While golf doesn’t always get the same level of attention as contact sports like football, basketball, and hockey, there’s a certain thrill and prestige around the game that satisfies avid spectators.
Various golf tournaments take place throughout the calendar year, catering to golf lovers who appreciate the beauty of the game, from the awe-inspiring, scenic courses to the impressive swings and the stylish golfing gear.
These tournaments also host some of the biggest golf stars in the world, including the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, among others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.
The Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament, also known as the US Masters, comprises the golfing Grand Slam, which consists of winning all four major tournaments within the same calendar year.
Every successful golf bettor knows to pull up player statistics and monitor performances in the lead-up to massive tournaments. It’s inevitable that many bettors are crawling out of the woodwork right about now and starting to cautiously forge their predictions for the season of tournaments ahead. The US Masters has undoubtedly grown in popularity in recent years, becoming one of the premier golf betting events of the season. As it stands, Jon Rahm is currently at odds of 11/1 to take the role of victor in the US Masters 2022, although, with many months to wait, there’s every chance this could change.
First launched in 1934, the US Masters is one of the longest-running golf competitions in the world. The tournament also has a unique history, especially when compared to the other tournaments listed within this article, in that it has taken place at the same location every year since its inception – the August National Golf Club in Georgia, United States.
It’s also one of the most lucrative tournaments in the world, with Tiger Woods walking away with $2.07 million for winning the tournament in 2019 from a purse of $11.5 million.
The US Open
Another tournament that has golf punters lining up, this competition should not be confused with the world-famous tennis event of the same name. Golf’s US Open was first observed in 1895 and was held at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. The first winner, Horace Rawlins, walked away with a $150 cash prize, while the 2020 winner Bryson DeChambeau pocketed a staggering $2.25 million.
The British Open
Another one of the major four golf tournaments, the British Open was established in 1860. Also known as the Open Championship, the British Open spent its initial years at the Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland but eventually started rotating its venue to some of the top golf courses in the UK.
The British Open is the only major golf championship to be held outside of the United States. The 150th edition of the event, scheduled for 2022, will take place at the renowned Old Course at St Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world.
PGA Championship
Often referred to as the US PGA Championship, this annual event was first established in 1916. The PGA Championship is known for taking place at different exclusive golf courses around the country, with the 2020 tournament held at Harding Park Golf Club in San Francisco.
On top of being one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, it is also one of the most lucrative, with 2020 winner Collin Morikawa taking home $2 million.
Conclusion
On top of these top four golf competitions, other notable tournaments include the Ryder Cup, PGA Tour, Solheim Cup, Players Championship, US Women’s Open, and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Golf fans are indeed spoilt for choice when choosing a top golf tournament as all competitions are packed with action, drama, intensity, and among the highest prize money in the sport.
