The PGA Tour is home to some of the most prestigious and exciting events in golf. From the Masters to the US Open, these tournaments attract the best players from around the world and generate huge interest from fans and spectators alike. But with so many events on the calendar, it can be hard to keep track of which ones are the biggest and most important. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the biggest events on the PGA Tour, what makes them so special, and why you won’t want to miss them. So, grab your golf clubs and get ready to explore the world of professional golf like never before!

The Major Championships

The Masters Tournament

History and Significance

The Masters Tournament, also known as The Masters, is one of the four major championships in professional golf. It was founded by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones in 1934, and has since become one of the most prestigious events in the sport. The tournament is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, and is known for its challenging course and rich history.

Course Overview

Augusta National Golf Club is a par-72 course that spans 7,435 yards. It is known for its picturesque landscape, including its iconic azalea gardens and towering pines. The course is also known for its difficult holes, including the infamous 11th and 12th holes, which are often referred to as “Amen Corner.”

Notable Winners and Records

The Masters has been won by some of the greatest golfers in history, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer. In addition to these legends, the tournament has also seen many young talents emerge as winners, such as Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth. The tournament record for the lowest score is held by Tiger Woods, who shot a 18-under-par 270 in 1997. Other notable records include Jack Nicklaus’ six wins, and Tiger Woods’ record of four consecutive wins from 1999 to 2002.

US Open Championship

The US Open Championship is one of the four major championships in professional golf, and it is considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport. The first US Open was held in 1895 at the Newport Golf Club in Rhode Island, and since then, it has been held annually, except for during World War I and II. The US Open is played over four days, and it features a field of 156 players who compete for a prize fund of over $12 million.

Course Selection Process

The US Open is played on a variety of courses, ranging from traditional links courses to modern designs. The selection process for the courses is highly competitive, and only a few courses are chosen to host the event each year. The US Open is played on a rotating basis among several courses, and the selection process is based on a variety of factors, including the course’s design, the availability of facilities, and the course’s location.

The US Open has a rich history of winners, and many of the game’s greatest players have won the event. Some of the notable winners include Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. In addition to the winners, the US Open has also produced several records, including the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship, which was shot by Rory McIlroy in 2010. Other notable records include the longest drive in US Open history, which was hit by Bryson DeChambeau in 2019, and the most US Open victories by a player, which was achieved by Willie Anderson in the early 1900s.

The Open Championship

The Open Championship, commonly referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. It was first held in 1860 at the Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, and since then, it has been held annually, except during World War I and World War II. The Open Championship is significant as it is one of the few major championships that are played on a links-style course, which features narrow fairways, thick rough, and challenging weather conditions. The event is considered one of the most prestigious in golf, and it attracts some of the best players from around the world.

Venue Rotation

One of the unique aspects of The Open Championship is the rotation of courses. Unlike the other major championships, which are held at the same course every year, The Open Championship is held at a different course each year. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Muirfield, and Troon are among the most frequent hosts of The Open Championship, but other courses have also hosted the event. The rotation of courses adds to the excitement of the event, as players must adapt to different course conditions and challenges each year.

The Open Championship has a rich history of notable winners and records. Some of the most iconic golfers in history have won the event, including Harry Vardon, Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. In recent years, players such as Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose have also won the event. The Open Championship record for the lowest total score in a single tournament is 264, set by Tommy Armour in 1930. Other notable records include the record for the most victories, which is shared by Harry Vardon and Peter Thomson, both of whom won the event five times.

PGA Championship

The PGA Championship, one of the four major championships in professional golf, was first held in 1916. It was originally known as the PGA National Championship and was contested by club professionals. The event’s name was later changed to the PGA Championship in 1958, and it became open to both club and tour professionals. The PGA Championship is now considered one of the most prestigious events in golf, and it is played annually in late July or early August.

WGC Connections

The PGA Championship is one of the six events that make up the World Golf Championships (WGC) series. The WGC events are considered to be the highest level of professional golf, along with the four major championships. The PGA Championship is the final major of the year and is played in the United States, typically on a course that is set up to challenge the world’s best golfers.

The PGA Championship has a rich history, with some of the greatest golfers of all time having won the event. Some notable winners include:

• Walter Hagen, who won the event five times in the 1920s.
• Ben Hogan, who won the event in 1948 and 1950.
• Jack Nicklaus, who won the event six times between 1960 and 1980.
• Tiger Woods, who won the event in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2007.

