How to find the right tournament for your game

Beginners

1. Play a 9 hole event – As a beginner you do not need to play in an 18 hole tournament. Start with a 3, 6- or 9-hole tournament. That will be a good way to ease you into playing tournament golf.
2. Play in a scramble format – Scramble format means that you take the best shot of “your team” on every shot. You will be able to contribute to the team while not having to hit every shot.
3. Play in a charity tournament – Charity events are much more relaxed and a good starting place to play tournament golf. Playing charity events give back to the community too! Looking on Eventbrite or just a simple google search can help you find charity tournaments in your community. 

Average golfers

1. Play on a golf team- Sometimes it is intimidating to play by yourself in a tournament and having a partner and team behind you is more fun. The Nextgengolf City Tour offers weekend, team tournaments for adults 21+. Players can put together a team or get paired up with players in scramble or best ball format accommodating all skill levels. Learn more and find a tournament near you. 
2. Play in a local club tournament – Both public and private golf courses host tournaments throughout the year for their members. Contact the local golf course in your community and ask the PGA Professional for a tournament schedule. PGA Professionals typically have all types of events that range from serious stroke play events to fun dress up themed events so there should be an option for players of all abilities.
3. Play in Pro-Am events – Third parties like PGA Sections have tournaments they put on at local golf courses. Playing in events put on by third parties can be fun and you often get to play new courses you otherwise may not play. Be sure to check out your local PGA Section to see if they offer any Pro-Ams which are event for amateurs and professionals to play on the same team. Playing and learning from a PGA Professional in the group can really help your game. Here is an example of Pro-Ams put on by the Minnesota PGA Section.

Serious golfers

1. Club Championship – At every golf course, there is a club championship or “Open event” which brings together the most serious players at the club to compete with no handicap strokes. A first step to playing in serious events is to win your club championship at the local level.
2. State Association Events – Every state has a golf association that puts on the most elite amateur events in the state. They usually host a State Amateur and State Open which bring together the best players in the state. Check out Mass Golf, the local State Golf Association in Massachusetts that puts on the most elite events in the state.
3. National Amateur Invitationals and Championships – If your game is in really good shape, the next step beyond state championships is national championship events. The USGA puts on the best National Championship events for amateurs. If you make it to the final two players of the US Amateur, you also get an exemption into The Masters which is pretty special. Beyond the USGA, there are many elite amateur events such as the Western Amateur which brings the most elite players together.