Whether you are a golf enthusiast, new to the sport or simply a fan of watching high-quality sporting entertainment, the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments are not to be missed. These competitions bring together top talent from all over the world to compete at many of the best and most beautiful golf courses on the planet. So, what are the most prestigious golf tournaments to watch each year?
The Masters
The Masters is one of the four major championships and often the highlight of the entire year. Taking place in Augusta, Georgia in the US, The Masters is the first major tournament of the year taking place in April and therefore a good barometer of who will find the most success. The tournament was established in 1934 and there are many notable traditions, including the champion being awarded a green jacket that is kept in the clubhouse a year after victory. Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters victories with 6 while Tiger Woods follows with 5. Scottie Scheffler won in 2022.
The PGA Championship
The PGA is another major tournament and another that takes place in the US with the location changing each year. Since 2019, the PGA Championship takes place in May so it is now the second major in the calendar. Walter Hagen (match play) and Jack Nicklaus (stroke play) have the most victories with 5 apiece while Justin Thomas won in 2022.
The British Open
The British Open is the oldest golf tournament in the world dating back to 1860. Since the PGA Championship moved to May, The British Open is now the last of the majors taking place in mid-July. The venue changes between a group of coastal links golf courses with Dundonald links, Ayrshire set to host the Open next year. Harry Vardon holds the record with 6 victories with Australian Cameron Smith being the most recent winner.
The Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is not one of the 4 major tournaments but one that is still highly prestigious. A biannual competition, The Ryder Cup sees teams from Europe and the US compete against one another with the venue alternating between courses in Europe and the US. The tournament was originally Great Britain against the US until 1977 after which it became all of Europe. In total, the US has 27 wins while GB/Europe has 14 wins.
The Players Championship
The Players Championship usually involves the top 50 ranked players in the world compared to the “open” championships. It is not one of the majors but is often considered to be the 5th and still a highly prestigious competition and has been held at TPC Sawgrass in Florida since 1982. Nicklaus leads the way with 3 victories and Cameron Smith was the most recent winner.
These are all prestigious golf tournaments that any fan will want to tune in to see the best in the world competing against one another.
