Golf is a sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide for centuries. And when it comes to the best golf tours, there are many to choose from. From the PGA Tour to the European Tour, the LPGA Tour to the Champions Tour, each tour has its own unique charm and appeal. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we will take a closer look at the most prestigious golf tours and examine their history, tournaments, and champions to determine which one stands out above the rest. So, grab your golf clubs and get ready to tee off as we explore the world of golf tours.

Overview of Golf Tours

The Major Golf Tours

The PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the premier professional golf tour in the world, featuring the best players from around the globe. It was founded in 1916 and has since grown to become the most prestigious and widely-watched golf tour in the world. The PGA Tour consists of 47 official events, including all four major championships: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.

The European Tour

The European Tour is one of the three major professional golf tours, along with the PGA Tour and the Japan Golf Tour. It was founded in 1972 and has since grown to become one of the most respected and competitive tours in the world. The European Tour features 47 official events, including all four major championships: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.

The LPGA Tour

The LPGA Tour is the premier professional golf tour for women, featuring the best players from around the world. It was founded in 1950 and has since grown to become the most prestigious and widely-watched women’s golf tour in the world. The LPGA Tour consists of 34 official events, including all three major championships: the U.S. Women’s Open, the Women’s British Open, and the Women’s PGA Championship.

The Champions Tour

The Champions Tour is a professional golf tour for players aged 50 and older. It was founded in 1980 and has since grown to become one of the most respected and competitive tours in the world. The Champions Tour features 27 official events, including all three major championships: the Senior British Open Championship, the U.S. Senior Open Championship, and the Senior PGA Championship.

Other Significant Golf Tours

The world of golf is filled with various professional tours that showcase the skills of the game’s greatest players. In addition to the well-known PGA Tour, there are several other significant golf tours that attract top talent and offer thrilling competition. In this section, we will explore some of these tours, including the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, and the Sunshine Tour.

The Asian Tour

The Asian Tour is one of the most prestigious golf tours in the world, boasting a strong lineup of players from Asia and beyond. Established in 1995, the tour has grown significantly over the years, with events held in countries such as China, Malaysia, and Singapore. The Asian Tour is known for its high-quality fields, featuring major champions, Ryder Cup players, and Olympic gold medalists.

Some of the tour’s most notable events include the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, the World Super 6 Perth, and the Singapore Open. The Asian Tour also features a number of tournaments co-sanctioned with other tours, such as the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australia. These co-sanctioned events provide opportunities for Asian players to compete against the world’s best and gain valuable experience on the international stage.

The Japan Golf Tour

The Japan Golf Tour is a leading professional golf tour in Asia, featuring many of the region’s top players. Established in 1973, the tour has a rich history of exciting tournaments and dramatic moments. The Japan Golf Tour boasts a strong schedule of events, with many of its tournaments taking place at some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses.

Some of the tour’s most popular events include the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters, the Casio World Open, and the Japan Open. The Japan Golf Tour also features a number of high-profile events co-sanctioned with other tours, such as the PGA Tour of Japan and the OneAsia Tour. These co-sanctioned events help to raise the profile of the tour and provide opportunities for Japanese players to compete against the world’s best.

The Sunshine Tour

The Sunshine Tour is a professional golf tour based in South Africa, featuring many of the country’s top players as well as international stars. Established in 1995, the tour has a strong history of hosting exciting tournaments and producing top-quality golf. The Sunshine Tour boasts a diverse schedule of events, with tournaments taking place at some of South Africa’s most beautiful golf courses.

Some of the tour’s most notable events include the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the Volvo Golf Champions, and the Tshwane Open. The Sunshine Tour also features a number of events co-sanctioned with other tours, such as the European Tour and the Asian Tour. These co-sanctioned events provide opportunities for South African players to compete against the world’s best and gain valuable experience on the international stage.

In conclusion, the world of golf is home to many prestigious professional tours, each offering its own unique brand of excitement and competition. The Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, and the Sunshine Tour are just a few of the many tours that showcase the skills of the game’s greatest players. These tours provide opportunities for players to compete against the world’s best, gain valuable experience, and build their careers.

Criteria for Evaluation

Player Field Strength

World Rankings of Participating Players

One of the most significant factors in determining the strength of a golf tour’s player field is the world rankings of the participating players. The world golf rankings, which are calculated by a complex algorithm that takes into account a player’s performances over the past 13 weeks, provide a clear indication of a player’s current form and overall ability.

