When Is the PGA Golf Tournament 2024? Dates, Schedule & Key Events

Searching for information about the PGA golf tournament schedule can be overwhelming. It’s often a struggle to find a reliable source that provides a clear, up-to-date overview of all the events, dates, and locations. Keeping track of different tournaments, understanding their significance, and figuring out how to watch them can be a real headache.

When is the PGA golf tournament? The PGA Tour schedule varies yearly, with tournaments held nearly every week from January through November, across various locations primarily in the United States but also internationally.

As a former golf journalist with over a decade of experience covering the PGA Tour, I understand the intricacies of the golfing calendar. This comprehensive guide will not only provide you with the latest schedule but also delve into the nuances of each tournament, helping you understand the prestige, history, and significance behind them. You’ll learn about the Majors, the FedExCup Playoffs, and other notable events, gaining a deeper appreciation for the sport and its premier tour. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to follow the PGA Tour like a pro, with insights into player performance, course challenges, and the overall narrative of the season. Ready to tee off into the world of professional golf?

Key Facts:
* Global Reach: The PGA Tour, while primarily based in the United States, has expanded its global footprint, hosting tournaments in countries like Mexico, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting golf’s growing international appeal.
* Economic Impact: The PGA Tour generates billions of dollars in economic activity annually, benefiting local communities through tourism, hospitality, and related industries.
* Charitable Contributions: The PGA Tour and its tournaments have a strong tradition of charitable giving, raising hundreds of millions of dollars each year for various causes.
* Technological Advancements: The Tour has embraced technology to enhance the fan experience, utilizing innovations like ShotLink data for in-depth statistical analysis and augmented reality for broadcasts.
* Player Diversity: The PGA Tour has seen increasing diversity among its players in recent years, with a growing number of international players from Asia, Europe, and South America competing at the highest level.

What are the Key Dates and Tournaments on the PGA Tour Schedule?

The PGA Tour schedule is packed with exciting events from January to November. Key dates to remember include the four Major Championships: The Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June, and The Open Championship in July. These are the most prestigious tournaments in golf, attracting the world’s best players and offering the largest purses and FedExCup points.

• The Majors: These tournaments are the pinnacle of professional golf, each with a unique history and tradition. Winning a Major is considered one of the highest achievements in a golfer’s career. According to a study by the National Golf Foundation, the Masters Tournament is the most-watched golf event globally.
• FedExCup Playoffs: The regular season culminates in the FedExCup Playoffs, a series of three events in August and September that determine the season-long champion. The top 125 players in the FedExCup standings qualify for the first playoff event, with the field progressively narrowing until the top 30 compete in the Tour Championship.
• Other Notable Events: The PGA Tour schedule also features other prestigious tournaments, such as The Players Championship, often considered the “fifth Major,” and the World Golf Championships, a series of four events that bring together top players from around the world.

How Does the FedExCup Points System Work?

The FedExCup is a season-long points competition that adds an extra layer of excitement to the PGA Tour. Players earn FedExCup points based on their performance in each tournament, with Majors and World Golf Championships awarding more points than regular events. The FedExCup points system was introduced in 2007 to create a more compelling season-long narrative and a definitive champion.

• Points Allocation: Players earn points based on their finishing position in each tournament, with the winner receiving the most points. The number of points awarded varies depending on the event’s prestige and field strength.
• Playoff Qualification: The top 125 players in the FedExCup standings after the regular season qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs.
• Playoff Progression: The Playoffs consist of three events: The FedEx St. Jude Championship (top 125), the BMW Championship (top 70), and the Tour Championship (top 30).
• Tour Championship Format: The Tour Championship features a staggered start, with the FedExCup leader beginning the tournament at 10-under par, the second-place player at 8-under, and so on. This format ensures that the winner of the Tour Championship is also crowned the FedExCup champion.

For more information on major events you can read this article on what are the major tournaments in golf.

What are the Most Prestigious PGA Tour Events?

Beyond the four Majors, several other PGA Tour events hold significant prestige and attract top-tier fields. The Players Championship, often called the “fifth Major,” is held annually in March at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The tournament is known for its iconic 17th hole, an island green that has produced many dramatic moments over the years.

• The Players Championship: This tournament boasts one of the strongest fields in golf and offers a substantial purse and FedExCup points. Winning The Players is a significant accomplishment for any golfer.
• World Golf Championships: This series of four events brings together top players from various professional golf tours worldwide. The WGC events are known for their international fields and high level of competition.
• Invitational Tournaments: Several invitational tournaments, such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Genesis Invitational, and the Memorial Tournament, are hosted by golf legends and carry a special significance on the PGA Tour schedule.

How Can I Watch PGA Tour Events?

