Nina Caldwell
Golf Pro-Ams are tournaments where professionals and amateur golfers play together and compete against each other. They are typically single-day events held during the week of a tour event, usually on Wednesdays, and sometimes on Mondays. The format is usually best ball, with one professional golfer paired with four amateurs. These tournaments are a great opportunity for amateurs to meet and learn from elite golfers, and for professionals to play against contemporaries and connect with sponsors. They also serve as a way to raise money for charity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golfers | One pro golfer paired with four amateur players |
| Number of rounds | Two rounds of 18 holes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon |
| Awards | Sponsor-donated swag, such as golf equipment, and photos with the pro-am group |
| Cost | $2,000-$40,000, depending on the tournament and number of players |
| Day of the week | Usually a single-day event held on Mondays or Wednesdays |
| Format | Best Ball format with handicaps taken into account |
| Purpose | To raise money for charity, thank sponsors, and provide an opportunity for amateurs to play with professionals |
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What You'll Learn
- Format: Teams of one pro and four amateurs play two rounds of 18 holes
- Cost: Entry fees range from $200 to upwards of $40,000
- Celebrities: Notable celebrities who have participated include Bill Murray, Justin Timberlake, and Tom Brady
- History: The first National Pro-Am Golf Championship was hosted by Bing Crosby and Larry Crosby in 1937
- Etiquette: Amateurs should be mindful of their pace of play and stay out of the pro's line on the greens
Format: Teams of one pro and four amateurs play two rounds of 18 holes
Golf Pro-Ams are tournaments where professional and amateur golfers play together. They are typically one-day events, often held on Wednesdays, although some also take place on Mondays. The Monday events tend to feature lesser-known players and have lower entry fees.
In terms of format, a team usually consists of one professional golfer and four amateur players. They play two rounds of 18 holes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If there is a tie for first place, there may be a third round.
The events are usually played in the Best Ball format, with handicaps taken into account. This means that the amateurs can have a significant impact on the final results.
Playing in a Pro-Am can be an exciting experience for amateur golfers, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Some sources recommend adopting the right mental attitude to play well and staying cool when paired with a famous golfer. Amateurs can benefit from playing with a professional by receiving feedback and learning how to improve their game. They can also gain insider knowledge and pro golf stories.
Pro-Ams are often expensive to enter, with fees ranging from $12,000 to $40,000 for Tour events. However, local Pro-Ams can be much cheaper, costing around $200 to $400, including food and drink tickets. The revenue generated from entry fees helps to finance the tournament and raise money for charitable causes.
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Cost: Entry fees range from $200 to upwards of $40,000
The cost of participating in a golf pro-am can vary widely, with entry fees ranging from $200 to upwards of $40,000. The price depends on several factors, including the prestige of the event, the number of participants, and the duration of the tournament.
For example, local pro-ams tend to be much cheaper than PGA Tour events. A one or two-day local tournament might cost between $200 and $400, including food and drink tickets. On the other hand, prestigious events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am can cost upwards of $40,000 per player, and that's assuming you secure an invitation to participate.
The Korn Ferry Tour Ellie Mae Championship's pro-am at TPC Stonebrae costs $8,250 per team, which is considered steep, but it's a bargain compared to some PGA Tour pro-am prices. A spot in the Ascension Charity Classic in St. Louis costs $15,000 for a foursome, while the Travelers Championship Celebrity Pro-Am charges $25,500 for a threesome or $8,500 per person.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider LPGA tours, which tend to cost a fraction of PGA tours. For instance, the Symetra Tour Pro-Am costs $2,000 for a group of three.
It's worth noting that expenses like food, drinks, and travel are typically covered by the amateur participants, so these additional costs should be factored into the overall price.
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Celebrities: Notable celebrities who have participated include Bill Murray, Justin Timberlake, and Tom Brady
Pro-Am golf tournaments are a unique opportunity for professionals and amateurs to compete against each other. Typically, a team of one professional golfer is paired with four amateurs. These tournaments are usually single-day events, often held on Mondays or Wednesdays, with two rounds of 18 holes.
Now, these events are not just for professional golfers and amateurs but also attract celebrities. Notable celebrities who have participated include Bill Murray, Justin Timberlake, and Tom Brady.