When comparing the various golf tours, it is essential to consider the average world ranking of the players participating in each event. For instance, if a tour has an average world ranking of 20, it suggests that the field is made up of players who are ranked among the top 20 golfers in the world. This, in turn, implies that the tour is likely to attract some of the best players in the game, which can only serve to enhance the overall quality of the event.

Number of Major Champions in the Field

Another key factor to consider when evaluating the strength of a golf tour’s player field is the number of major champions that are participating. Major championships, such as the Masters, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, are considered the pinnacle of achievement in the sport of golf. Therefore, the more major champions that are competing in a particular event, the stronger the field is likely to be.

A golf tour that attracts a high number of major champions is likely to be regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive on the global stage. This is because major champions are typically considered to be the best of the best, and their presence in a tournament field is sure to generate excitement and interest among fans and spectators alike.

In conclusion, the strength of a golf tour’s player field is a critical factor in determining its overall quality and competitiveness. By evaluating the world rankings of the participating players and the number of major champions in the field, it is possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the strength and depth of a tour’s player pool.

Tournament Quality

• Prize Money: One of the key indicators of tournament quality is the amount of prize money on offer. The PGA Tour, for example, boasts the highest prize money in professional golf, with the FedEx Cup playoffs offering a staggering $125 million in total prize money. The European Tour, on the other hand, has a lower overall prize fund, but still offers significant prize money at its major events, such as the British Open and the Ryder Cup.
• Field Size: The size of the field is another important factor in determining tournament quality. The PGA Tour typically has a larger field size, with many more players competing in each event. This can make for a more exciting and unpredictable tournament, as well as providing more opportunities for up-and-coming players to make a name for themselves. The European Tour, while not as large as the PGA Tour, still attracts a strong field of top players and is known for its more intimate and exclusive events.
• Tournament Venues: The quality of the tournament venues is also an important consideration. The PGA Tour is known for its prestigious and challenging courses, such as Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. The European Tour also features some world-class venues, such as St. Andrews in Scotland, which is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. Both tours have a reputation for selecting high-quality courses that challenge players and provide an exciting spectacle for fans.

Overall, while the PGA Tour may have a slight edge in terms of prize money and field size, both tours have much to offer in terms of tournament quality. The European Tour is known for its intimate and exclusive events, while the PGA Tour boasts prestigious courses and a larger field size. Ultimately, the best golf tour is a matter of personal preference, and both tours have their own unique charm and appeal.

Fan Experience

• Attendance Numbers
• Course Accessibility
• Atmosphere and Spectator Amenities

Attendance Numbers

When it comes to golf tournaments, attendance numbers can be a good indicator of the popularity and appeal of a particular tour. In recent years, the PGA Tour has consistently drawn the largest crowds, with many of its events attracting over 200,000 spectators. In contrast, the European Tour typically attracts around 100,000 spectators per event, while the LPGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions draw smaller crowds of around 50,000 and 30,000, respectively.

Course Accessibility

Accessibility to the courses is another important factor in determining the fan experience. The PGA Tour is known for its accessibility, with many of its courses located in major cities and accessible by public transportation. In contrast, the European Tour often requires more travel and can be more difficult to access for some fans.

Atmosphere and Spectator Amenities

Finally, the atmosphere and spectator amenities at a golf tournament can greatly impact the overall fan experience. The PGA Tour is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, with many events featuring music concerts, food and drink vendors, and other entertainment options. The European Tour can also be a great experience, but may be less lively and energetic than the PGA Tour. Additionally, the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions tend to have a more subdued atmosphere, with a focus on the golf itself.

Overall, the PGA Tour appears to reign supreme in terms of fan experience, with its large attendance numbers, accessible courses, and lively atmosphere. However, each tour has its own unique strengths and can offer a great experience for golf fans.

International Representation

• Number of Countries Represented
  • The PGA Tour has the highest number of countries represented with players from 27 different countries.
  • The European Tour has players from 22 countries, while the LPGA Tour has players from 17 countries.
  • The Japan Golf Tour has players from 9 countries, and the Champions Tour has players from 5 countries.
• Diversity of Nationalities
  • The PGA Tour has the most diverse nationalities represented with players from 16 different countries.
  • The European Tour has players from 12 different countries, while the LPGA Tour has players from 9 different countries.
  • The Japan Golf Tour has players from 7 different countries, and the Champions Tour has players from 4 different countries.

