7 Golf Tournaments That Should Be On Your Bucket List

For those who love the game of golf, attending a tournament, as opposed to watching it on TV, is an exhilarating experience.  You get to walk a famous course and watch your favorite players up close and personal.  You can share in the emotional ups and downs that come with playing 18 holes.  You can witness the amazing shots and the bad breaks.  You can watch the winner celebrate and the losers deal with their defeat.  The major tournaments and many of the more publicized matches are in cities that have great food, great wine and great entertainment to keep you occupied once the day’s round of golf is over.  Here is a list of seven tournaments that should be on any golf lover’s bucket list

FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

Torrey Pines, CA (January) – The backdrop of this tournament is arguably the most beautiful stretch of beach on the West Coast.  The weather is historically gorgeous, the crowd fun and the golf exciting. Locals love attending this tournament, but it is well worth travelling in for as well.  With so many great places to stay in and around Del Mar and La Jolla, San Diego and the Farmers Insurance Open are always a good idea.

MASTERS

Augusta, GA (April) – The Masters is considered by many to be the most prestigious of the four major tournaments.  It is the only major that is played on the same course every year, Augusta National. The winner of the coveted green jacket joins an elite club of golfers including Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.  To have the opportunity to attend the Masters is a once in a lifetime experience. 

US OPEN

Mamaroneck, NY(June) – The US Open is hosted at a different course every year.  This year it will take place in New York, at the Winged Foot Golf Club.  New York is an epic tourist destination. You can tack on a few days to the beginning or end of your trip to explore NYC, visit the Guggenheim and see Hamilton on Broadway.  The tournament is always packed with your favorite PGA players and it falls at a time of year when most people are ready for a vacation.

AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM

Pebble Beach, CA (February) – One of California’s most beloved golf locations, Pebble Beach is beautiful, historic, romantic and the Pro-Am is the perfect opportunity to plan a getaway with that special someone.  Even if your significant other isn’t into golf, she will be into Pebble Beach. Stay at the Spanish Inn or the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Wine and dine her in and around Carmel. And sneak away while she’s at the spa to watch your favorite players.  It’s the best of both worlds. 

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP San Francisco, CA (May)

The PGA Championship is held at a different course every year, and this year it will be in San Francisco at Harding Park.  Golfers will play against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and attendees will have the good fortune of being able to eat and drink in one of the biggest foodie cities in the world at the end of each round.  The weather is bound to be perfectly overcast, and the setting couldn’t be any more perfect.

THE OPEN

Sandwich, Kent, England (July) – To be held at the Royal St. George’s Golf Club in 2020.  The Open, also known as the British Open, is the oldest golf tournament in the world.  It is the Wimbledon of the golf world and for those who truly love golf and its rich history, this tournament is worth the trip across the pond.  Take the opportunity to extend the trip to include travelling within the UK, and beyond if your schedule allows. 

AMERICAN CENTURY CELEBRITY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Lake Tahoe, NV (July) – The most light-hearted of all the tournaments on the list, the Celebrity Golf Championship attracts some of the biggest stars around, as well as pro-athletes from other sports like football, baseball and basketball.  The course is on the California/Nevada state line and affords spectators spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. This is the perfect tournament to plan a guys’ trip around, or even to take the family to. Lake Tahoe is stunning in the summer and it is fun to watch your favorite athletes and entertainers compete in the one sport that brings them all together.