Golf isn't just a game; it's a passion, a challenge, and a way of life. It's about the thrill of the drive, the precision of the putt, and the camaraderie among fans. Whether you're a seasoned pro, an amateur, or simply a fan of the sport, there's nothing quite like the excitement of a golf tournament. In this guide, we’ll share our list of must-see golf tournaments and the iconic courses that make them unforgettable.
Top Golf Tournaments
Here are our bucket list golf tournaments at a glance.
- The Masters
- U.S. Open
- The Open Championship (British Open)
- PGA Championship
- The Players Championship
- AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM
- Farmers Insurance Open
- Waste Management Phoenix Open
- RBC Heritage
- Sentry Tournament of Champions
- Quicken Loans National
- Wells Fargo Championship
- The American Express PGA Tour at La Quinta
- Tour Championship
Read on for more details about when, where, and how much it will cost you to get into one of these iconic golf events.
When it comes to professional golf, nothing compares to the prestige of The Majors. These are the tournaments where legends are made, where the world's best golfers compete for the ultimate glory.
1. The Masters
- Where: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- When: Annually in April
- Ticket Price Range: $75 - $115 for practice rounds, $115 for tournament days (note: tickets are awarded by lottery)
Imagine walking the same fairways where legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods made history. At The Masters, you'll find yourself immersed in a sea of blooming azaleas and towering pines, a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on the greens. The air buzzes with excitement and anticipation. This isn't just any golf tournament - this is The Masters. The impeccably manicured fairways and notoriously challenging greens of Augusta National await. Trust us, there's nothing like being part of the gallery as another chapter of golf history is written. This should be at the top of your bucket list.
2. U.S. Open
- Where: Varies across the U.S.
- When: Annually in June
- Ticket Price Range: $50 - $200+ depending on the venue and day
Feel the tension rise as the world's best golfers take on the most demanding courses in the U.S. Open. Every June, you'll get to see raw skill and strategy put to the ultimate test. Every shot, every decision can make or break the game, and being there to witness it all unfold in person? Absolutely exhilarating. If you love golf, you need to experience the U.S. Open.
3. The Open Championship (British Open)
- Where: Rotates among courses in the United Kingdom
- When: Annually in July
- Ticket Price Range: £25 - £95 (approx. $35 - $130) depending on the day
Ever dreamed of seeing golf in its most authentic form? The Open Championship, often referred to as the British Open, offers just that. The oldest of the Majors, The Open is played on link-style courses where the weather can be as much an opponent as the course itself. Experience the thrill of watching golfers navigate wind, rain, and challenging terrain. This is golf at its purest, and it's an experience you won't want to miss.
4. PGA Championship
- Where: Varies across the U.S.
- When: Annually in May
- Ticket Price Range: $35 - $110 for practice rounds, $100 - $350 for tournament rounds
The PGA Championship is a spectacle of skill, strategy, and nerve. Here, you'll see the best golfers in the world face off against some of the most challenging courses in the U.S. You'll feel the thrill of the crowd, the tension of the final putt, and the exhilaration of victory. This isn't just about watching a tournament; it's about being part of a tradition. Add the PGA Championship to your golfing bucket list, and you'll be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.
Outside of the Majors, there are plenty of other exciting tournaments on the PGA Tour calendar, each providing a unique flavor of competition and course design.
5. The Players Championship
- Where: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA
- When: Annually in March
- Ticket Price Range: $70 - $750 depending on the day and package
The Players Championship, often dubbed the unofficial "fifth Major," is a showcase of golfing talent at its finest. Held at TPC Sawgrass, the tournament's Stadium Course is famous for its 17th hole - an island green that's one of the most recognized (and challenging) in golf. The roar of the crowd, the suspense of the final round, the sun setting over the iconic 17th hole... it's all part of the unique experience that awaits you at The Players Championship.
6. AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
- Where: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California, USA
- When: Annually in February
- Ticket Price Range: $60 - $75 for practice rounds, $60 - $100 for tournament rounds
Imagine watching top PGA Tour professionals paired with Hollywood celebrities and world-renowned musicians, all playing on one of the most breathtaking golf courses in the world. That's the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for you. The tournament provides a blend of high-stakes golf and star-studded entertainment, all against the backdrop of the stunning California coastline. Attending this tournament is like being part of an exclusive party where golf is the guest of honor.