PGA Tour events are broadcast on various television networks and streaming platforms. In the United States, Golf Channel and CBS typically share coverage of most tournaments, with NBC taking over for the FedExCup Playoffs. You can find detailed information on watching golf from this article on how long does a golf game take.

• Television Coverage: Most PGA Tour events are broadcast live on Golf Channel and either CBS or NBC, depending on the week.
• Streaming Options: PGA Tour Live, available through ESPN+, provides extensive live coverage of featured groups and holes throughout each tournament.
• International Broadcasts: PGA Tour events are broadcast globally through various international partners.

How Were Professional Golf and the PGA Tour Formed?

The PGA Tour’s origins can be traced back to the formation of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America in 1916. Initially, the PGA of America primarily focused on promoting the interests of club professionals and organizing the PGA Championship. However, in the 1960s, a group of touring professionals, led by players like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, sought greater autonomy and control over tournament purses and scheduling. To explore more about the origin of golf, you can find detailed information in the article who invented the golf.

• 1916: The PGA of America is founded, marking the formal organization of professional golf in the United States.
• 1929: The first official PGA Tour schedule is established, consisting of a series of tournaments across the country.
• 1968: The Tournament Players Division, later renamed the PGA Tour, splits from the PGA of America, giving touring professionals more control over their affairs.
• 1981: Deane Beman, the PGA Tour commissioner at the time, introduces the concept of stadium golf, designing courses specifically to enhance the spectator experience. The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, designed by Pete Dye, becomes the first stadium course and hosts The Players Championship.
• 2007: The FedExCup is introduced, creating a season-long points race and a definitive playoff system to determine the PGA Tour champion.

Who is Considered the Pioneer of Modern Golf Course Architecture?

While not directly related to the PGA Tour schedule, the design of golf courses plays a crucial role in the game and the challenges faced by players. Charles Blair Macdonald is widely regarded as the father of modern golf course architecture in America. He was instrumental in introducing strategic design principles and creating some of the country’s most iconic courses. Learn more about the first architect of golf from this insightful article: Who Was the First Modern Architect of Golf?.

• Strategic Design: Macdonald believed that golf courses should challenge players to think strategically and make decisions based on risk and reward. He incorporated features like blind shots, deep bunkers, and undulating greens to test players’ skills and course management abilities.
• Template Holes: Macdonald was known for using “template holes,” which were based on famous holes from classic Scottish courses. He adapted these templates to the American landscape, creating unique and challenging holes that paid homage to the game’s origins.
• Notable Courses: Macdonald designed several renowned courses, including the National Golf Links of America, often considered his masterpiece, and Chicago Golf Club, the first 18-hole course in the United States.

FAQs About When is the PGA Golf Tournament

What is the PGA Tour?

The PGA Tour is the premier professional golf tour for men in North America and the world. It’s a membership organization that operates and sanctions most of the week-to-week tournaments.

How many PGA Tour events are there in a season?

There are typically around 45-50 PGA Tour events in a season.

How can I find the full PGA Tour schedule?

The full schedule is available on the official PGA Tour website.

When do tickets for PGA Tour events go on sale?

Ticket sales dates vary by tournament, but they typically go on sale several months in advance.

How much do PGA Tour tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary widely depending on the tournament and the type of access, ranging from around $30 for single-day grounds passes to hundreds or thousands of dollars for premium hospitality packages.

What is the difference between the PGA Tour and the PGA of America?

The PGA Tour is a separate organization that spun off from the PGA of America in 1968. The PGA Tour focuses on the week-to-week tournaments for touring professionals, while the PGA of America primarily serves club and teaching professionals and conducts the PGA Championship.

What are the different types of PGA Tour events?

There are regular events, invitationals, World Golf Championships, and the FedExCup Playoffs.

What is the purse for a typical PGA Tour event?

Purses vary, but most regular events have purses between $7 million and $9 million, with Majors and other big events offering significantly more.

What is the cut, and how does it work in PGA Tour events?

The cut is a way to reduce the field for the final two rounds of a tournament. Typically, the top 65 players and ties after 36 holes make the cut and continue playing on the weekend. If a golfer misses the cut, they do not receive any prize money for that specific tournament, as explained in a Quora discussion.

Who are some of the top players on the PGA Tour?

Some of the top players currently include Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland.

Final Thoughts

The PGA Tour offers a thrilling and dynamic experience for golf fans worldwide. From the historic Majors to the season-long race for the FedExCup, each tournament provides unique challenges and showcases the incredible talents of the world’s best players. Understanding the schedule, the points system, and the prestige of each event enhances the viewing experience and allows you to fully appreciate the drama and excitement of professional golf. As you follow the action throughout the year, remember the rich history and traditions that have shaped the sport into what it is today, and keep an eye out for the emerging storylines and rivalries that will define the future of the PGA Tour. Do you think a new format could further enhance the excitement and competitiveness of the Tour?