Jackson Reid
Golf enthusiasts around the globe are often curious about the extensive network of professional golf tours that exist, each offering unique opportunities for players to compete at various levels. From the prestigious PGA Tour and the European Tour to lesser-known circuits like the Asian Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour, the world of professional golf is vast and diverse. Additionally, regional and developmental tours provide pathways for aspiring golfers to hone their skills and climb the ranks. Understanding the sheer number and variety of these tours not only highlights the global reach of the sport but also underscores the numerous avenues available for players to pursue their golfing careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Major Professional Golf Tours | 6 |
| Names of Major Tours | PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, PGA Tour Champions, Korn Ferry Tour |
| Number of Minor Professional Golf Tours | Over 20 |
| Examples of Minor Tours | Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour (South Africa), Canadian Tour, Alps Tour, Nordic Golf League |
| Number of Developmental Tours | Numerous (varies by region) |
| Examples of Developmental Tours | PGA Tour Canada, PGA Tour Latinoamérica, Challenge Tour (Europe), Gateway Tour (USA) |
| Number of Senior Tours | Several |
| Examples of Senior Tours | PGA Tour Champions (USA), Staysure Tour (Europe), Japan Senior Tour |
| Number of Women's Tours | Multiple |
| Examples of Women's Tours | LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, Symetra Tour (USA), LET Access Series (Europe) |
| Number of Regional/National Tours | Countless (country-specific) |
| Examples of Regional Tours | PGA Tour of Australasia, Korean Tour, Tour de las Américas (Latin America) |
| Total Estimated Golf Tours Worldwide | Over 100 (including professional, developmental, senior, women's, and regional tours) |
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What You'll Learn
- Major Professional Tours: PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf
- Regional Tours: Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and Japan Golf Tour
- Senior Tours: PGA Tour Champions, Legends Tour, and European Senior Tour
- Developmental Tours: Mackenzie Tour, Alps Tour, and Gateway Tour for rising players
- Amateur Tours: USGA, R&A, and collegiate golf circuits worldwide
Major Professional Tours: PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf
The world of professional golf is vast and diverse, with numerous tours catering to different regions, skill levels, and demographics. Among the myriad of golf tours, a few stand out as the Major Professional Tours, shaping the landscape of the sport globally. These include the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA, DP World Tour, and the more recently established LIV Golf. Each of these tours plays a pivotal role in the professional golf ecosystem, offering high-stakes competition, significant prize money, and a platform for the world’s best golfers to showcase their talent.
The PGA Tour is arguably the most prestigious and widely recognized golf tour in the world. Based in the United States, it attracts the top male golfers globally and boasts some of the most iconic tournaments, including The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. The PGA Tour is renowned for its high prize money, with players competing for millions of dollars each season. Its influence extends beyond the U.S., as it draws participants from every corner of the globe, making it a cornerstone of professional golf.
The European Tour, now known as the DP World Tour, is another major player in the professional golf scene. Historically based in Europe, it has expanded its reach to include tournaments in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The DP World Tour is known for its rich history and its commitment to growing the sport internationally. It also collaborates with the PGA Tour on certain events, fostering a global golf community. The tour’s season culminates in the DP World Tour Championship, where the top players compete for the prestigious Race to Dubai title.
The LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour is the premier tour for women’s professional golf. Founded in 1950, it has been instrumental in elevating the profile of women’s golf worldwide. The LPGA Tour features a global roster of players and hosts tournaments across the United States, Asia, Europe, and beyond. Major championships like the Chevron Championship, U.S. Women’s Open, Women’s PGA Championship, and The Evian Championship are highlights of the LPGA calendar. The tour’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has made it a leader in sports.
In recent years, LIV Golf has emerged as a controversial yet significant addition to the major professional tours. Backed by substantial funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf has disrupted the traditional golf landscape by offering unprecedented prize money and a team-based format. While it has faced criticism for its origins and impact on established tours, LIV Golf has attracted high-profile players and generated considerable attention. Its presence has sparked debates about the future of professional golf and the balance between tradition and innovation.
Together, these Major Professional Tours—PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA, and LIV Golf—represent the pinnacle of professional golf, each contributing uniquely to the sport’s global appeal. While there are numerous other tours worldwide, these five stand out for their scale, influence, and ability to attract the best talent. They not only provide a platform for competition but also drive the growth and evolution of golf as a global sport.
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Regional Tours: Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and Japan Golf Tour
The world of professional golf is vast and diverse, with numerous tours catering to players of varying skill levels and geographic locations. Among the many tours, regional circuits play a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing pathways to more prestigious international tours. Four prominent regional tours are the Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and Japan Golf Tour, each offering unique opportunities for golfers in their respective regions.
The Asian Tour is one of the most significant regional tours, primarily serving golfers from Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1995, it has grown to become a key stepping stone for players aiming to compete on the European Tour or PGA Tour. The tour hosts events across countries like India, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea, attracting a mix of local talents and international players. Its partnership with the European Tour has further elevated its status, allowing top performers to earn exemptions into European Tour events. The Asian Tour is known for its competitive field and substantial prize money, making it a vital platform for golfers in the region.
