The world of professional golf tours in the United States is a fascinating one, filled with talented players, iconic courses, and millions of fans. From the PGA Tour to the LPGA Tour, there are a variety of circuits that attract the best golfers from around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top pro golf tours in the US, exploring their history, format, and the stars who have made them famous. So grab your golf clubs and get ready to tee off on a journey through the thrilling world of professional golf in the United States.
Introduction to Professional Golf Tours
What is a professional golf tour?
A professional golf tour is a series of golf tournaments that are organized and played by professional golfers. These tours are designed to provide a platform for professional golfers to showcase their skills, earn a living, and compete against other top golfers in the world.
The purpose of professional golf tours is to promote the sport of golf, provide opportunities for professional golfers to earn a living, and to entertain golf fans around the world. These tours offer significant financial rewards to the winners and attract a large number of spectators, making them a significant contributor to the growth and popularity of the sport.
Professional golf tours in the United States include the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, the Champions Tour, and the Web.com Tour, among others. These tours are highly competitive and attract the best golfers from around the world, making them a vital part of the professional golf landscape.
Types of professional golf tours
There are several professional golf tours in the United States that attract some of the best golfers from around the world. These tours offer different levels of competition and prize money, catering to players of varying skill levels and experience. In this section, we will take a closer look at the different types of professional golf tours in the United States.
PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the most prestigious and highest-level professional golf tour in the United States. It attracts the best golfers from around the world, including major champions, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players, and rising stars. The PGA Tour features a diverse range of tournaments, including the four major championships: the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship. The PGA Tour also has a comprehensive FedExCup playoff system, which culminates in the FedExCup Championship, where the top 30 players in the standings compete for a $15 million prize.
LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour is the premier professional golf tour for women in the United States. It features some of the best female golfers in the world, including major champions, Solheim Cup players, and rising stars. The LPGA Tour has a diverse range of tournaments, including the four major championships: the ANA Inspiration, U.S. Women’s Open, Evian Championship, and Women’s British Open. The LPGA Tour also has a comprehensive Race to the CME Globe, which culminates in the CME Group Tour Championship, where the top 60 players in the standings compete for a $1.5 million prize.
PGA Champions Tour
The PGA Champions Tour is a professional golf tour for players over the age of 50. It features some of the greatest golfers of all time, including major champions, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players, and senior stars. The PGA Champions Tour has a diverse range of tournaments, including the Charles Schwab Series, which features 18 events throughout the season. The PGA Champions Tour also has a comprehensive Charles Schwab Cup playoff system, which culminates in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, where the top 36 players in the standings compete for a $1 million prize.
LPGA Legends Tour
The LPGA Legends Tour is a professional golf tour for women over the age of 45. It features some of the greatest female golfers of all time, including major champions, Solheim Cup players, and senior stars. The LPGA Legends Tour has a diverse range of tournaments, including the Legends Master, which features 12 events throughout the season. The LPGA Legends Tour also has a comprehensive Legends Race to the CME Globe, which culminates in the CME Group Legends Championship, where the top 60 players in the standings compete for a $500,000 prize.
Korn Ferry Tour
The Korn Ferry Tour is a professional golf tour for players who have not yet qualified for the PGA Tour. It features some of the best up-and-coming golfers in the world, as well as experienced players looking to regain their PGA Tour card. The Korn Ferry Tour has a diverse range of tournaments, including the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, which offers a prize fund of $2 million. The top 25 players on the Korn Ferry Tour money list at the end of the season earn PGA Tour cards for the following season.
Symetra Tour
The Symetra Tour is a professional golf tour for women who have not yet qualified for the LPGA Tour. It features some of the best up-and-coming female golfers in the world, as well as experienced players looking to regain their LPGA Tour card. The Symetra Tour has a diverse range of tournaments, including the Symetra Tour Championship, which offers a prize fund of $100,000. The top 10 players on the Symetra Tour money list at the end of the season earn LPGA Tour cards for the following season.
PGA Tour
Overview of the PGA Tour
History of the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the most prestigious professional golf tour in the United States, and it has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The tour was founded in 1916, and its first event was held in 1917. The tour was initially called the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) Tour, and it was open only to club professionals. Over the years, the tour has evolved, and today it is open to both club professionals and tour professionals.
Format of the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is a series of tournaments held throughout the year in various locations across the United States. The tour consists of 47 official events, including four major championships: the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. The tour also includes various other events, such as the Players Championship, the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and the Tour Championship.