The PGA Championship has also seen some impressive records set, such as:

• The lowest 72-hole score in major championship history, 20 under par, set by Rory McIlroy in 2012.
• The largest margin of victory in major championship history, 10 strokes, set by Walter Hagen in 1927.
• The youngest major championship winner, Gene Sarazen, who won the 1927 PGA Championship at the age of 20.

Overall, the PGA Championship is a major event that has a long and storied history, and it continues to be one of the most prestigious events in professional golf.

WGC Events

The Players Championship

The Players Championship, also known as the fifth major, is a prestigious professional golf tournament that was first held in 1974. It is one of the four World Golf Championships (WGC) events and is considered to be one of the most significant events on the PGA Tour. The tournament is hosted by the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and is known for its challenging layout and dramatic finishes.

Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass

The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is a par-72, 7,140-yard course that is designed to test the skills of even the best golfers in the world. The course features a unique island green 17th hole, which has become one of the most iconic holes in golf. The course also features numerous water hazards, bunkers, and strategically placed trees that can impact players’ shots.

The Players Championship has seen some of the biggest names in golf win the tournament, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Jack Nicklaus. Some of the most notable records in the tournament’s history include Greg Norman’s record of 26-under-par in 1996 and David Duval’s record of 270, which he set in 1999. More recently, Rory McIlroy set a new tournament record in 2019 with a score of 264, which included a record-setting 64 in the final round.

WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play

The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is one of the four World Golf Championships held annually. It was first introduced in 1999 and has since become a prestigious event on the PGA Tour. The tournament is played in a match play format, which means that players compete hole by hole, and the winner is determined by the number of holes won, rather than the total score.

Format and Rules

The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is a 64-player field, with the top 64 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) qualifying for the event. The tournament is played over four days, with the first two days consisting of 16 four-ball matches and 16 foursome matches. The remaining 32 players then compete in a single-elimination match play format until the final match is played on Sunday.

The match play format has several unique rules, such as the possibility of a player being “halved” or tied after 18 holes. In the event of a tie, the match continues until one player wins the next hole, and the process repeats until a winner is determined.

The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play has seen some of the world’s top golfers lift the trophy, including Tiger Woods, who has won the event three times. Other notable winners include Phil Mickelson, who has won the event twice, and Bubba Watson, who won the tournament in 2018.

The tournament has also seen some impressive records, such as the largest comeback in match play history, when Geoff Ogilvy came back from 4 down with 6 to play to win his match against Jim Furyk in 2006.

Overall, the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is a highly anticipated event on the PGA Tour, with a unique format and a rich history of top-level golf.

WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational

The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, formerly known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic, is a professional golf tournament that has been held annually since 1958. The event is part of the World Golf Championships (WGC) series, which consists of four prestigious tournaments held throughout the year. The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational is one of two WGC events held in the United States, alongside the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

The tournament has a rich history, with some of golf’s greatest players having won the event. The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational is played at the TPC Southwind course in Memphis, Tennessee, and is known for its challenging layout and tight fairways.

TPC Southwind Course Overview

TPC Southwind is a par-70, 7,244-yard golf course designed by Stan Lee and his father, Charles Blake. The course features a unique layout with several holes that run parallel to each other, creating a links-like feel. The fairways are relatively narrow, with many water hazards and strategically placed bunkers that can test even the best golfers.

The course also features several elevation changes, with some holes situated on higher ground providing spectacular views of the surrounding area. The final hole, a par-5, is particularly challenging, with a narrow landing area for the second shot and a green that is well-guarded by bunkers.

The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational has seen some of golf’s greatest players lift the trophy, including legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods. In recent years, the likes of Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, and Rory McIlroy have claimed victory at the event.

Some notable records at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational include Tiger Woods’ record-breaking win in 1997, when he became the youngest player to win a major championship at the age of 21. Additionally, Phil Mickelson holds the record for the most top-10 finishes at the event, with eight.

Overall, the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational is a prestigious tournament that showcases the best golfers in the world and provides a challenging test for even the most experienced players.

