The PGA Tour is often synonymous with top-level professional golf, but did you know there are multiple PGA Tours catering to different levels of golfers around the world? The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) plays a crucial role in organizing tours at various levels, from professional to developmental, and across different regions. This blog aims to explain how many PGA Tours exist and break down each tour’s purpose.
What is the PGA Tour?
The PGA Tour serves as the governing body for professional golf tours worldwide. Established in 1968, it evolved from the original U.S.-based tournament circuit into a comprehensive organization that includes various tours, accommodating both elite players and those on their way up. The PGA Tour organizes numerous events, including the prestigious FedEx Cup playoffs and major championships, while also overseeing developmental tours that help emerging talent transition to higher levels of competition.
Main Tours Under the PGA Tour Umbrella
PGA Tour (Primary Tour)
- Overview: The main professional tour featuring the world’s top golfers.
- Events: Hosts around 50 tournaments annually, including major events like The Players Championship and World Golf Championships.
- Best for: The highest level of competition, where players like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods compete.
PGA Tour Champions
- Overview: A tour for professional golfers aged 50 and older.
- Events: Approximately 25 tournaments annually, including major senior events like the Senior PGA Championship.
- Best for: Legendary players who have transitioned into senior competition, such as Bernhard Langer.
Korn Ferry Tour
- Overview: The primary developmental tour for golfers aiming to earn PGA Tour status.
- Events: Around 25 events per year, with players competing for PGA Tour cards through a season-long points race.
- Best for: Emerging professional golfers striving to break into the PGA Tour.
PGA Tour Latinoamérica
- Overview: A tour based in Latin America that provides opportunities for talented golfers in the region.
- Events: Over a dozen events per season across various Latin American countries.
- Best for: Developing golfers from Latin America who aim to move up to the Korn Ferry Tour or PGA Tour.
PGA Tour Canada (Mackenzie Tour)
- Overview: A developmental tour based in Canada, serving as a pathway to the Korn Ferry Tour.
- Events: 10-12 events annually during the summer season.
- Best for: Golfers aspiring to progress to the next level of professional golf in North America.
PGA Tour China
- Overview: A China-based developmental tour designed to create opportunities for Asian golfers.
- Events: A series of events aimed at fostering professional talent in the region.
- Best for: Asian and international golfers looking to advance to the Korn Ferry Tour.
Specialized PGA Tours
PGA European Tour (now DP World Tour)
- Overview: While independent from the PGA Tour, it is closely affiliated through strategic partnerships and serves as the primary professional golf tour in Europe.
- Events: Tournaments across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Best for: Top golfers looking to compete globally.
LPGA Tour
- Overview: The professional women’s golf tour that runs parallel to the men’s PGA Tour.
- Events: Hosts major events like the U.S. Women’s Open and Women’s PGA Championship.
- Best for: The best female golfers in the world.
How the PGA Tour Structure Works
- Promotion and Qualification: Golfers can move up from developmental tours like the Korn Ferry Tour by performing well and earning points.
- International Presence: International tours such as PGA Tour Canada and Latinoamérica provide a global platform for golfers to develop their skills.
- Partnerships with Other Tours: Collaborations with global tours like the DP World Tour create more competitive opportunities.
FAQs
- Q1: How many main PGA Tours are there?
There are six main tours under the PGA Tour umbrella: the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Latinoamérica, PGA Tour Canada, and PGA Tour China. - Q2: What is the Korn Ferry Tour?
The Korn Ferry Tour is a developmental tour aimed at golfers seeking to earn a PGA Tour card. - Q3: Is the PGA Tour only for men?
Yes, primarily; however, women occasionally compete in some events. - Q4: How do players move from one tour to another?
Players earn points or victories on developmental tours like Korn Ferry to secure a PGA Tour card. - Q5: What is the difference between the PGA Tour and European Tour?
The PGA Tour is based in North America; European (DP World) operates mainly in Europe but has strategic ties with the PGA.
Conclusion
In summary, there are multiple tiers within the PGA Tours that cater to various levels of professional golf—from elite competitions on the primary tour to developmental opportunities through tours like Korn Ferry and Canada. This multi-tiered system not only provides pathways for aspiring professionals but also enriches the global landscape of golf, making it accessible for players worldwide. Readers are encouraged to explore these unique aspects of each tour and follow their favorite players as they progress through their careers.