Tournaments on the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour hosts some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, attracting the best golfers from around the globe. The tour’s events are known for their high level of competition, and many of them have a rich history and tradition. Some of the most famous tournaments on the PGA Tour include the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. Other notable events include the Players Championship, the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and the Tour Championship.
Significant Tournaments on the PGA Tour
The Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament, also known as the U.S. Masters or simply the Masters, is one of the four major championships in professional golf. It is held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, and is considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport. The tournament was founded by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones in 1934, and it has been held every year since then, except for a brief hiatus during World War II.
The Masters Tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event, and it is the first major championship of the year. The field is composed of the top golfers from around the world, and it is invitation-only. The tournament is known for its unique format, which includes a par-3 contest on the Wednesday before the tournament, and a traditional par-5 hole that is played twice during the final round.
The Masters Tournament is also famous for its distinctive green jacket, which is awarded to the winner of the tournament. The jacket is made of a heavy material and is designed to represent the color of the greens on the course. The tradition of the green jacket began in 1949, when the tournament founder, Clifford Roberts, presented the jacket to the winner, Sam Snead. Since then, the tradition has continued, and the green jacket has become a symbol of excellence in the world of golf.
US Open Championship
The US Open Championship is another major championship in professional golf that is held in the United States. It is the third major championship of the year, and it is held in June at various golf courses around the country. The tournament was founded in 1895, and it is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the sport.
The US Open Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, and it is open to professional golfers and amateurs who have a handicap of 2 or lower. The field is composed of the top golfers from around the world, and it is known for its challenging course setups, which are designed to test the skills of the best players in the world.
The US Open Championship is also famous for its unique format, which includes a two-hole playoff to determine the winner of the tournament. This format has been used since 1974, and it has produced some of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport.
The Open Championship
The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is a major championship in professional golf that is held in the United Kingdom. It is the oldest major championship in the sport, and it is held in July at various golf courses around the country. The tournament was founded in 1860, and it is considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport.
The Open Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, and it is open to professional golfers from around the world. The field is composed of the top golfers from around the world, and it is known for its challenging course setups, which are designed to test the skills of the best players in the world.
The Open Championship is also famous for its unique format, which includes a two-hole playoff to determine the winner of the tournament. This format has been used since 1974, and it has produced some of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport.
PGA Championship
The PGA Championship is the final major championship of the year in professional golf. It is held in August at various golf courses around the country, and it is the fourth and final major championship of the year. The tournament was founded in 1916, and it is considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport.
The PGA Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, and it is open to professional golfers who are members of the PGA of America. The field is composed of the top golfers from around the world, and it is known for its challenging course setups, which are designed to test the skills of the best players in the world.
The PGA Championship is also famous for its unique format, which includes a two-hole playoff to determine the winner of the tournament. This format has been used since 1974, and it has produced some of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport.
LPGA Tour
Overview of the LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour is one of the most prestigious professional golf tours in the United States, and perhaps even the world. Founded in 1950, the LPGA Tour has a rich history of female golfers competing at the highest level, showcasing their skills and determination on the golf course.
Format of the LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour follows a unique format, which consists of a series of events known as “tournaments.” These tournaments are held throughout the year, with the schedule varying from year to year. Each tournament has a specific format, such as stroke play or match play, and a set of rules that the players must follow.
The LPGA Tour also features a “money list,” which ranks the players based on their earnings throughout the season. The player who finishes at the top of the money list at the end of the season is awarded the title of “LPGA Tour Champion.”
Tournaments on the LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the year, each with its own unique character and challenges. Some of the most notable tournaments on the LPGA Tour include:
- The ANA Inspiration: This tournament is one of the major championships on the LPGA Tour, and it is held each year at the Mission Hills Country Club in California.
- The U.S. Women’s Open: This tournament is one of the oldest and most prestigious events on the LPGA Tour, and it is held each year at a different course across the United States.
- The Women’s British Open: This tournament is a major championship on the LPGA Tour, and it is held each year in the United Kingdom.
These tournaments are just a few examples of the many exciting events that take place on the LPGA Tour each year. Whether you are a fan of the sport or simply curious about the world of professional golf, the LPGA Tour is a must-see for anyone interested in the best of female golf talent.
Significant Tournaments on the LPGA Tour
- The Women’s British Open
- The Women’s British Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the LPGA Tour, held annually in July at the Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland.
- It was first held in 1976 and has since become a major event on the women’s golf calendar, attracting some of the best players from around the world.
