Golf tournaments are more than just sporting events—they’re unforgettable experiences that combine world-class athletics, entertainment, socializing, and stunning venues. Whether you’re a die-hard golf enthusiast or simply looking for a unique vacation, attending a top PGA golf tournament offers an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most fun golf tournaments that should be on every fan’s bucket list, complete with insider tips to maximize your experience. From the rowdy party atmosphere of Phoenix to the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, these tournaments offer something for every type of fan.
What Makes a Golf Tournament Fun?
Picture: Eoin Clarke | Golffile
Before diving into specific tournaments, let’s explore what elements create a truly memorable fan experience at golf events.
The Unique Atmosphere
Unlike most sporting events where fans are confined to stadium seats, golf tournaments allow spectators to walk the course, following favorite players or camping at signature holes. This freedom creates a dynamic experience where you can be part of the action in a way impossible in other sports.
Entertainment Beyond Golf
Today’s premier tournaments have evolved into entertainment destinations. There are concerts, celebrity sightings, gourmet food villages, interactive exhibits, plenty of drinks, and unique merchandise. Many tournaments have embraced a festival-like atmosphere that extends well beyond the competition itself.
Social Experience
Golf tournaments provide an excellent social setting. Whether networking with business contacts, enjoying time with friends, or meeting fellow golf enthusiasts from around the world, these events foster connections in a relaxed outdoor environment.
The Venue Experience
Many prestigious tournaments are held at bucket-list golf courses—historic venues with stunning landscapes that are worth experiencing regardless of the competition. Walking Augusta National or St Andrews is a pilgrimage for many golf fans.
The Most Fun PGA Golf Tournament to Attend
1. Waste Management Phoenix Open (TPC Scottsdale)
Why It’s Fun: Often called “The People’s Open” or “The Greatest Show on Grass,” this February tournament has revolutionized what a golf event can be.
The 16th Hole Experience
The stadium-style 16th hole is the tournament’s crown jewel and arguably the most exciting hole in golf. Completely enclosed by grandstands holding 20,000 rowdy fans, players enter through a tunnel to thunderous cheers, boos, or chants based on their popularity and performance.
When players hit great shots, the crowd erupts in a way that’s more reminiscent of a football game than traditional golf. Miss the green, and you’ll hear good-natured boos that have made even the most seasoned pros nervous.
Beyond the 16th
While the 16th gets the glory, the entire back nine offers fantastic viewing opportunities:
- The drivable par-4 17th hole provides dramatic risk-reward moments
- The 18th hole’s amphitheater setting creates a perfect finishing arena
- The Birds Nest—a massive concert venue and party tent adjacent to the course—hosts top musical acts each night after play
For First-Time Visitors
- Tickets sell out quickly, especially for weekend rounds
- Consider Thursday or Friday attendance for smaller crowds but full entertainment
- Scottsdale in February offers perfect weather and abundant dining and nightlife options
- Book accommodation early, as prices surge during tournament week
- Rideshare is the best transportation option as parking can be challenging
2. The Masters Tournament (Augusta National)
Why It’s Fun: While “fun” might not be the first word associated with the tradition-steeped Masters, the tournament’s unparalleled prestige and meticulously maintained venue create a magical experience.
The Augusta Experience
Walking the hallowed grounds of Augusta National is a bucket-list experience for any golf fan. The course’s natural beauty—with its blooming azaleas, towering pines, and immaculate conditions—is even more spectacular in person than on television.
Traditions and Touches
The Masters is famous for its traditions and attention to detail:
- Famously affordable concessions, including the legendary $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches
- The Par 3 Contest on Wednesday offers a more relaxed atmosphere
- Exceptional merchandise available only during tournament week
- Cell phones are prohibited, creating a refreshingly disconnected experience
Insider Tips
- Practice rounds (Monday-Wednesday) offer more relaxed viewing and photo opportunities
- The famous Green Jacket ceremony on Sunday evening is worth staying for
- Tickets are distributed through a lottery system—apply early on the Masters website
- Consider renting a house in Augusta rather than staying in hotels
- Chairs can be placed early in the morning and left unattended—your spot will be respected!
3. The Players Championship (TPC Sawgrass)
Why It’s Fun: Often called “the fifth major,” The Players Championship combines a world-class field with one of golf’s most fan-friendly venues.
