Golf Tournaments for the Amateur, best and where to play
By: Patrick Stephenson
In the realm of golf, there exists a notable distinction between casual leisure play and the high-stakes world of tournament competition. While some golfers relish the laid-back enjoyment of a round with friends, others are driven by a relentless pursuit of improvement and victory on the tournament circuit.
For those content with a relaxed atmosphere and occasional challenges among friends, casual play offers a satisfying outlet. However, for individuals harboring aspirations of honing their skills and testing their mettle against competitive peers, tournament golf emerges as the preferred arena.
Whether you boast the pedigree of an elite collegiate player, the seasoned experience of a mid-amateur competitor, or simply identify as a weekend enthusiast seeking spirited competition, our curated selection of top national tournaments caters to diverse skill levels and ambitions.
Top Elite Amateur Events
Established in 1895, the U.S. Amateur Championship proudly stands as the oldest USGA championship. Its origins trace back to a dispute between Newport Golf Club and St. Andrew’s Golf Club in 1894, where both clubs asserted their tournament winners as national champions.
To resolve this conflict, a unified governing body was necessary, thus birthing the USGA. Comprising representatives from esteemed clubs, the USGA aimed to create a universally acknowledged championship and standardized rules.
Over the years the US Amateur has gone on to identify many of the game’s best up-and-coming stars. Former champions include the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bobby Jones, and Jack Nicklaus among many others.
The format of this Championship is 36 holes of stroke play across two different courses with a field of 312 players. After two rounds, the field is cut down to the top 64 scores which then play match play until a champion is crowned.
The beauty of the US Amateur is that any amateur player with a GHIN index of 0.4 or better can register to qualify. The qualifier consists of a local stage and a final stage, each with one round of competition.
The Western Amateur, established in 1899, is a highly esteemed national championship in amateur golf known for its challenging format. The tournament begins with 156 players competing in 18 holes of stroke play over two days. After a cut, the top 44 scores and ties advance to play another 36 holes of stroke play to determine the top 16 players.
These “Sweet Sixteen” then engage in match play to decide the champion over Friday and Saturday.
The Sweet Sixteen are considered the elite of amateur golf, boasting impressive achievements such as 91 major championships since 1956, 23 PGA TOUR Player of the Year Awards since 1990, 10 FedExCup titles, 14 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year Awards since 2000, and featured 12 participants in the 2022 Presidents Cup.
In many ways, the Western Amateur although not as prestigious, is harder to win than the US Amateur. It is without a doubt, the strongest field in Amateur golf.
The Western Amateur does offer a one-round qualifier the week of the tournament. Anyone is welcome to register and a limited number of spots will be available.
The U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, established in 1981 by the USGA, was created to provide post-college golfers aged 25 and above with a national championship opportunity. Before its inception, these players often faced challenges competing in the U.S. Amateur. Only four mid-amateurs have won the U.S. Amateur since 1980, with John Harris being the last in 1993.
In 2017, the USGA announced that the U.S. Mid-Amateur champion would earn an exemption into the following year’s U.S. Open Championship. Matt Parziale was the first to achieve this milestone by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur.
Since 1988, every U.S. Mid-Amateur champion has been invited to compete in The Masters, and many have also represented the USA in the Walker Cup Match.
Like the US Amateur, players from around the world with a GHIN of 2.4 or better have the opportunity to qualify for this championship. The qualifiers are held by local golf associations around the country and consist of a single round.
The format is also the same as the US Amateur with 36 holes of strokes played across two different courses with the top 64 players reaching match play. Players play matches until one champion is found.
Mid-Level Amateur Events
Since its inception in 1976, the Palmetto Amateur has been a cherished event in the world of Amateur golf, drawing players to the historic Palmetto Golf Club nestled in the picturesque city of Aiken, South Carolina. Designed by none other than Alister McKenzie, the visionary behind nearby Augusta National Golf Club, the Palmetto Golf Club provides a fitting backdrop for this prestigious tournament.
Despite not boasting as strong a field as some elite events, the Palmetto Amateur nonetheless attracts a formidable array of talent, particularly from among the best and brightest up-and-coming college players and mid-amateurs across the nation. It serves as a proving ground for emerging stars in the golfing world.