Long-Term Sustainability

TV Viewership Trends

One key aspect of long-term sustainability is the trend of television viewership. A golf tour that consistently attracts high ratings and viewership numbers is more likely to have a stable future. In recent years, the PGA Tour has maintained a steady increase in TV viewership, with an average of 2.6 million viewers per event in 2021, up from 2.2 million in 2019. This trend is largely attributed to the popularity of stars like Tiger Woods and the emergence of young talent like Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas.

Sponsorship Stability

Another indicator of long-term sustainability is the stability of sponsorships. A golf tour that can maintain strong partnerships with its sponsors is more likely to thrive in the long run. The PGA Tour has a history of strong sponsorship support, with major partners like FedEx, Rolex, and Mercedes-Benz remaining committed to the tour for many years. In contrast, the European Tour has faced challenges with sponsorship retention, with several long-time sponsors, such as Dubai, ending their partnerships in recent years.

Player Development Programs

Finally, a golf tour’s ability to develop and retain top talent is crucial for long-term sustainability. A tour that invests in the growth of its players and creates a supportive environment for them to compete is more likely to maintain its position at the top of the sport. The PGA Tour has a well-established player development program, with initiatives like the Web.com Tour and the PGA Tour Canada providing pathways for young players to progress to the main tour. In comparison, the European Tour has faced criticism for its lack of investment in player development, leading to concerns about the future of the tour and its ability to compete with the PGA Tour.

Analysis of Golf Tours

The PGA Tour

• Strong Player Field with Top-Ranked Players
  • The PGA Tour boasts a highly competitive player field, featuring the world’s top-ranked golfers. These players are regularly ranked within the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) top 50, ensuring that each event showcases the very best in golfing talent.
• High-Quality Tournaments with Generous Prize Money
  • The PGA Tour is renowned for hosting high-quality tournaments with substantial prize money. Winners can earn upwards of $2 million at select events, such as the four majors and the Players Championship. This level of financial incentive attracts the best players from around the world, further elevating the competition.
• Wide Range of Tournament Venues, Including Majors
  • The PGA Tour hosts events at a diverse array of golf courses, including many prestigious major championship venues. These include Augusta National Golf Club (Masters), Pinehurst Resort (U.S. Open), St. Andrews (The Open Championship), and Olympic Club (U.S. Open). This variety ensures that each event presents a unique challenge to the players.
• Excellent Fan Experience with Course Accessibility and Amenities
  • The PGA Tour is known for its exceptional fan experience, offering accessibility and amenities that cater to both casual and avid golf enthusiasts. Fans can attend various tournaments throughout the season, with opportunities to get up close to the action at tournament grounds, practice facilities, and player autograph sessions.
• International Representation with Players from Over 20 Countries
  • The PGA Tour features a diverse international player field, with participants hailing from over 20 different countries. This international representation adds to the excitement and unpredictability of each event, as golfers from various backgrounds and playing styles compete against one another.
• Long-Term Sustainability with High TV Viewership and Strong Sponsorship
  • The PGA Tour has maintained a strong presence in the golfing world due to its long-term sustainability. Factors contributing to this stability include high television viewership, extensive sponsorship deals, and a loyal fan base. These elements have allowed the tour to continually grow and adapt to changing circumstances within the sport.

The European Tour

• Strong International Representation with Players from Over 40 Countries
  • The European Tour boasts a diverse field of players from more than 40 countries, providing a global perspective on the sport. This international mix brings together a wide range of skills, styles, and experiences, making for an exciting and unpredictable competition.
• High-Quality Tournaments with Generous Prize Money
  • The European Tour is renowned for hosting some of the most prestigious tournaments in golf, with impressive prize funds that attract the world’s top talent. This ensures that each event is a showcase of the best golfers competing at the highest level, making for a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.
• Wide Range of Tournament Venues, Including Majors
  • The European Tour features a diverse range of tournament venues, including several major championships. This variety allows players to showcase their skills on different types of courses, from links-style layouts to parkland courses, providing a true test of their abilities.
• Excellent Fan Experience with Course Accessibility and Amenities
  • The European Tour is known for providing an exceptional fan experience, with many courses offering spectators unparalleled access to the action. This includes opportunities to get up close to the players, as well as a range of amenities and activities to enhance the overall experience.
• Long-Term Sustainability with High TV Viewership and Strong Sponsorship
  • The European Tour has a proven track record of long-term sustainability, with strong support from both TV viewers and sponsors. This ensures that the tour can continue to thrive and grow, providing a stable platform for golfers to compete and achieve their goals.

