Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard
Orlando, FL
Photo courtesy of Somchai Sookkasem/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Somchai Sookkasem/iStock by Getty Images
Played at beautiful Bay Hill Club and Lodge outside of Orlando, the Arnold Palmer Invitational has been a staple of the PGA Tour since 1979. Due to its invitational status, only the best in the business can compete in this tournament, making it a must-see for golf’s most dedicated fans. In-person spectators can learn more about Arnold Palmer’s charitable work, take a swing with his clubs or find a shady spot to enjoy a cool drink.
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Pebble Beach, CA
Photo courtesy of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Photo courtesy of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has all the glamor you’d expect from California, including celebrity cameos and dramatic Pacific Ocean vistas. While the professional-amateur duos hit the links, spectators can sip cold drinks from the viewing decks or enjoy games in Triangle Plaza. Want to say you played at the tournament? Test your skills on the custom putt-putt course, then snap a photo with a trophy.
BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club
Owings Mills, MD
Photo courtesy of Phonphipat Sukkasem/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Phonphipat Sukkasem/iStock by Getty Images
Higher stakes, taller grandstands, larger crowds—everything is bigger at the BMW Championship. One of the final stops on the road to the PGA Tour playoffs, this tournament pits the top 50 competitors chasing the FedExCup head to head. Cave Valley Golf Club’s gentle rolling hills provide the perfect base for 20- to 30-foot stands, which are a must when 100K spectators are expected.
PGA Championship at Quail Hollow
Charlotte, NC
Photo courtesy of ImagineGolf/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of ImagineGolf/iStock by Getty Images
As a long-time venue to a variety of PGA Tour events, Quail Hollow Club provides a familiar layout for many competitors. But experience on this historic course isn’t enough to win the Wanamaker Trophy. This PGA Championship is for pros only, meaning fans can expect closer scores and dramatic finishes, no matter which course hosts this major in any given year.
RBC Heritage
Hilton Head Island, SC
Photo courtesy of William Reagan/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of William Reagan/iStock by Getty Images
The RBC Heritage is all about tradition. Not only has the annual competition been hosted by Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island since its inception in 1969, the festivities begin with a parade and a ceremonial tee shot into the adjacent sound (accompanied by a cannon blast, no less). With broadcasts in more than 200 countries and over 100 thousand spectators every year, it’s undoubtedly a fan favorite.
Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black Course
Farmingdale, NY
Image courtesy of the Ryder Cup
Image courtesy of the Ryder Cup
Known for its extreme difficulty, the Bethpage State Park Black Course offers the perfect setting for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The best golfers from the US and Europe have faced off in this exhibition tournament since 1927. While no prize money is at stake, pride is, and weekend draws plenty of international coverage and sponsorships. Want to play on the same greens as the pros? Bethpage’s courses are open to the public.
Texas Children’s Houston Open
Houston, TX
Photo courtesy of mrcmos/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of mrcmos/iStock by Getty Images
Following its 2019 renovations, Memorial Park Golf Course has become a premier municipal golf course worthy of pro-level play. Today, the course receives more than 60 thousand visitors a year and is home to the Texas Children’s Houston Open. While the competitors vie for coveted FedExCup points on the greens, spectators can support local causes through the on-site Birdies for Charity program.
The Masters
Augusta, GA
Photo courtesy of BCWH/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of BCWH/iStock by Getty Images
Excellence is always in full bloom at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. The former plant nursery’s 18 holes put professional and amateur golfers from around the globe to the test every April, garnering massive worldwide media attention. Perhaps the most iconic piece of the event is the green jacket ceremony, which recognizes the first-place player as both the winner and an honorary member of the golf club.
The Memorial Tournament
Dublin, OH
Photo courtesy of Willard/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Willard/iStock by Getty Images
The Memorial Tournament is Jack Nicklaus’ way of giving back, both to the world of golf and his community. Muirfield Village Golf Club, created and designed by Nicklaus, challenges the elite group of invited players, giving spectators an amazing show. Off the greens, the tournament raises money for local charities and holds a special ceremony to honor golfing legends of the past.