The Island Green
The iconic par-3 17th hole with its island green is one of golf’s most recognizable and dramatic settings. Grandstands surrounding the hole create an arena-like atmosphere where fans witness both triumphant shots and watery disasters.
Stadium Course Design
TPC Sawgrass was specifically designed as a “stadium course” with spectator mounding and viewing areas throughout, making it one of the most fan-friendly venues in golf.
Fan Amenities
- The massive clubhouse is open to all ticket holders
- The “Fan Shop” is one of the largest merchandise pavilions in golf
- Food courts offer diverse dining options beyond typical concessions
- The practice facility allows up-close viewing of players warming up
Planning Your Visit
- March in Florida offers comfortable temperatures but pack rain gear
- Ponte Vedra Beach and nearby Jacksonville have excellent accommodation options
- Consider the “Stadium Pass” for access to premium viewing areas
- Thursday/Friday rounds offer the best combination of crowd size and full field
4. Ryder Cup
Why It’s Fun: The biennial team competition between the United States and Europe creates an atmosphere unlike any other golf event, with patriotic fervor and team dynamics adding drama.
Team Spirit
The rare team format in golf creates passionate fan bases decked out in team colors, faces painted, and voices ready for chants and songs. The first tee atmosphere—with stands packed before sunrise—is electric and more akin to European soccer than traditional golf.
Match Play Format
The head-to-head match play format creates dramatic swings and memorable showdowns between players. Unlike stroke play events, every hole matters independently, creating constant drama.
Global Experience
With venues alternating between the U.S. and Europe, the Ryder Cup offers a unique opportunity to combine world-class golf with international travel. The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black in New York, bringing the rowdy atmosphere to one of America’s toughest public courses.
Fan Experience
- The Ryder Cup Fan Experience village offers interactive activities
- Opening and closing ceremonies add pageantry
- Team practice rounds offer insight into potential pairings
- Merchandise sells out quickly—shop early
5. U.S. Open Championship
Why It’s Fun: America’s national championship delivers one of the toughest tests in golf on rotating iconic courses, creating a dramatic spectacle that combines elite competition with American golf heritage.
Ultimate Challenge
The USGA famously sets up courses to challenge every aspect of a player’s game. Watching the world’s best golfers battle narrow fairways, punishing rough, and lightning-fast greens creates compelling drama as players fight for every stroke.
Iconic Venues
The U.S. Open rotates among America’s most prestigious and historic courses, including Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Shinnecock Hills, and Oakmont. These legendary venues offer fans the chance to walk hallowed ground where golf history has been made for over a century.
Patriotic Atmosphere
As America’s national championship, the tournament carries patriotic energy, especially when held around Father’s Day weekend. The red, white, and blue decorations, military tributes, and pride in American golf traditions add to the special atmosphere.
Fan Experience
- Massive merchandise pavilions featuring exclusive U.S. Open gear
- Interactive fan zones with golf simulators and skills challenges
- Historical exhibits showcasing past championships
- Premium food and beverage options representing local cuisine
Planning Your Visit
- Tickets sell through a lottery system—register on the USGA website
- Consider practice rounds for more relaxed viewing and photo opportunities
- Prepare for significant walking on challenging terrain
- Weather can be unpredictable in June—bring layers and rain gear
- Many venues are in suburban locations—research transportation options early
6. Presidents Cup
Why It’s Fun: Similar to the Ryder Cup but featuring the U.S. against an International Team (excluding Europe), the Presidents Cup offers a slightly more relaxed but equally engaging team competition.
International Variety
With players representing countries from Australia to South Korea, South Africa to Canada, the International Team brings a global golf showcase together in one event.
Rotating International Venues
The Presidents Cup alternates between U.S. and international locations, providing unique travel opportunities. Recent international hosts have included Australia, South Korea, and Canada.
Access and Atmosphere
Generally more accessible than the Ryder Cup in terms of tickets, the Presidents Cup still delivers team excitement but with a slightly less intense atmosphere, making it perfect for families or first-time tournament attendees.
Community Focus
The Presidents Cup places strong emphasis on charity and community impact, creating events and opportunities beyond just the competition itself.
