There are so many options you can find, from charity events, state golf associations, local club events, Arizona golf tournament, etc. Future golfers can use amateur competitions as vital stepping stones to establish themselves and get experience that will help them advance to the world stage. Around the world, local golfers compete for prizes and recognition in a large number of national and regional amateur events.
Top players from different nations compete at a high level in renowned international amateur tournaments, with the victors earning spots on prominent pro tours like the PGA TOUR and prestigious championships like The Masters. Here, we examine some of the world’s most prestigious Amateur golf tournaments and compare them.
The American Amateur Championship
In 1895, the USGA launched the U.S. Amateur, which attracted the best amateur players from across the world. Golfers must have a handicap of 2.4 or below to compete in the well-liked tournament, which consists of two days of stroke play before the field is reduced to 64 players and five days of elimination match play. Tiger Woods and Matthew Fitzpatrick are two well-known golfers who have won the Havemeyer Trophy, making the U.S. Amateur an essential first step for any participant.
The Amateurs Championship
In 1885, the R&A launched the Amateur golf tournament Amateur Championship, sometimes referred to as the British Amateur. Male golfers of all ages who have a handicap of 2.0 or below are eligible to compete. A similar stroke and match play combination system is used to select the winner of the Amateur Championship, which takes place at some of the best courses in the United Kingdom. José María Olazábal and Sergio Garcia are former champions.
The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
Despite being hosted by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and only starting play in 2009, the Asia-Pacific Amateur has already established itself as a major player on the amateur golf scene. The competition, which consists of 72 holes of stroke play, draws male golfers of all ages with a handicap of 5.4 or less. Notable previous winners include Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, who received exemptions to the British Open and Masters the following year.
The Western Amateur Championship
The final “Sweet Sixteen” match play phase, which results in some of the most fascinating pairings, makes the Western Amateur one of the most exciting amateur competitions. The Western Golf Association started hosting the competition in 1899, and male players must have a handicap of 3.0 or below. Tiger Woods and his rival Phil Mickelson are two notable former Western Amateur champions.
American Amateur Title for Women
Similar to the U.S. Amateur Championship, the U.S. Women’s Amateur was organized by the USGA and started play in 1895. Female contestants must have a handicap of 5.4 or less. However, there is no age restriction. Danielle Kang and Lydia Ko are two well-known winners of the Robert Cox Cup, which had a direct influence on the beginning of competitive women’s golf in the United States.
Augusta National Amateur Women’s
In 2019, the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur golf tournament was held at the Augusta National Golf Club. It has developed as a vital first step for female amateurs hoping to pursue professional careers in recent years. Jennifer Kupcho and Rose Zhang are two prominent former champions who are now making waves in the women’s professional game. The tournament consists of 54 holes of stroke play.
World Amateur at Myrtle Beach
With more than 3,000 participants, the Myrtle Beach World Amateur is the biggest amateur golf competition in the world. With eleven categories and handicaps ranging from 0.4 to 40.4, players of all skill levels are welcome to participate. The Myrtle Beach World Amateur is ideal for amateur players who want to compete in an exciting and demanding tournament but don’t fulfill the stringent handicap standards listed in the aforementioned tournaments.
Amateur golfers can improve their talents, compete at a high level, and get recognition on the international scene by participating in the amateur competitions mentioned above. Depending on your gender, location, and handicap level, you may choose which event to enter. One of the simplest ways to get on a professional tour is to win a respectable amateur golf tournament.