The Players Championship
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Photo courtesy of Nikolay Amoseev/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Nikolay Amoseev/iStock by Getty Images
Sometimes referred to as the “fifth major,” the Players Championship was founded by the PGA Tour for the PGA Tour. No amateur players receive invitations for this tournament—the only way in is to qualify. Spectators can expect high levels of gameplay throughout the event as well as stunning views of TPC Sawgrass’ greens and waterways. Stadium-style seating ensures no one misses the signature 17th hole.
The Sentry
Maui, HI
Photo courtesy of Mark Tierney/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Mark Tierney/iStock by Getty Images
What’s the best way to escape a dreary winter? Catching The Sentry in Maui every January! All players who have won a PGA Tour tournament in the previous calendar year are automatically invited, and a select group of qualifying players round out the field for a competitive day on the fairways. The idyllic island and Pacific Ocean views of The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort take the event to next level.
Travelers Championship
Cromwell, CT
Photo courtesy of Travelers Championship
Photo courtesy of Travelers Championship
Hundreds of thousands of fans flock to TPC River Highlands every year for the Travelers Championship, and it’s easy to see why. The course offers plenty of seating options, so spectators can enjoy the gorgeous Connecticut landscape and keep an eye on the action. The tournament also provides plenty of fan amenities, from food trucks and wine tents to air-conditioned spaces with games and activities.
U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont, PA
Photo courtesy of U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
Photo courtesy of U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club
History rules at the United States Open Championship when it’s played at Oakmont Country Club. Established in 1903, Oakmont takes inspiration from traditional British links courses, making it a perfect fit for hosting a staple event of both the PGA Tour and the PGA European Tour. Fans can see a bit of history for themselves at the USGA Experience and Museum Exhibit, which features balls and clubs from the 20s.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
Scottsdale, AZ
Photo courtesy of iShootPhotosLLC/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of iShootPhotosLLC/iStock by Getty Images
Known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” the WM Phoenix Open is not your average golf tournament. The spectators who gather annually at TPC Scottsdale, which frequently number over half a million, bring plenty of energy and are known to loudly cheer and boo players during the lively rounds. And with mild February temperatures and the gorgeous desert landscape, it’s a great place to loosen up and watch the pros compete.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Avondale, LA
Photo courtesy of PhotoTalk/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of PhotoTalk/iStock by Getty Images
Unlike most tournaments on the PGA Tour, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans has a team format, meaning top participating Tour players can choose their partners to navigate TPC Louisiana’s challenging fairways and greens. Fans appreciate the shaded grandstand seating along the course and the chance to meet some of their favorite players for autographs. There’s even a tailgate zone on the back nine!
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Our Featured Panelists
Julie Bielenberg
Julie Bielenberg lives in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado with massive mountains and big country. She has been her State’s number one agritourism writer for over two decades. She has contributed to, among others, Cowboys & Indians, Newsweek, Fodor’s Travel, Spoke + Blossom, and Island Soul. From baseball to soccer to hoops, Julie’s family is heavily involved in sports, and she doesn’t miss an opportunity to sample the nachos at whatever venue she’s visiting or working. Learn more about Julie’s adventures at www.muckrack.com/julie-bielenberg.
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is the founder and publisher of WanderWithWonder.com and an accomplished storyteller, journalist and creative strategist. With more than 75 published books and hundreds of articles to her name, she crafts content that informs, inspires and connects with readers through authenticity and purpose. Susan’s sports journey began on horseback and grew to include a passion for horse racing, basketball, soccer, and motorsports. She played basketball in junior high and high school and remains a devoted fan. She’s also drawn to the global energy of soccer fans and is an avid NASCAR enthusiast, having taken hot laps at top tracks across the country.
