Do not get mistaken; Golf is not an older citizen sport. Still don’t agree? Tiger Wood, who became a household name after achieving several milestones in his career, started as a pro player at the age of 20. So while most people might play golf as a hobby, those who decide to upgrade past the amateur stage get to play in major leagues and are referred to as Pro golfers.
Elite Pro (men) golfers usually compete in the following tournaments characterized by rich history and traditions.
- The Master’s Tournament
- The US Open Championship,
- The Open Championship
- The US PGA Championship.
The Master’s Tournament
The Master’s tournament, also known as the U.S Masters, is the first of the series of tournaments of elite pro men golfers in a calendar year. This event takes place annually in the same location in Georgia, known as the Augusta National Golf Club. However, to take part in this Masters tournament would require an invitation, of which only the creme de la creme is opportune. For previous winners, they are guaranteed a lifetime spot except if they choose to decline, which can then be passed to selected alternates or under 100 pro golfers.
The United States Open Championship is considered the most difficult of the four major series. It exists in qualifying stages so that all, including women and junior athletes, can get a chance to show off their skill and talent at the event. The qualifying round is usually held in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The Masters take place in April, whereas the U.S open championship kickoff in June.
The Open Championship
This Championship, also known as the British Open, takes place in the United Kingdom and is the oldest tournament of the series, the first in 1860. It’s still as it was in the beginning, open to just British professionals. Now its qualifying round allows top golfers from across all continents of the world. With the final round of qualifiers in various locations in the United Kingdom. The venues are known to be in pristine locations in Scotland, England, where terrific conditions could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on weather conditions.
The US PGA Championship
P.G.A- Professional Golfer Association is a Championship that was first held in Siwanoy Country Club Bronxville and takes place in May of any calendar year in the US. Winning the US PGA guarantees automatic qualification to the other three major series for at least five years and an exclusive membership to PGA tournaments. Outside of the US P.G.A, there is also the European tour, Asian tour, and similar continental tours that make up the world golf championships (WGC).
Winning all the major championships is called a Grand slam. And Historically, only five players have managed to achieve this – Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus. Of them all, only Tiger Woods managed a back-to-back grand slam. If it turns out that you are no pro or have no shot at any of the major leagues, you might want to try golf betting, which offers you a profitable opportunity to compete in golf.
Other notable golf tournaments are the Biennial Ryder Cup for European vs. United States teams and the Golf world cup. Winning any of the four major series guarantees 100 points for you on the Golf ranking chart.