The Sunshine Tour, based in Southern Africa, is another prominent regional tour that has produced world-class golfers such as Ernie Els and Louis Oosthuizen. Founded in 1971, it primarily operates in South Africa, with occasional events in neighboring countries like Zambia and Mauritius. The tour is renowned for its high-quality courses and strong competition, often serving as a developmental ground for players aiming to compete globally. The Sunshine Tour also co-sanctions events with the European Tour, such as the South African Open, providing its members with opportunities to gain international exposure and ranking points.
The Korn Ferry Tour, formerly known as the Web.com Tour, is the primary developmental tour for the PGA Tour in the United States. It offers a direct pathway to the PGA Tour, with the top 25 players on the season-long points list earning PGA Tour cards. The tour features a mix of established professionals and up-and-coming talents, competing across the United States and occasionally in Latin America. Its rigorous schedule and high-stakes competition make it one of the most challenging yet rewarding regional tours globally. The Korn Ferry Tour is essential for golfers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport in the United States.
The Japan Golf Tour is a leading regional tour in Asia, primarily based in Japan but attracting players from across the globe. Established in 1973, it boasts a rich history and has produced major champions like Hideki Matsuyama. The tour is known for its lucrative prize money and high-quality events, often drawing top international players. Its partnership with the PGA Tour allows select events to offer FedExCup points, further enhancing its appeal. The Japan Golf Tour is a critical platform for Japanese golfers and international players seeking to establish themselves in Asia.
In summary, regional tours like the Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and Japan Golf Tour are integral to the global golf ecosystem. They provide opportunities for local talents to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and progress to more prestigious international tours. Each tour has its unique characteristics, but all share the common goal of fostering golf excellence within their respective regions. Together, they contribute significantly to the diversity and depth of professional golf worldwide.
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Senior Tours: PGA Tour Champions, Legends Tour, and European Senior Tour
The world of professional golf is vast and diverse, with numerous tours catering to players of all ages and skill levels. Among these, Senior Tours hold a special place, offering competitive platforms for golfers aged 50 and above. Three of the most prominent Senior Tours are the PGA Tour Champions, the Legends Tour, and the European Senior Tour. These tours provide seasoned professionals with opportunities to continue competing at a high level, while also fostering camaraderie and celebrating the longevity of their careers.
The PGA Tour Champions, based in the United States, is arguably the most prestigious Senior Tour globally. Established in 1980, it features a robust schedule of tournaments with significant prize money, attracting some of the biggest names in golf history. Players like Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els have dominated this tour, showcasing their enduring skill and competitiveness. The PGA Tour Champions is known for its high production values, extensive media coverage, and strong sponsorship deals, making it a premier destination for senior golfers.
The Legends Tour, formerly known as the European Senior Tour, is another major player in the Senior Tours landscape. Based in Europe, it offers a mix of events across the continent, providing players with the chance to compete in diverse settings and cultures. While it may not match the PGA Tour Champions in terms of prize money, the Legends Tour is highly respected for its competitive field and the quality of its tournaments. It also serves as a platform for European golfers who may not have competed on the PGA Tour Champions, giving them a stage to shine in their later careers.
The European Senior Tour, now effectively merged with the Legends Tour, continues to play a significant role in senior golf. It operates under the umbrella of the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), ensuring a seamless transition for players moving from the regular tour to the senior circuit. The European Senior Tour is known for its inclusivity, often featuring players from various backgrounds and nationalities, which adds to its global appeal. Its events are well-organized and provide a competitive yet enjoyable environment for participants.
Together, these three Senior Tours—the PGA Tour Champions, Legends Tour, and European Senior Tour—form the backbone of professional golf for players aged 50 and over. They not only extend the careers of seasoned professionals but also inspire younger generations by demonstrating that excellence in golf is not bound by age. Each tour has its unique characteristics, but all share a common goal: to celebrate the enduring talent and passion of senior golfers on a global stage. As part of the broader ecosystem of golf tours worldwide, Senior Tours highlight the sport's inclusivity and its ability to cater to athletes throughout their careers.
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Developmental Tours: Mackenzie Tour, Alps Tour, and Gateway Tour for rising players
The world of professional golf is vast, with numerous tours catering to players of all skill levels and career stages. Among these, Developmental Tours play a crucial role in nurturing rising talent, providing a platform for aspiring golfers to gain experience, improve their skills, and work their way up to more prestigious circuits. Three notable developmental tours are the Mackenzie Tour, the Alps Tour, and the Gateway Tour, each offering unique opportunities for players striving to reach the top tiers of the sport.
The Mackenzie Tour, officially known as the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada, is a key developmental tour for golfers aiming to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour and ultimately the PGA Tour. Based in Canada, it provides a competitive environment for players from around the world. The tour typically features a series of tournaments across Canada, offering significant prize money and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Players who finish high on the Mackenzie Tour’s Order of Merit earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour, making it a vital stepping stone for rising professionals. Its emphasis on skill development and exposure to high-pressure situations prepares players for the rigors of higher-level competition.