Bill Murray, the face of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, has received his share of critics. However, his former playing partners, including D.A. Points and Scott Simpson, have praised Murray for his lighthearted approach, which helped keep them calm during tournaments.
Justin Timberlake is an avid golfer who has hosted his own golf invitational in Las Vegas, attracting celebrities such as Jimmy Fallon, Blake Griffin, and Chandler Parsons. Timberlake's determination to perfect his game and his obsession with golf have been well-documented.
Tom Brady, a well-known athlete, has also been spotted participating in Pro-Am tournaments. While less is known about Brady's performance, his grunting during play has certainly left an impression on fellow golfers!
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History: The first National Pro-Am Golf Championship was hosted by Bing Crosby and Larry Crosby in 1937
The first National Pro-Am Golf Championship, also known as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur, or the Crosby Clambake, was hosted by entertainer Bing Crosby and Larry Crosby in 1937. The tournament took place in southern California at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in San Diego County. Sam Snead won the first tournament, which was an 18-hole event, and took home $500 as the winner's share.
The National Pro-Am Golf Championship was a pioneering event, bringing together professionals and amateur golfers in a competitive tournament format. This format has endured and evolved over the years, with modern Pro-Am tournaments continuing to offer amateurs the unique opportunity to play alongside and against professional golfers.
Pro-Am tournaments are typically structured as single-day events, with teams comprising one professional golfer and a group of amateurs, usually three or four. These tournaments often attract celebrities and have become a popular way for amateurs to interact with professionals, gain insider knowledge, and play on prestigious courses.
The Crosby Clambake, for example, became a fixture on the PGA Tour and was hosted by Bing Crosby's family for eight years after his death in 1977. Over time, the tournament expanded to include more holes and changed its name to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, reflecting its new location along the California coast near Monterey.
Today, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am continues to attract top professionals and amateurs alike, raising significant sums for charitable causes while offering participants an unforgettable golfing experience.
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Etiquette: Amateurs should be mindful of their pace of play and stay out of the pro's line on the greens
Golf Pro-Ams are tournaments where professionals and amateur golfers compete against each other. They are typically single-day events, usually held on Mondays or Wednesdays, with one pro golfer paired with four amateur players. These tournaments are a great opportunity for amateurs to play with tour players and even celebrities.
When it comes to etiquette, there are a few key things for amateurs to keep in mind when playing with professionals in a Pro-Am:
Pace of Play
It is important for amateurs to be mindful of their pace of play. If your group is falling behind the group in front of you, it is courteous to walk at a reasonable speed between shots. As you approach your ball, start planning your next shot by considering the wind strength and direction. Once you reach your ball, quickly check the lie, select your club, and visualise your swing and shot. From the moment you select your club, aim to take no more than 30 to 45 seconds before hitting your shot. If you are not ready when it is your turn, suggest that one of your fellow players play first.
Staying Out of the Pro's Line
Another important aspect of etiquette is to respect the pro's line on the greens. Avoid stepping on the imaginary line that connects the ball to the hole, known as the "putting line". If your ball is on the pro's line, volunteer to mark it and use a plastic marker or a small, thin, dark coin. After marking your ball, place your putter at a 90-degree angle, with the heel touching the marker. Additionally, be mindful of your footprints and use a rake to smooth out any indentations made by your ball on the green.
Other Considerations
Some other general etiquette tips to keep in mind include repairing any pitch marks on the green, raking bunkers after playing from them, and entering and exiting bunkers from the low side. It is also important to show integrity, consideration for others, and care for the golf course. Remember to arrive early to give yourself ample time to warm up and familiarise yourself with the course.
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Frequently asked questions
A golf pro-am is a tournament where professional and amateur golfers play together. Typically, one professional golfer is paired with a group of four amateurs.
The cost of entering a golf pro-am varies. Local pro-ams are much cheaper than PGA Tour events. A local pro-am could cost between $200 and $400, whereas PGA Tour pro-ams can cost upwards of $40,000.
To enter a PGA Tour pro-am, visit the website of the specific tournament or contact the tournament office by phone. Most PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, LIV Golf, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Champions events have pro-ams that you can enter for the right amount of money.
Playing in a golf pro-am can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. It is likely to be a slow round, so it is important to keep your cool, be yourself, and enjoy the moment.
