Upcoming Major Golf Tournaments to Watch

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Professional Tour Championships

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Quick Answer

• The next major golf tournament is always locked in well ahead of time. Keep your eyes on The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship – those are the big kahunas.
• Your most reliable intel comes straight from the official PGA Tour, European Tour, or LPGA Tour websites. Don’t mess around with anything less.
• Know the difference: regular tour stops are cool, but majors are where legends are made.

To catch all the action from these major tournaments, consider a golf channel subscription. It’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss a single swing.

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Who This is For

• Die-hard golf fans who live and breathe the professional tour, tracking every swing and every player’s ranking.
• Casual sports viewers looking for the next major sporting spectacle to get invested in, from the leaderboard drama to the iconic courses.

What’s the Next Big Golf Tournament: Initial Checks

Before you start planning your viewing party, let’s get the basics dialed in.

• Current Date & Time of Year: This is your first filter. Are we in spring, summer, or fall? The majors have a pretty consistent rotation throughout the year, so knowing the season helps narrow down the possibilities considerably. For instance, if it’s early spring, The Masters is almost certainly on the horizon. If it’s mid-summer, you’re likely looking at the U.S. Open or The Open Championship.
• Official Tour Websites: This is non-negotiable. The PGA Tour (PGATour.com), the European Tour (DPWorldTour.com), and the LPGA Tour (LPGA.com) are the definitive sources for all tournament schedules. Think of them as the official rulebook for pro golf. Any other source you check should ideally be cross-referenced with these sites.
• The Four Men’s Majors: Familiarize yourself with the names of the most prestigious events in men’s professional golf. These are:
• The Masters Tournament: Always held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
• PGA Championship: This major’s venue rotates annually among top U.S. courses.
• U.S. Open: Also rotates annually among top U.S. courses, known for its challenging conditions.
• The Open Championship (often called the British Open): Held on classic links courses in the United Kingdom, this is golf’s oldest major.
• Player Buzz and Announcements: While not an official source, pay attention to what the top players are talking about. Interviews, press conferences, and even social media posts from the pros often hint at their upcoming schedules and which big events they’re targeting. It’s like getting insider intel. I remember hearing Rory McIlroy talk about his prep for a specific major last year, and it got me hyped.

Finding the Next Major Golf Tournament: Your Step-by-Step Plan

Alright, you’ve got the general idea. Now let’s get specific and find out exactly when and where the next big showdown is happening. This is where you get your viewing schedule locked in.

• Action: Navigate directly to the official PGA Tour website (PGATour.com).
• What to look for: You’ll want to find the “Schedule,” “Tournaments,” or “Calendar” section. This is your primary map for the men’s professional golf season. It’s usually prominently displayed.
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t waste time sifting through outdated fan forums or unofficial sports news aggregators. They can be a day late and a dollar short, especially with schedule changes. Stick to the source.

• Action: Within the PGA Tour schedule, locate the specific section or filter for “Majors” or “Major Championships.”
• What to look for: This will clearly list the dates, host courses, and sometimes even the defending champions for each of the four men’s majors. You’ll see The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship laid out chronologically for the current year.
• Mistake to avoid: Be careful not to confuse these marquee events with regular PGA Tour stops like the FedEx Cup playoff events or regular season tournaments. While important, they don’t carry the same historical weight or prestige as a major.

• Action: If you’re interested in women’s professional golf or international events, check the European Tour (DPWorldTour.com) and LPGA Tour (LPGA.com) schedules as well.
• What to look for: These sites will detail their own major championships and significant international tournaments. For the LPGA, their majors include events like The Chevron Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open, and The Evian Championship. The DP World Tour will show its schedule which includes The Open Championship and other key events.
• Mistake to avoid: Overlooking the international circuit. Golf is a global game, and some of the most exciting tournaments, including one of the men’s majors, take place outside the U.S.

• Action: Look for official announcements from the tours or tournament organizers regarding specific event details.
• What to look for: Press releases, news articles on the official sites, or even dedicated pages for each major championship. These often include ticket information, course previews, and key storylines heading into the event.
• Mistake to avoid: Relying on rumors or speculative articles. While exciting, these can sometimes be inaccurate. Always confirm information directly from the tour’s official channels.

• Action: Review the player schedules and commitments if available.
• What to look for: Many player profiles on tour websites will list their intended tournament schedule. Seeing which majors a top player has circled on their calendar can be a good indicator of what’s coming up.
• Mistake to avoid: Assuming a player’s stated intention is set in stone. Injuries, performance dips, or personal reasons can lead to last-minute schedule changes. Use this as a secondary confirmation, not the primary source.

What’s the Next Big Golf Tournament: Player Trends and Comparisons

Understanding what’s coming up isn’t just about dates; it’s about context. How do these majors stack up against each other? What are the storylines shaping the narratives around these upcoming events? This is where we dig a little deeper, looking at player form, course history, and the broader landscape of professional golf.

• The Masters: The Opener and the Green Jacket Quest

The Masters, held at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, is almost always the first men’s major of the year, typically in the first full week of April. It’s a unique event, steeped in tradition, and the pursuit of that iconic Green Jacket draws immense attention. Players who are in good form heading into spring, especially those who play well on Bermuda greens, often become favorites. We’ll look at who’s been contending in the early season tournaments on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Are there any players who consistently perform well at Augusta, even if they haven’t won it? Think of players with a strong history of top finishes, like multiple top-10s, even without a victory. This historical context is crucial for understanding potential contenders. For example, if a player has a string of 5th, 7th, and 3rd place finishes in the last three Masters, they’re definitely someone to watch, regardless of their current world ranking.