- The course is a challenging links-style layout that demands precision and strategy from players, making it a true test of golfing skill.
- The tournament has a purse of over $4 million, making it one of the richest in women’s golf.
- The Evian Championship
- The Evian Championship is another major tournament on the LPGA Tour, held annually in September at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France.
- It was first held in 1929 and has a rich history, having been hosted by some of the most iconic golf courses in Europe over the years.
- The course at Evian Resort is a beautiful and challenging layout that winds its way through the Swiss Alps, with stunning views of Lake Geneva.
- The tournament has a purse of over $4 million and is known for its challenging conditions, with high winds and difficult pin positions often testing even the best players.
- The US Women’s Open
- The US Women’s Open is the oldest and most prestigious tournament on the LPGA Tour, held annually in July at various courses around the United States.
- It was first held in 1946 and has since become a major event on the women’s golf calendar, attracting some of the best players from around the world.
- The course is always a challenging layout that demands precision and strategy from players, making it a true test of golfing skill.
- The tournament has a purse of over $5 million, making it one of the richest in women’s golf.
- The LPGA Championship
- The LPGA Championship is the final major tournament of the LPGA Tour season, held annually in October at various courses around the United States.
- It was first held in 1955 and has since become a major event on the women’s golf calendar, attracting some of the best players from around the world.
- The tournament has a purse of over $2 million, making it one of the richest in women’s golf.
PGA Champions Tour
Overview of the PGA Champions Tour
The PGA Champions Tour is a professional golf tour in the United States that is designed for players who are 50 years of age or older. The tour was founded in 1980 and is administered by the PGA of America. It is considered one of the premier golf tours for senior players and has a reputation for being one of the most competitive and challenging tours in the world.
The PGA Champions Tour is comprised of a series of tournaments that are held throughout the United States, with the majority of the events taking place in the southeastern and southwestern regions of the country. The tour features a wide range of talented golfers, including former major champions, Ryder Cup players, and other top professionals who have had successful careers on the PGA Tour.
One of the unique aspects of the PGA Champions Tour is that it features a team format for its events. The tour’s events are called the “Champions Tour Events for the Benefit of the Senior Golf Patrons,” and they are played in a two-man, best-ball format. This means that two players are paired together for each event and they compete as a team against the other teams in the field. This format adds an extra layer of excitement to the tour, as it requires players to work together and strategize in order to be successful.
Overall, the PGA Champions Tour is a highly competitive and respected golf tour that provides a platform for senior players to continue competing at a high level. With its challenging courses, talented field of players, and unique team format, the tour offers a truly unique and exciting experience for both players and fans alike.
Significant Tournaments on the PGA Champions Tour
The Senior Open Championship
The Senior Open Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Champions Tour. It is held annually in the United Kingdom and is open to golfers aged 50 and over. The tournament has a rich history, having been first played in 1987, and is considered one of the major championships on the senior golf circuit. The Senior Open Championship is a four-day event that attracts some of the biggest names in golf, including multiple major champions and Hall of Fame members.
The US Senior Open
The US Senior Open is another significant tournament on the PGA Champions Tour. It is the oldest championship in the United States and is open to golfers aged 50 and over. The tournament is held annually in various locations across the country and is considered one of the most prestigious events on the senior golf circuit. The US Senior Open is a four-day event that attracts some of the best golfers in the world, including multiple major champions and Hall of Fame members.
The Senior Players Championship
The Senior Players Championship is a major championship on the PGA Champions Tour. It is held annually in the United States and is open to golfers aged 50 and over. The tournament is considered one of the most prestigious events on the senior golf circuit and attracts some of the biggest names in golf, including multiple major champions and Hall of Fame members. The Senior Players Championship is a four-day event that features a challenging course and a purse of millions of dollars.
LPGA Legends Tour
Overview of the LPGA Legends Tour
The LPGA Legends Tour is a professional golf tour designed for women golfers who have reached the age of 45 or older. It was established in 2007 and is a subsidiary of the LPGA Tour, which is the longest-running professional golf tour for women in the world. The LPGA Legends Tour is intended to provide an opportunity for former LPGA Tour players to continue competing at a high level, while also serving as a platform for up-and-coming professional golfers to gain experience and exposure.
The LPGA Legends Tour features a variety of tournaments throughout the year, including major championships and team events. The format of the tour is similar to that of the LPGA Tour, with players competing in 54-hole stroke play events. The tour also features a season-long points race, with the winner earning a spot in the LPGA Tour’s season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
One of the unique aspects of the LPGA Legends Tour is its commitment to giving back to the community. The tour has established a charitable foundation, which supports various causes, including youth golf development and breast cancer research.
