10 Biggest Golf Tournaments Worldwide

Golf tournaments tell a lot about the game. Here is the biggest golf tournament list that you should know to prove your love for the game of golf.

The biggest golf tournaments are some of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the sporting calendar, bringing together the world’s best golfers to compete for the coveted titles and massive prize purses.

From the Masters Tournament in Augusta to the U.S. Open, these tournaments represent the pinnacle of achievement for golfers, and draw millions of viewers from around the globe.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 10 biggest golf tournaments every golfer should know.

I. 10 biggest golf tournaments in the world

1. The Masters

The Masters Tournament is among the four major golf championships. It occurs each year in the first week of April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA. The course is kept in immaculate condition to test even the best golfers in the world, and the tournament’s victor is famed for the green jacket the player receives as a prize.

From Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the Masters has hosted some of golf’s all-time greats over the years since its inception in 1934. Nicklaus holds the record for the most wins with six, while Woods has five and Palmer has four.

Recently, Mickelson made history by becoming the oldest major winner at 50 years of age, winning his third green jacket. Every year, this tournament continues to be one of the most talked-about tournaments in golf.

2. The Open Championship or British Open

The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, has a rich history dating back to 1860 and is the longest-running of golf’s four majors. The Open Championship is one of golf’s most esteemed events and has seen many great champions like Tiger Woods.

The tournament is held in the third week of July and offers a significant purse in British pounds. Harry Vardon holds the record for the most wins with six, followed by Australia’s Peter Thomson with five and Tom Watson with four. In 2022, Australia’s Cameron Smith claimed victory in the 150th running of the event.

3. The United States Open

Held by the United States Golf Association in mid-June, the tournament typically falls near Father’s Day. In 1895, the first tournament was played in Newport, Rhode Island, and all 36 holes were completed in one day.

There are 156 players in this year’s tournament, and roughly half of them are professional players who do not have to undergo the qualification process. U.S. Open is dedicated to both amateur and professional golfers with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 1.4.

The U.S. Open may not be well-known in Europe, but it is widely regarded as the sport’s most difficult championship due to the course’s difficult conditions such as its uneven terrain and numerous obstacles.

4. The PGA Championship

The PGA Championship, one of the four major golf tournaments held annually, is hosted by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA). The competition takes place in the middle of August and is played on various golf courses. It is a challenging tournament, much like the US Open, with thick rough greens that require professional golfing skills from the players.

The winner of the PGA earns more than just a big pay day; they automatically qualify for the other three majors for 5 years and receive lifetime access to every PGA Championship. In addition, the winner is awarded a five-year invitation to the Players Championship, which is the richest PGA Tournament in the world.

5. The Players Championship

An annual golf event called The Players Championship takes place in March at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Because to its renown and intense level of competitiveness, it is frequently referred to as the “fifth major” informally.

The tournament, which debuted in 1974, has one of the greatest fields in professional golf, with the best players in the world competing for the coveted championship and crystal trophy. It is frequently cited as one of the PGA Tour’s most thrilling and surprising competitions.

6. The Tour Championship

A professional golf competition on the PGA Tour is called The Tour Championship (stylized as TOUR Championship). Initiated in 1987, this championship includes a set of 30 golfers by determining their eligibility based on FedEx Cup points earned from the BMW championship.

The Tour Championship has been played exclusively at East Lake Golf Club since 2004 and every even-numbered year since 1998. In recent years, the nines have switched so that the final hole is a more manageable par five rather than an odd par 3. A $15 million prize is awarded to the winner of the FedEx Cup, which is also played here.

7. The Memorial Tournament

The Memorial Tournament is a yearly golf event that takes place at Muirfield Village Golf Course in Dublin, Ohio, in late May or early June. Jack Nicklaus, a golfing legend, launched the competition in 1976 with the intention of developing a prominent occasion that would benefit charitable organizations.

The competition is renowned for its difficult layout, which Nicklaus himself created and includes rolling terrain, deep bunkers, and quick greens. The Memorial Tournament is a cherished staple on the PGA Tour calendar.

8. The President’s Cup

The President’s Cup is a biennial men’s golf tournament in which the United States competes against an International team except Europe. The tournament began in 1994 and has since grown to become a prestigious competition, attracting some of the world’s top players.

The format is comparable to the Ryder Cup, with foursomes, fourball, and singles matches played over four days. The majority of the tournaments have been won by the United States, with the International team only winning once in 1998 and a tied event in 2003. The tournament not only fosters goodwill and international ties among the participating nations, but it also shows great golf gameplay.

9. Arnold Palmer Invitational

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is an annual professional golf tournament held on the PGA Tour. The tournament is named after the late golf legend Arnold Palmer, who won seven major titles in his career. Palmer has long controlled the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida, where the event takes place.

The event attracts the world’s best golfers due to its demanding course and picturesque surroundings. In addition to displaying world-class golf, the Arnold Palmer Invitational supports humanitarian causes, such as youth development and health and wellness projects, to celebrate Palmer’s legacy.

10. The Farmers Insurance Open

The Farmers Insurance Open is a yearly golf competition held at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, in January or February. The competition, which is a PGA Tour stop, has been going on since 1952.

The competition is noted for its demanding course, which features coastal holes and panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, and often draws professional golfers from all over the world. Leading competitors like Max Homa, Luke List and Patrick Reed have won the competition in recent years.

II. What is considered the biggest golf tournament?

The biggest golf tournament in the world is The Masters Tournament, held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, United States. It is one of the four major championships in men’s professional golf and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the world of golf.

III. What is the easiest major to win in golf?

The Masters, widely regarded as golf’s most prestigious tournament, has a few factors that make it relatively easier for the top players to emerge victorious. Firstly, the limited field size and the course design typically reduce the number of players with a realistic chance of winning to 20-30. Additionally, The Masters is the only major tournament played at a fixed location, further adding to its relatively easier nature.

IV. What is the toughest (hardest) tournament to win in golf?

The field of the PGA Championship is the toughest of the four men’s majors. While the tournament is organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, unlike the other three majors, there are no amateurs competing. This means that the golfers of high skill level compete against each other which makes this championship challenging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, golf is a sport that has gained worldwide recognition, and its biggest tournaments attract millions of viewers from around the globe. The 10 best golf tournaments on this list have been chosen based on their history, prestige, and level of competitiveness. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or a casual observer, these tournaments are not to be missed.