7. WM Phoenix Open (Party Edition)
Why It’s Uniquely Fun: We’ve already covered the tournament aspects above, but the Phoenix Open deserves a second mention specifically for its party atmosphere.
The Birds Nest
This legendary post-round concert venue and party tent draws 20,000+ revelers each night after golf concludes. Top musical acts perform, creating what amounts to a music festival alongside a golf tournament.
College Crowd
Many universities schedule spring break around the tournament, creating a youthful energy throughout the event. The general admission areas—especially around the 16th hole—have a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other tournament.
Scottsdale Nightlife
The tournament coincides with peak season in Scottsdale, with nearby Old Town offering countless restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to tournament attendees throughout the week.
Insider Tips for Attending Golf Tournaments
When to Buy Tickets
- Major championships: Enter ticket lotteries up to a year in advance
- Regular PGA Tour events: 2-3 months before is typically sufficient
- Consider verified resale markets if events sell out
What Days to Attend
- Practice Rounds (Monday-Wednesday): Smaller crowds, relaxed atmosphere, players more accessible for autographs, and often permission to take photos
- Thursday/Friday Rounds: Full field playing, moderate crowds, chance to see all players
- Weekend Rounds: Highest energy, largest crowds, and final drama, but more expensive and restricted viewing
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk miles across uneven terrain
- Lightweight chair: Most tournaments allow collapsible chairs without arms
- Sunscreen and hat: Even in cooler weather, sun exposure is significant
- Binoculars: Perfect for seeing distant action
- Rain gear: Weather changes quickly at many venues
- Cash: Many concession stands still prefer cash
- Check prohibited items: Most tournaments ban cell phones, large bags, and outside food/beverages
Viewing Strategies
- Follow a group: Pick a favorite player or group and walk the entire course
- Camp at signature holes: Find a good spot at a dramatic par-3 or finishing hole
- Grandstand hopping: Use reserved seating areas to rest between walking
- Early arrival: Prime viewing spots fill quickly, especially on weekends
Make It a Trip to Remember
Accommodation Strategies
- Official tournament hotels: Convenient but expensive, often including shuttle service
- Vacation rentals: Great for groups and typically more affordable
- Nearby cities: Sometimes staying 30-45 minutes away offers significant savings
Extend Your Stay
- Play golf: Many tournament venues or nearby courses are open to the public before or after the event
- Explore the region: Tournament locations are often in scenic or culturally significant areas
- Package deals: Tour operators frequently offer packages combining tournament tickets with local golf and attractions
Beyond the Course
- Research local restaurants in advance—they fill quickly during tournament weeks
- Many players frequent local establishments—you might have a celebrity sighting
- Consider cruise options for coastal tournaments like Pebble Beach or The Open
2025 Tournament Schedule Highlights
Mark your calendar for these must-attend events in 2025:
- The Sentry Tournament of Champions: January, Kapalua, Hawaii
- WM Phoenix Open: February, TPC Scottsdale
- The Players Championship: March, TPC Sawgrass
- The Masters: April, Augusta National
- PGA Championship: May, Quail Hollow Club
- U.S. Open: June, Oakmont Country Club
- The Open Championship: July, Royal Portrush
- FedEx Cup Playoffs: August
- Ryder Cup: September, Bethpage Black
Plan Your Golf Tournament Experience
Attending a premier golf tournament combines world-class sport, entertainment, travel, and social experiences into one unforgettable package. Whether you’re drawn to the raucous party atmosphere of Phoenix, the hallowed traditions of Augusta, or the international flair of The Open Championship, there’s a tournament experience perfectly suited to your preferences.
The key to maximizing your enjoyment is planning ahead. Tournament tickets, accommodations, and travel arrangements should be secured months in advance, especially for major championships.
Plan your PGA golf tournament trip now!
Ready to experience world-class golf in person? Here’s how to get started:
- Research tournament dates and locations for your preferred events
- Enter ticket lotteries for major championships
- Shop Oak & Iron Golf gear for your tournament outfit and be prepared for any weather conditions
- Consider a custom travel package that combines tournament attendance with playing opportunities at nearby courses
Don’t just watch golf on TV—experience the roars of the crowd, the beauty of world-class courses, and the drama of championship competition in person. Your perfect golf getaway awaits!
Shop Oak & Iron Golf gear for your next tournament!