Overall, the LPGA Legends Tour provides a valuable opportunity for professional golfers to continue competing at a high level, while also giving back to the community.
Significant Tournaments on the LPGA Legends Tour
- The Legends Championship
- The Legends Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the LPGA Legends Tour.
- It is held annually at the French Lick Resort in Indiana and features a field of 48 players.
- The tournament is a 54-hole event that spans over three days and has a purse of $250,000.
- The winner of The Legends Championship earns 500 points towards the Legends Tour’s official money list.
- The Cognizant Founders Cup
- The Cognizant Founders Cup is another significant tournament on the LPGA Legends Tour.
- It is held annually at the Brooklawn Country Club in New Jersey and features a field of 60 players.
- The tournament is a 54-hole event that spans over three days and has a purse of $300,000.
- The winner of The Cognizant Founders Cup earns 600 points towards the Legends Tour’s official money list.
- The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
- The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship is a significant tournament on the LPGA Legends Tour.
- It is held annually at the Pinnacle Country Club in Arkansas and features a field of 78 players.
- The tournament is a 54-hole event that spans over three days and has a purse of $350,000.
- The winner of The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship earns 700 points towards the Legends Tour’s official money list.
Korn Ferry Tour
Overview of the Korn Ferry Tour
The Korn Ferry Tour, formerly known as the Web.com Tour, is a professional golf tour in the United States that serves as a feeder system for the PGA Tour. The tour was founded in 1990 and is named after its title sponsor, Korn Ferry, a global management consulting firm.
The Korn Ferry Tour operates as a developmental tour for aspiring professional golfers who are looking to improve their skills and earn points to qualify for the PGA Tour. The tour features a series of tournaments that are held throughout the United States, with a few international events as well.
One of the unique aspects of the Korn Ferry Tour is that it offers a variety of formats, including stroke play, match play, and team competitions. This allows golfers to gain experience in different formats and learn how to adapt to various golf course conditions.
In addition to offering a pathway to the PGA Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour also provides opportunities for golfers to earn money and gain experience on a professional tour. The top players on the tour earn status on the PGA Tour for the following season, while others may earn invitations to PGA Tour events or other professional tours around the world.
Significant Tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship is one of the most prestigious events on the Korn Ferry Tour, and it serves as the tour’s final event of the season. This tournament is held annually in August, and it is played at the season-ending venue, which rotates among different courses each year. The tournament winner earns a PGA Tour card for the following season, and it is considered a significant achievement for any golfer to win this event.
The LECOM Health Challenge
The LECOM Health Challenge is a golf tournament that is held on the Korn Ferry Tour. It is played annually in July at the Peek’n Peak Resort in Findley Lake, New York. The tournament has a unique format, where the field is split into two groups, and the players compete in a modified alternate shot format over the first two days. The final round is then played as a regular individual stroke play event. The tournament has a purse of $2 million, making it one of the richest events on the Korn Ferry Tour.
The BMW Charity Pro-Am
The BMW Charity Pro-Am is a golf tournament that is held on the Korn Ferry Tour. It is played annually in May at the Thornblade Club in Greer, South Carolina. The tournament has a unique format, where the field is composed of PGA Tour players, Korn Ferry Tour players, and amateur golfers. The tournament is played over three days, and the first two days are played as a pro-am format, where the professionals are paired with the amateurs. The final round is then played as a regular individual stroke play event. The tournament has a purse of $1.6 million, making it one of the richest events on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Symetra Tour
Overview of the Symetra Tour
The Symetra Tour, formerly known as the LPGA Symphony Silicon Valley Classic, is a professional golf tour for women in the United States. It was established in 1982 and is now considered the official developmental tour for the LPGA Tour. The Symetra Tour provides a platform for aspiring female golfers to showcase their skills and gain experience, while also offering a pathway to the LPGA Tour.
The Symetra Tour features a series of tournaments that are played across the United States, with the majority of the events taking place in California, Florida, and Texas. The tour has a unique format that differs from other professional golf tours, as it consists of a series of 22 tournaments, with the top 10 players on the money list at the end of the season earning their LPGA Tour cards for the following year.
One of the key aspects of the Symetra Tour is its commitment to providing opportunities for female golfers to develop their skills and compete at a high level. The tour has a strong focus on education, with players receiving assistance in areas such as marketing, sponsorship, and media relations. Additionally, the Symetra Tour has a partnership with the LPGA Foundation, which provides support for players through various initiatives, including the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program.
