ensure that they remain an important part of the sporting landscape in the US for years to come.
Potential changes and innovations
The future of professional golf tours in the United States is filled with potential changes and innovations. As the sport continues to evolve, new technologies and ideas are being explored to enhance the fan experience and increase the competitiveness of the sport.
One potential change that is being considered is the implementation of a world golf ranking system. This system would rank players based on their performance in various tournaments, creating a more transparent and fair ranking system. This would also provide more opportunities for players to compete against each other and improve their rankings.
Another potential innovation is the use of technology to enhance the fan experience. This could include the use of virtual reality to provide fans with a more immersive experience, or the use of data analytics to provide fans with real-time statistics and insights into the game.
In addition, there is a growing trend towards sustainability in professional golf. Many tournaments are now taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as using eco-friendly golf balls and reducing waste. This not only helps to protect the environment, but also helps to promote a positive image for the sport.
Overall, the future of professional golf tours in the United States is filled with potential changes and innovations that will continue to shape the sport and enhance the fan experience. Whether it’s through new technologies, sustainable practices, or a more transparent ranking system, the future of golf looks bright.
FAQs
1. How many professional golf tours are there in the US?
There are several professional golf tours in the United States, including the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, the Champions Tour, the Web.com Tour, and the PGA Tour Champions. These tours feature both male and female professional golfers, as well as senior golfers, and offer a variety of tournaments and events throughout the year.
2. What is the PGA Tour?
The PGA Tour is one of the most well-known professional golf tours in the United States. It features male professional golfers and offers a wide range of tournaments, including the four major championships: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship. The PGA Tour also has a strong following among golf fans and attracts a large number of spectators to its events.
3. What is the LPGA Tour?
The LPGA Tour is the premier professional golf tour for women in the United States. It features female professional golfers and offers a variety of tournaments throughout the year, including the four major championships: the ANA Inspiration, the Women’s British Open, the Evian Championship, and the U.S. Women’s Open. The LPGA Tour has a strong following among golf fans and attracts a large number of spectators to its events.
4. What is the Champions Tour?
The Champions Tour is a professional golf tour for senior golfers in the United States. It features male professional golfers who are 50 years of age or older and offers a variety of tournaments throughout the year. The Champions Tour has a strong following among golf fans and attracts a large number of spectators to its events.
5. What is the Web.com Tour?
The Web.com Tour is a professional golf tour for male and female professional golfers in the United States. It is often considered a stepping stone for golfers looking to move up to the PGA Tour and offers a variety of tournaments throughout the year. The Web.com Tour has a growing following among golf fans and attracts a large number of spectators to its events.
6. What is the PGA Tour Champions?
The PGA Tour Champions is a professional golf tour for senior golfers in the United States. It features male professional golfers who are 50 years of age or older and offers a variety of tournaments throughout the year. The PGA Tour Champions has a strong following among golf fans and attracts a large number of spectators to its events.