Golf is a relatively popular sport, which is much more appreciated when played, rather than watched on television. But, if you want to experience golf in a different way, and not feel bad for making a par 5 a par 16, then you could attend golf tournaments worldwide, in person. Golf feels different when you are watching from the sidelines, when the green is very close. Here are the world’s best golf tournaments, ones that every fan should visit given the chance.
The Open Championship (British Open)
This is a tournament to behold. It is an old tournament, dating back to 1860. It has been hosted by many courses in the United Kingdom, as well as a course outside mainland UK, which is saying something about the course (Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland). The tradition dictates that it must be a links course so you are in for some traditional golfing experience. If you are lucky, that year the tournament will be held at the Old Course at St. Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world.
The Masters
Compared to the Open, the Masters is quite younger, dating back to 1934. It is a tournament organized by the Augusta National Golf Club at their amazing course, which is quite a ritualistic experience to watch and experience live. The Augusta Club is a masterpiece in terms of design, tradition and people paying respect to that tradition. It is a major championship, just like the Open and it is amazing, definitely to be watched live, in person.
The US Open Championship
This is an older tournament, dating back to 1895. It rotates, just like the British Open, so there have been plenty of hosts throughout its 120 iterations. It is as prestigious as the other major tournaments. The USGA is behind the tournament, keeping it in check and making sure that everything is in order, as well as making exceptions for golfing legends when they want to play in the tournament.
The PGA Championship
Another major event, another one in the United States. This event dates back to 1916 and has been hosted, like the US Open, by multiple clubs over its many years of existence. This tournament marks the four out of four men’s major championships and it is as prestigious as the rest are. Due to the rotating schedule, every year is a different challenge.
The Ryder Cup
Named after businessman Samuel Ryder, the Ryder Cup is a biannual tournament which puts the US against Europe. This tournament is a spectacle and every two years, it brings together fans from two continents. The 2020 edition was rescheduled for 2021 due to a global pandemic, so the Ryder Cup is still on.
US Women’s Open
Golf is not a men-only sport, as we have seen in the last couple of decades. The US Women’s Open, however, dates back to 1946. It is a tournament hosted every year, every time by a different club. The USGA governs the tournament, and has done so since 1953, prior to which it was organized by the LPGA. Regardless, add it to your calendar and you will surely not be disappointed.
The world has some amazing golf tournaments, plenty of them, in fact. But if you could choose to attend any, these five should be at the top of your list.