Overall, the Symetra Tour plays a crucial role in the development of female golfers in the United States, providing a vital stepping stone for those looking to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Significant Tournaments on the Symetra Tour
The Symetra Classic
The Symetra Classic is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the Symetra Tour. It is held annually at the Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City, California. The tournament was first held in 1993 and has since become a staple on the Symetra Tour schedule. The event is named after its title sponsor, Symetra, a financial services company based in the United States.
The Symetra Classic is a 72-hole tournament that attracts some of the best female golfers from around the world. The course at Lake Merced Golf Club is a challenging par-72 layout that measures 6,504 yards. The tournament is known for its tight fairways and small greens, which make it a true test of a golfer’s skill.
The winner of the Symetra Classic receives an exemption into the LPGA Tour’s annual major championship, the U.S. Women’s Open. This makes the tournament a critical opportunity for players to earn their way onto the LPGA Tour.
The IOA Golf Classic
The IOA Golf Classic is another significant tournament on the Symetra Tour. It is held annually at the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. The tournament was first held in 2012 and has since become a favorite among players and fans alike.
The IOA Golf Classic is a 54-hole tournament that is played over three days. The course at Mission Inn Resort & Club is a par-72 layout that measures 6,908 yards. The tournament is known for its challenging greens and strategic bunkering, which make it a true test of a golfer’s ability.
The winner of the IOA Golf Classic receives an exemption into the LPGA Tour’s annual major championship, the ANA Inspiration. This makes the tournament a critical opportunity for players to earn their way onto the LPGA Tour.
The Forsyth Classic
The Forsyth Classic is the newest tournament on the Symetra Tour. It is held annually at the Country Club of Florida in Winter Haven, Florida. The tournament was first held in 2018 and has since become a popular event on the Symetra Tour schedule.
The Forsyth Classic is a 54-hole tournament that is played over three days. The course at Country Club of Florida is a par-72 layout that measures 6,365 yards. The tournament is known for its challenging greens and strategic bunkering, which make it a true test of a golfer’s ability.
The winner of the Forsyth Classic receives an exemption into the LPGA Tour’s annual major championship, the Evian Championship. This makes the tournament a critical opportunity for players to earn their way onto the LPGA Tour.
FAQs
1. What are the main professional golf tours in the United States?
There are several professional golf tours in the United States, but the three most well-known are the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and the Champions Tour. The PGA Tour is the most prestigious tour for male professional golfers, and it features the most high-profile events, such as the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship. The LPGA Tour is the top tour for female professional golfers, and it features events such as the U.S. Women’s Open and the LPGA Championship. The Champions Tour is for golfers over the age of 50 and features events such as the Senior Open Championship and the Regions Tradition.
2. What are the qualifying criteria for the PGA Tour?
To qualify for the PGA Tour, a golfer must either have a high finish in a PGA Tour event or in a designated event, such as the Web.com Tour, or have a low score in a designated qualifying tournament. Golfers can also earn exemptions through various means, such as being a past champion or being in the top 125 in the official world golf rankings. Additionally, golfers can earn points through the FedEx Cup playoffs, which determines the Tour’s season-long champion.
3. How can I watch professional golf tournaments in the United States?
Professional golf tournaments in the United States are broadcast on various television networks, such as CBS, NBC, and ESPN. Golf fans can also stream tournaments live on the golf channels’ websites or through services such as DirecTV and Xfinity. Additionally, many golf courses and sports bars will show professional golf tournaments on large screens, making it easy for fans to watch the action in person.
4. What are some of the most famous golf courses in the United States?
The United States is home to many famous golf courses, including Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the Masters Tournament, and Pinehurst Resort, which has hosted the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. Other famous courses include the Old Course at St. Andrews, which is the oldest golf course in the world, and Pebble Beach Golf Links, which has hosted the U.S. Open and the Masters. Many other golf courses in the United States are also famous for their beautiful scenery, challenging play, and rich history.
5. What is the difference between the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour?
The PGA Tour is for professional golfers under the age of 50, while the Champions Tour is for golfers over the age of 50. The Champions Tour features events specifically designed for older golfers, such as the Senior Open Championship and the Regions Tradition. The courses on the Champions Tour are also typically shorter and have more lenient rough, making it easier for older golfers to compete. Additionally, the prize money on the Champions Tour is typically lower than on the PGA Tour.