Compass Golf
Tournament Guide
Everything you need to know about golf competitions
Table of Contents
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Types of Golf Tournaments
Professional Tournaments
- Major Championships: The four most prestigious events in professional golf - Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
- PGA Tour Events: Weekly tournaments on the premier professional golf tour in North America.
- European Tour (DP World Tour): International professional golf tour with events worldwide.
- Korn Ferry Tour: Developmental tour for the PGA Tour, offering pathways to the main tour.
- LIV Golf: Newer professional tour featuring team and individual competitions.
Amateur Tournaments
- USGA Championships: U.S. Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur, U.S. Senior Amateur, and others.
- State/Regional Amateurs: Competitions organized by state golf associations.
- Club Championships: Local tournaments at individual golf courses.
- Junior Tournaments: Competitions for young golfers under 18.
- College Golf: NCAA Division I, II, and III tournaments.
Qualifier Events
- Monday Qualifiers: One-day events to earn spots in PGA Tour tournaments.
- Local Qualifiers: First stage of qualification for major championships.
- Final Qualifiers: Second stage leading to championship entry.
- Q-School: Qualifying school for various professional tours.
Tournament Formats
Stroke Play
Most common format where total strokes over all rounds determine the winner.
- • 72-hole tournaments (4 rounds)
- • 36-hole cut after 2 rounds
- • Lowest total score wins
- • Used in most professional events
Match Play
Head-to-head format where holes won/lost determine advancement.
- • Single elimination brackets
- • Winner of most holes advances
- • Popular in amateur events
- • WGC Match Play Championship
Scramble
Team format where all players play from the best shot.
- • 2-4 players per team
- • Choose best ball each shot
- • Common in charity events
- • Fun, social format
Stableford
Points-based system rewarding aggressive play.
- • Points per hole based on score
- • Eagle = 5 points, Birdie = 3 points
- • Par = 2 points, Bogey = 1 point
- • Highest point total wins
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Qualification Process
Path to Professional Golf
Step 1: Amateur Success
Build a strong amateur record through junior, college, or adult amateur competitions.
Step 2: Turn Professional
Declare professional status and forfeit amateur eligibility.
Step 3: Mini-Tours
Gain experience on developmental tours like PGA Tour Canada, Latinoamérica, or local mini-tours.
Step 4: Qualifying School
Attempt to qualify for Korn Ferry Tour through Q-School.
Step 5: Korn Ferry Tour
Earn PGA Tour card through Korn Ferry Tour points list.
Major Professional Tours
PGA Tour (USA)
The premier professional golf tour in North America.
- • ~45 official events annually
- • FedEx Cup playoffs
- • Top prize pools globally
- • World ranking points
Key Events:
- • The Players Championship
- • WGC Events
- • FedEx Cup Playoffs
- • Major Championships
DP World Tour (Europe)
International tour with events across six continents.
- • ~40 events worldwide
- • Race to Dubai
- • Ryder Cup qualification
- • Global schedule
Key Events:
- • BMW PGA Championship
- • Dubai Desert Classic
- • Scottish Open
- • Race to Dubai Finals
Amateur Golf Competitions
National Level
- • U.S. Amateur Championship
- • U.S. Mid-Amateur
- • U.S. Senior Amateur
- • U.S. Women's Amateur
- • Walker Cup (Team)
Regional Level
- • State Amateur Championships
- • Regional USGA Qualifiers
- • GAM Championships
- • Sectional Qualifiers
- • Multi-state Amateurs
Local Level
- • Club Championships
- • Member-Guest Events
- • Local Association Events
- • Pro-Am Tournaments
- • Charity Tournaments
Tournament Preparation Tips
Before the Tournament
- • Course reconnaissance and practice rounds
- • Equipment check and backup clubs
- • Physical conditioning and flexibility
- • Mental preparation and visualization
- • Travel and accommodation planning
- • Rules review and local conditions
During the Tournament
- • Stick to your pre-shot routine
- • Proper nutrition and hydration
- • Course management over hero shots
- • Stay patient and focused
- • Adapt to weather conditions
- • Positive body language and attitude
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Ready to Find Your Next Tournament?
Use our comprehensive tournament directory to discover events near you.
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