7. Farmers Insurance Open
- Where: Torrey Pines Golf Course, San Diego, California, USA
- When: Annually in January
- Ticket Price Range: $45 - $250 depending on the day and package
As the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the cliffs of Torrey Pines, witness the world's best golfers competing in the Farmers Insurance Open. This tournament is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a showcase of golfing skill. Feel the ocean breeze, hear the roar of the crowd, and watch as every hole brings a new challenge. This is more than a golf tournament; it's a sensory experience that you'll never forget.
8. Waste Management Phoenix Open
- Where: TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- When: Annually in February
- Ticket Price Range: $45 - $400 depending on the day and package
Picture a golf tournament that feels more like a festival. The Waste Management Phoenix Open, often dubbed "The Greatest Show on Grass," is renowned for its lively atmosphere and iconic 16th hole - a stadium within a stadium. This is golf like you've never seen it before, with a buzzing, energetic crowd that's as much a part of the event as the golfers themselves. If you're looking for a golf tournament that's as entertaining as it is competitive, this is the one to attend.
9. RBC Heritage
- Where: Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA
- When: Annually in April
- Ticket Price Range: $70 - $300 depending on the day and package
Picture yourself beneath the towering lighthouse of Harbour Town Golf Links, surrounded by the timeless beauty of South Carolina's Lowcountry. The RBC Heritage isn't just a tournament; it's a celebration of golf's rich tradition, held on a course known for its narrow fairways, small greens, and strategic play. Attending this event isn't just about watching a golf tournament; it's about immersing yourself in the culture and history of the sport.
10. Sentry Tournament of Champions
- Where: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, USA
- When: Annually in January
- Ticket Price Range: $30 - $200 depending on the day and package
Imagine starting your year in paradise, watching a select field of the previous year's PGA Tour winners compete against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. That's the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Held on the scenic Plantation Course at Kapalua, this tournament offers an incredible view with every shot. Add in the warm Hawaiian sun and the relaxing sound of the waves, and you've got a golf experience like no other.
11. Quicken Loans National (formerly AT&T National)
- Where: Various locations across the U.S.
- When: Annually in July
- Ticket Price Range: $20 - $275 depending on the day and package
The Quicken Loans National is a tournament that highlights the true spirit of golf. Hosted by different top-tier golf courses across the U.S., the tournament provides a fresh challenge to the world's best golfers each year. It's not just about the competition; it's about the love of the game, the camaraderie among fans, and the stunning beauty of America's finest golf courses. When you attend the Quicken Loans National, you're not just watching a golf tournament—you're becoming part of a community.
12. Wells Fargo Championship
- Where: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- When: Annually in May
- Ticket Price Range: $35 - $185 depending on the day and package
The Wells Fargo Championship is a testament to the thrilling unpredictability of golf. At Quail Hollow Club, one of the toughest courses on the PGA Tour, anything can happen. This isn't just a tournament—it's an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride where the world's best golfers take on a course that's as beautiful as it is challenging. Come for the golf, stay for the thrill of the unexpected.
13. The American Express PGA Tour at La Quinta
- Where: Multiple courses in La Quinta, California, USA
- When: Annually in January
- Ticket Price Range: $50 - $250 depending on the day and package
The American Express tournament in La Quinta brings together world-class golf and exceptional entertainment. Imagine spending the day watching the world's best golfers, then enjoying an evening concert under the California stars. This isn't just a golf tournament; it's a lifestyle experience that combines the best of sport and entertainment. Trust us, once you've experienced The American Express, you'll want to come back year after year.
14. Tour Championship
- Where: East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- When: Annually in September
- Ticket Price Range: $25 - $350 depending on the day and package
As the culmination of the FedEx Cup playoffs, the Tour Championship is where the best of the best come to prove themselves. Held at East Lake Golf Club, the birthplace of golf legend Bobby Jones, this tournament combines rich history with high-stakes competition. Being there in person as the winner hoists the FedEx Cup? That's a moment you won't want to miss.
How many tournaments will you stroke off your list?
Whether you're a lifelong golf fan or new to the sport, attending a tournament in person is an unforgettable experience. From the stunning beauty of the courses to the raw excitement of the competition, there's nothing quite like it. So why wait? Start planning your ultimate golf bucket list today, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
While you may never play a PGA tournament, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel like a pro next time you’re out on the course. See why more golfers are choosing Stix golf clubs →
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