Golf is more than just a game, it’s a global community fueled by prestigious associations and iconic tournaments. Whether you’re aiming to join a professional body, understand how to get an official handicap, or dream of playing at Augusta, this page is your gateway into the structured side of golf.
Explore how top organizations shape the sport, discover the most watched tournaments in the world, and learn what it takes to be part of them, as a player or a passionate follower.
🏛️ Major Golf Associations You Should Know
Understanding the key organizations behind the game helps you stay informed, get involved, and even start competing. Here are the major golf associations shaping the sport:
🇺🇸 United States Golf Association (USGA)
• Oversees golf rules, handicapping, and major tournaments in the U.S. • Organizes the U.S. Open and over a dozen national championships. • Offers membership benefits like official GHIN Handicap, rule books, and access to regional events.
• The R&A (Royal & Ancient) is the governing body for golf outside the U.S. and Mexico. • Co-authors the Rules of Golf with the USGA. • Organizes The Open Championship and a variety of amateur and women’s tournaments. • Promotes global golf development and sustainability.
• Represents golf professionals (teaching pros, club pros) across the U.S. • Runs the PGA Championship and co-hosts the Ryder Cup. • Focuses on instruction, community programs, and growing the game.
• World-leading organization for women’s professional golf. • Operates the LPGA Tour, LPGA Teaching & Club Pro division, and Girls Golf youth program. • Advocates for equity and opportunity in golf.
These are the events where legends are made. From iconic green jackets to pressure-packed putts, here are the most prestigious golf tournaments every player dreams of winning (or watching live).
Tournament
Organizer
Played In
Notable Facts
Who Can Enter
U.S. Open (Men’s)
USGA
June
Challenging setups and open qualifiers
Pros and amateurs (via qualifying)
The Open Championship
The R&A
July
Oldest major, iconic UK courses
Pros and qualifiers worldwide
PGA Championship
PGA of America
May
Strongest field of any major
Top pros, select PGA professionals
Ryder Cup
PGA & European Tour
Sept (Biennial)
Team USA vs Europe, pride over prize
Team selection only
Chevron Championship
LPGA
April
First women’s major of the year
LPGA pros and qualifiers
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
LPGA / PGA of America
June
Premier women’s competition
LPGA players
U.S. Women’s Open
USGA
May–June
Oldest U.S. women’s major
Pros and amateurs (via qualifying)
AIG Women’s Open
The R&A
August
Equivalent to men's Open
Top women golfers globally
Amundi Evian Championship
LPGA / LET
July
Held in France, major since 2013
LPGA and LET qualifiers
📅 Golf Tournament Schedule
April
2025
APR 17 - 20
RBC Heritage
Harbour Town Golf Links
Hilton Head Island, SC • USA