The tournament has seen its fair share of illustrious champions over the years, including current PGA Tour member Ben Martin and DP World Tour player John Gough. Notable names like Trent Philips and Bryce Hendrix, who are now making their mark on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, have also etched their names in the annals of Palmetto Amateur history.
The format of the competition consists of 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut after 54 holes to narrow down the field for the final rounds. Additionally, an opportunity exists for non-exempt players to earn their spot in the field through a qualifier held the Monday of the event. Even for those with only a slim chance of making it into the field, participating in the qualifier at Palmetto Golf Club presents a unique chance to tee off on one of the most storied properties in American golf—a privilege cherished by players and fans alike.
The Monroe Invitational Championship stands as one of the most enduring and esteemed amateur tournaments in the United States, with a rich history dating back to 1937. Remarkably, the event has maintained its annual tradition, persevering through the tumultuous years of World War II when it was temporarily halted from 1942 to 1945 as well as 2020 through COVID-19. Over the decades, the Monroe Invitational has witnessed the participation of some of golf’s greatest talents, cementing its status as a pinnacle of amateur competition.
Notably, the tournament holds a significant place in golf lore as Tiger Wood, graced its fairways in 1993.. Back then, the Monroe Invitational was a match play event, and Woods found himself in a fierce semifinal battle against eventual champion Tom Creavy. Despite his early exit, Woods’ presence added to the event’s prestige, showcasing its ability to attract top-tier talent.
Throughout its storied history, the Monroe Invitational has seen an illustrious roster of champions, including household names like Dustin Johnson (2007), Thomas Pieters (2012), and Andy Ogletree (2019). Ogletree, in particular, joins a distinguished list of Monroe Champions who have also claimed the prestigious U.S. Amateur title in the same year, underscoring the tournament’s significance as a breeding ground for future stars.
Icons such as Sam Urzetta, Robert “Skee” Riegel, and Fred Ridley, the 1976 Monroe winner who later ascended to the role of Chairman of Augusta National, further highlight the caliber of talent that the Monroe has seen.
At the heart of the Monroe Invitational lies the Monroe Golf Club, a wonderful layout designed by Donald Ross. Since its establishment in 1923, the club has held a place of prominence in Rochester and Western New York, with its meticulously maintained layout earning acclaim as one of Ross’s most classic designs.
Ranked among the top courses in New York State and recognized as one of America’s top 100 Classic Courses, Monroe Golf Club boasts a legacy of excellence that perfectly complements the prestige of the Monroe Invitational.
Since its match play format in the early days of the event, the tournament’s format now adheres to 72 holes of stroke play with a 54 hole cut. Additionally, for players seeking entry into the field, a qualifier is held the week of the event, offering a pathway for aspiring talents to earn their spot among the elite ranks of the Monroe Invitational Championship.
Weekend Warrior National Events
Golfweek Amateur Tour National Championship
Welcome to the pinnacle event of the Golfweek Amateur Tour: the National Championship. This prestigious tournament celebrates the passion and camaraderie of amateur golfers from across the nation.
The Golfweek Amateur Tour is dedicated to fostering the love of golf by providing competitive opportunities in a fair and friendly environment. With 47 local tours spread throughout the country, amateur golfers of all skill levels have the chance to participate in stroke play tournaments and test their abilities against fellow players at their skill level.
From January to September, each local tour hosts a series of tournaments where members earn points based on their performance in various flights, ranging from Championship through D. These events not only offer competitive play but also serve as platforms for golfers to connect and share their love for the game.
At the conclusion of the season, the top flight leaders from each local tour receive an exclusive invitation to compete in the Golfweek Amateur Tour National Championship, held in the picturesque setting of Hilton Head, SC. This gathering brings together over 900 players from different handicap flights, all vying for the coveted title of National Champion.
Regardless of handicap, the journey through local events to the grand stage of the National Championship is marked by fierce competition, enduring camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the course. No matter what your handicap is, the Golf Week Amateur Tour has a spot for you.