• PGA Championship: The Modern Major

The PGA Championship, traditionally held in May, has shifted its position in the major rotation over the years, making it crucial to check the current year’s schedule. It’s often seen as a test of a player’s all-around game, played on a variety of challenging U.S. courses that rotate annually. This major can be a great opportunity for players who might not be the biggest names but are in peak form. We’ll examine player performance in the tournaments leading up to the PGA Championship, looking for consistent ball-strikers and strong putters. Comparing recent performance against player rankings is key here. Is a player ranked outside the top 20 suddenly racking up wins or high finishes? That’s a red flag for potential success at the PGA Championship. We also look at how players perform under pressure in major championships specifically. Some players thrive on the big stage, while others can struggle.

• U.S. Open: The Ultimate Test of Golf

Typically held in June, the U.S. Open is renowned for its demanding course setups, often featuring thick rough, fast greens, and challenging pin positions designed to test every facet of a golfer’s game. This is where accuracy and mental fortitude are paramount. When predicting U.S. Open contenders, we’ll scrutinize players who excel in driving accuracy and scrambling ability. Course management is also a huge factor. Players who can strategically navigate difficult holes and avoid costly mistakes often find themselves in contention. We’ll compare their performance on similar types of courses – those that demand precision off the tee and smart play around the greens. Players who have had success in previous U.S. Opens, even if it was years ago, are always worth keeping an eye on, as they understand the unique challenges.

• The Open Championship: The Links Challenge

Concluding the men’s major season, usually in July, The Open Championship is played on historic links courses in the UK. This is golf in its purest, most elemental form, with wind, rain, and undulating terrain playing significant roles. Players who are comfortable with the unpredictability of links golf, can control the trajectory of their shots in windy conditions, and have a strong short game often fare best. We’ll look at players who have performed well in previous Opens or other links-style events. Their ability to adapt to changing weather and course conditions is a major indicator. Comparing their performance on wind-swept courses versus parkland courses can reveal a lot about their suitability for The Open. It’s also where you might see some unexpected names rise to the top, as pure power doesn’t always translate to success on these classic layouts.

Common Mistakes in Identifying Upcoming Major Golf Tournaments

We’ve all made ’em. Let’s learn from ’em so you don’t get caught out.

• Mistake: Assuming the order of the majors is always the same year after year.
• Why it matters: While The Masters has a pretty fixed spot, the PGA Championship has moved around in recent decades (from August to May), and sometimes The Open Championship’s date can shift slightly depending on the calendar.
• Fix: Always, always, always check the official schedule for the current year. Don’t rely on memory alone.

• Mistake: Confusing a major championship with a high-profile regular tour event.
• Why it matters: Majors are the pinnacle of the sport. They have decades, even centuries, of history, attract the most intense media scrutiny, and offer the biggest prestige boost to a player’s career. A regular tour event, while important for rankings and prize money, just doesn’t carry the same weight.
• Fix: Understand the distinct significance of the four men’s majors and the major championships on the LPGA Tour. They are in a class of their own.

• Mistake: Relying solely on social media for tournament schedules and updates.
• Why it matters: Social media is a firehose of information, and not all of it is accurate. Posts can be outdated, misinterpreted, or simply based on speculation. It’s great for hype, not for definitive scheduling.
• Fix: Use social media as a supplementary source for buzz and excitement, but always confirm dates, times, and locations on the official PGA Tour, DP World Tour, or LPGA Tour websites.

• Mistake: Forgetting about the women’s major championships.
• Why it matters: The LPGA Tour boasts its own set of incredibly significant major championships that showcase the best female golfers in the world. Ignoring them means missing out on top-tier competition and incredible talent.
• Fix: Make it a point to check the LPGA Tour schedule for their major events. They are just as thrilling and competitive as the men’s majors.

• Mistake: Not considering the venue’s impact on player performance.
• Why it matters: Different courses suit different players. A links course in Scotland plays vastly differently than a parkland course in the U.S. A player who dominates one might struggle on the other.
• Fix: When looking ahead to a major, research the host course. Consider its typical characteristics (links, parkland, desert, etc.) and how that might align with the strengths and weaknesses of top players. This adds another layer to your prediction game.

FAQ

• When is The Masters Tournament usually held?

The Masters is traditionally played during the first full week of April, culminating on the second Sunday of the month. It’s a springtime ritual for golf fans.

• What are the four men’s major golf championships?

They are The Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (often referred to as the British Open).

• Where can I find the official schedule for professional golf tournaments?

The most reliable sources are the official websites: PGATour.com for the PGA Tour, DPWorldTour.com for the European Tour, and LPGA.com for the LPGA Tour.

• Does the order of the men’s majors ever change?

Yes, the PGA Championship’s placement in the calendar has been adjusted in recent years, moving from late summer to May. It’s always best to check the current year’s official schedule for the definitive order.

• Are there major tournaments for women’s professional golf?

Absolutely. The LPGA Tour features its own prestigious major championships, including The Chevron Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and The Evian Championship.

• How do I know which players are likely to perform well in a major?

Consider their recent form in tournaments leading up to the major, their past performance in major championships, their history at the specific venue if it’s a recurring one, and their general strengths (e.g., driving accuracy for the U.S. Open, links experience for The Open). Checking current world rankings and specialized player statistics can also provide valuable insights.

• What’s the difference between The Open Championship and the British Open?

There is no difference. “The Open Championship” is the official name, but it is very commonly referred to as the “British Open” by fans and media, especially in the United States. Both terms refer to the same historic major golf tournament.