The FedEx Cup Playoffs

The FedEx Cup

The FedEx Cup is a season-long competition on the PGA Tour that culminates with the Playoffs, a series of four events that determine the FedEx Cup champion. The FedEx Cup was introduced in 2007 and is named after its sponsor, FedEx Corporation.

Concept and Format

The FedEx Cup is a points-based system that awards points to golfers for their performances in PGA Tour events throughout the season. The points are accumulated and the top 125 golfers qualify for the Playoffs. The FedEx Cup champion is determined by the results of the Playoffs.

Points System

The points system for the FedEx Cup is based on a golfer’s finish in an event. The winner of an event receives 500 points, while the player who finishes in second receives 300 points, and so on. The points awarded for a tournament are doubled for the four Playoff events.

Playoff Events

The Playoffs consist of four events, which are all FedEx Cup events:

1. The Northern Trust: The first event of the Playoffs, held in August at the TPC Boston in Massachusetts.
2. The BMW Championship: The second event of the Playoffs, held in August at a different course each year.
3. The Tour Championship: The third event of the Playoffs, held in August at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.
4. The FedEx Cup Playoffs Finale: The final event of the Playoffs, held in August at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The top 30 golfers in the FedEx Cup standings qualify for this event, and the winner of the event is crowned the FedEx Cup champion.

FedEx Cup Playoffs Events

The FedEx Cup Playoffs is a series of four golf tournaments that make up the end of the PGA Tour season. These events determine the FedEx Cup champion, who is crowned at the TOUR Championship. Here’s a closer look at each of the events in the FedEx Cup Playoffs:

The Northern Trust

The Northern Trust is the first event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and is held at a different course each year. The field is made up of the top 125 players in the FedEx Cup standings following the regular season. The tournament is a standard 72-hole event, with a cut after 36 holes. The winner of The Northern Trust earns 2,000 FedEx Cup points and a spot in the BMW Championship.

BMW Championship

The BMW Championship is the second event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and is held at a course that is typically a par 72. The field is made up of the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings following The Northern Trust. The tournament is a standard 72-hole event, with a cut after 36 holes. The winner of the BMW Championship earns 3,000 FedEx Cup points and a spot in the TOUR Championship.

TOUR Championship

The TOUR Championship is the final event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and is held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The field is made up of the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings following the BMW Championship. The tournament is a standard 72-hole event, with a cut after 36 holes. The winner of the TOUR Championship is crowned the FedEx Cup champion and earns 4,500 FedEx Cup points.

In addition to the FedEx Cup points, winners of each event also earn a significant amount of money and prestige. The purse for each event is in the millions of dollars, with the winner taking home a large portion of the prize money. Winning a FedEx Cup Playoffs event is a major accomplishment and can solidify a player’s place in golf history.

Other PGA Tour Events

The Players

The Players Championship, also known as The Players, is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It was first held in 1974 and is considered one of the most prestigious events on the tour. The tournament is held annually at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is a par-72 course that spans 7,189 yards. It is known for its challenging design, featuring narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large greens. The course also features one of the most iconic holes in golf, the 17th hole, which is known as the “Island Green” due to its small green surrounded by a lake.

The Players Championship has a long history of notable winners, including Tiger Woods, who has won the tournament three times, and Phil Mickelson, who has won it twice. Other notable winners include David Duval, Fred Couples, and Adam Scott. The tournament has also seen several records set, including the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship by Jack Nicklaus in 1986. In recent years, players such as Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm have established themselves as favorites to win the tournament.

World Golf Championships

The World Golf Championships (WGC) are a series of four annual golf tournaments that are sanctioned by the PGA Tour, European Tour, and the International Federation of PGA Tours. These events are considered among the most prestigious in the world of golf, and they attract the best players from around the globe. The four WGC events are:

WGC-Mexico Championship

The WGC-Mexico Championship is one of the newest events on the PGA Tour, having first been held in 2017. It is played at the Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City, and it is the first WGC event to be held in Latin America. The course is a par-71, 7,333-yard layout that is known for its challenging greens and narrow fairways.

WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play

The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is one of the most unique events on the PGA Tour. Instead of playing a traditional stroke play format, the tournament is contested using a match play system. This means that players compete hole by hole, with the winner of each hole earning a point. The tournament is played at the Austin Country Club in Texas, and it has been held there since 2016.

WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational

The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational is held at the TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. It is a four-day tournament that features a field of 70 players, and it is one of the most well-attended events on the PGA Tour. The course is a par-70, 7,244-yard layout that is known for its challenging greens and tight fairways.

Overall, the World Golf Championships are a series of four elite golf tournaments that are played around the world. They attract the best players in the world, and they are known for their challenging courses and high level of competition. Whether you are a fan of golf or just interested in learning more about the sport, the WGC events are a great place to start.

PGA Tour Champions Events

The Players Championship

The Players Championship is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, and it is played annually at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The tournament was first held in 1974 and has since become known for its challenging course design and high level of competition. The event features a purse of $15 million, making it one of the richest prizes in golf.

Senior Players Championship

The Senior Players Championship is a senior major championship on the PGA Tour Champions. It is played annually in July and is open to golfers aged 50 and over. The tournament was first held in 1983 and is played at various courses around the United States. The Senior Players Championship has a purse of $3 million and is considered one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour Champions.

U.S. Senior Open

The U.S. Senior Open is the national championship for golfers aged 50 and over in the United States. It is organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is played annually in June or July. The tournament was first held in 1980 and is played at various courses around the United States. The U.S. Senior Open has a purse of $7.5 million and is considered one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour Champions.

Other PGA Tour Events

While the events mentioned in the previous section are considered the biggest and most prestigious on the PGA Tour, there are several other events that also hold significant importance and draw top talent. Some of these events include:

Arnold Palmer Invitational

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is held annually at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. It was founded by Arnold Palmer in 1972 and has since become one of the most well-respected events on the PGA Tour. The course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways and plenty of water hazards.

The event has a strong field, with many of the world’s top golfers competing each year. Past winners include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy. The tournament also has a charitable component, with proceeds going to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center and other local charities.

The Genesis Invitational

The Genesis Invitational is held annually at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. It was founded in 1926 and has a rich history, with some of the game’s greatest players having won the event. The course is a par-71, 7,305-yard layout that features narrow fairways and small greens.

The event has a strong field, with many of the world’s top golfers competing each year. Past winners include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson. The tournament also has a charitable component, with proceeds going to various local and national charities.

THE PLAYERS Championship is held annually at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. It was founded in 1974 and is considered one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour. The course is a par-72, 7,189-yard layout that features the famous 17th hole, which is known as the “Island Green.”

The event has a strong field, with many of the world’s top golfers competing each year. Past winners include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy. The tournament also has a charitable component, with proceeds going to various local and national charities.

Overall, these events are an important part of the PGA Tour schedule and provide golf fans with some of the best golfing action throughout the year.

The Future of PGA Tour Events

Potential Changes and Innovations

• Increased use of technology to enhance fan experience and improve player performance
• Introduction of new tournament formats to increase fan engagement and excitement
• Expansion into new markets and countries to increase global reach and appeal

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

• Implementation of sustainable practices and initiatives to reduce environmental impact of tournaments
• Partnerships with environmental organizations to promote sustainability and conservation efforts
• Use of eco-friendly materials and technologies to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainability

Growing the Game

• Increased emphasis on youth development and junior golf programs to cultivate future talent
• Partnerships with local communities and schools to promote golf as a positive and inclusive sport
• Outreach and engagement efforts to diversify the sport and make it more accessible to all
• Use of social media and digital platforms to reach new audiences and grow the game’s popularity

FAQs

1. What are the biggest events on the PGA Tour?

The biggest events on the PGA Tour include the four major championships: the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. These events are considered the most prestigious in golf and attract the strongest fields of the year.

2. What is the Masters Tournament?

The Masters Tournament is one of the four major championships in golf and is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. It is traditionally the first major of the year and is known for its iconic azalea-lined fairways and challenging holes.

3. What is the U.S. Open?

The U.S. Open is one of the four major championships in golf and is held annually in June. The tournament rotates between various courses around the United States and is known for its difficult course setups and unpredictable weather conditions.

4. What is The Open Championship?

The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is one of the four major championships in golf and is held annually in the United Kingdom. It is the oldest of the four majors and is played on a variety of links courses, which are known for their windy conditions and challenging holes.

5. What is the PGA Championship?

The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in golf and is held annually in May. It is the final major of the year and is known for its challenging course setups and strong fields. The tournament is rotated between various courses around the United States.