The Alps Tour is another critical developmental tour, primarily focused on Europe. It serves as a feeder tour for the Challenge Tour, which itself is a pathway to the European Tour (DP World Tour). The Alps Tour is unique in its geographic scope, hosting events in countries such as France, Italy, Austria, and Morocco. This diversity exposes players to various course conditions and climates, enhancing their adaptability. Like the Mackenzie Tour, the Alps Tour awards spots on the Challenge Tour to top performers, making it an essential circuit for European and international players looking to climb the ranks. Its relatively low entry barrier also allows younger and less experienced players to compete at a professional level.
The Gateway Tour stands out as a U.S.-based developmental tour designed to prepare players for the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour. Operated by the PGA Tour, it offers a structured pathway with multiple series across different regions of the United States. The Gateway Tour is known for its focus on player development, providing resources such as coaching, mental training, and physical conditioning. Its series-based format allows players to compete in a consistent schedule, gaining valuable experience and confidence. Success on the Gateway Tour often leads to advancement to higher-level tours, making it a popular choice for rising American golfers and international players seeking opportunities in the U.S.
Together, these developmental tours—the Mackenzie Tour, Alps Tour, and Gateway Tour—form a critical part of the global golf ecosystem. They bridge the gap between amateur and professional golf, offering rising players the competition, exposure, and resources needed to progress in their careers. While the ultimate goal for many is to reach major tours like the PGA Tour or DP World Tour, these developmental circuits provide the foundation upon which future stars are built. Their role in the broader context of professional golf cannot be overstated, as they ensure a steady pipeline of talent ready to compete at the highest levels.
In the grand scheme of how many golf tours exist worldwide, developmental tours like these represent a small but indispensable segment. They complement major tours, regional tours, and mini-tours, creating a multifaceted system that caters to golfers at every stage of their journey. For rising players, understanding and leveraging these developmental tours can be the difference between a stalled career and a successful ascent to the top of the sport.
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Amateur Tours: USGA, R&A, and collegiate golf circuits worldwide
The world of amateur golf is a vibrant and extensive network, offering numerous tours and competitions that cater to players who compete for passion rather than prize money. Among the most prestigious and influential organizations in amateur golf are the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A, which oversee major amateur championships and set the standards for the sport globally. These bodies, along with collegiate golf circuits, form the backbone of amateur golf tours worldwide, providing pathways for aspiring golfers to develop their skills and compete at the highest levels.
The USGA is a cornerstone of amateur golf in the United States, organizing over 15 national championships annually, including the U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, and U.S. Junior Amateur. These events attract top amateur players from around the world and serve as qualifiers for major professional tournaments. The USGA also administers the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), a critical tool for evaluating player performance and eligibility for international competitions. Beyond championships, the USGA promotes grassroots golf through local and regional tournaments, ensuring a robust amateur golf ecosystem in the U.S.
The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland, plays a similar role globally, particularly in Europe and beyond. It organizes the Amateur Championship, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf, which grants winners exemptions into major professional events like The Open Championship. The R&A also oversees the Women’s Amateur Championship and the Walker Cup, a biennial team competition between Great Britain & Ireland and the United States. Through its international foundation, The R&A supports amateur golf development in emerging markets, expanding the sport’s reach worldwide.
Collegiate golf circuits are another vital component of amateur tours, particularly in the United States, where the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) governs college golf. NCAA golf provides a structured competitive environment for student-athletes, with divisions ranging from Division I to Division III. The NCAA Championships are among the most competitive amateur events, often serving as a launching pad for future professional golfers. Internationally, collegiate golf is growing, with countries like the UK, Australia, and South Africa offering university-level competitions that align with the academic calendar and foster talent development.
Beyond these major organizations, numerous regional and national amateur tours exist worldwide, tailored to local golfing communities. For example, Golf Australia runs the Australian Amateur Championship, while England Golf oversees amateur competitions in England. These tours provide opportunities for players to gain experience and compete at a high level without the pressures of professional golf. Together, the USGA, R&A, collegiate circuits, and regional tours create a diverse and inclusive amateur golf landscape, nurturing the next generation of golfing talent.
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Frequently asked questions
There are six major professional golf tours globally: the PGA Tour (USA), European Tour (DP World Tour), LPGA Tour (women's), PGA Tour Champions (seniors), Korn Ferry Tour (developmental), and the Asian Tour.
Yes, there are numerous regional and smaller golf tours worldwide, such as the Sunshine Tour (Africa), Japan Golf Tour, Australasian Tour, and various country-specific tours like the Canadian Tour or the Nordic Golf League.
There are several women’s professional golf tours, including the LPGA Tour (USA), Ladies European Tour, LPGA of Japan Tour, LPGA of Korea Tour, and the Symetra Tour (developmental), among others.