The LPGA Tour

• Strong Player Field with Top-Ranked Women’s Golfers
  • The LPGA Tour boasts a competitive player field with the top-ranked women’s golfers in the world. The tour attracts elite golfers from various countries, showcasing their skills and talents in a highly competitive environment. The presence of renowned golfers adds excitement and draws large crowds to the tournaments.
  • The LPGA Tour hosts high-quality tournaments with generous prize money, which attracts top golfers from around the world. The tournaments are held at prestigious golf courses, providing players with challenging and diverse golfing experiences. The purses for the tournaments are substantial, ensuring that the players have a strong motivation to perform at their best.
• Wide Range of Tournament Venues
  • The LPGA Tour features a wide range of tournament venues, which adds variety and excitement to the golfing season. The tournaments are held at different golf courses, each presenting unique challenges and requiring different skill sets. This variety keeps the players on their toes and adds to the unpredictability of the tour.
  • The LPGA Tour provides an excellent fan experience with course accessibility and amenities. The courses are often located in picturesque settings, providing fans with stunning views of the golf course and surrounding landscapes. The courses are accessible to fans, who can get up close to the action and watch their favorite golfers in action. Additionally, the tournaments offer various amenities, such as food and beverage options, merchandise, and entertainment, ensuring that fans have a memorable experience.
  • The LPGA Tour boasts international representation, with players from over 20 countries participating in the tournaments. This diversity adds to the excitement of the tour, as fans get to see golfers from different backgrounds and cultures competing against each other. The international representation also highlights the global appeal of the sport and helps to promote golf as a unifying force.
  • The LPGA Tour enjoys long-term sustainability, with high TV viewership and strong sponsorship. The tour has a dedicated following of fans who tune in to watch the tournaments on television, while the strong sponsorship ensures that the tour has a stable financial foundation. The combination of high TV viewership and strong sponsorship helps to maintain the popularity and prestige of the tour, while also providing financial support for the players and tournaments.

The Champions Tour

Strong Player Field with Legends of Golf

The Champions Tour boasts a formidable player field comprising legends of golf, many of whom have etched their names in the annals of golfing history. With the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson gracing the fairways, the tour has a unique selling point that sets it apart from other golf tours. The presence of these golfing greats not only adds star power to the tournaments but also attracts a loyal fan base that is drawn to witness these legends in action.

High-Quality Tournaments with Generous Prize Money

The Champions Tour is renowned for hosting high-quality tournaments that are held at some of the most prestigious golf courses around the world. These tournaments offer generous prize money, which is often on par with or even surpasses that of other golf tours. The purses on the Champions Tour are so substantial that they attract some of the top players from around the world, making the competition fierce and exciting.

Wide Range of Tournament Venues

One of the key strengths of the Champions Tour is the wide range of tournament venues that it offers. The tour visits a diverse array of golf courses, ranging from historic links courses in the UK to modern championship courses in the United States. This variety ensures that the players are continually challenged and that the fans are treated to a unique golfing experience at each stop on the tour.

Excellent Fan Experience with Course Accessibility and Amenities

The Champions Tour is known for providing an excellent fan experience, with course accessibility and amenities that are second to none. The tour makes a concerted effort to engage with the local community at each tournament, and this is reflected in the range of activities and attractions that are available to fans. From autograph sessions to interactive exhibits, the Champions Tour offers a fantastic spectator experience that is tailored to the needs and interests of golf enthusiasts.

International Representation with Players from Over 10 Countries

Another key strength of the Champions Tour is its international representation, with players from over 10 countries competing on the tour. This diversity is reflected in the makeup of the fields at each tournament, with players from different cultures and backgrounds coming together to compete on an equal footing. This international flavor adds to the appeal of the tour and ensures that fans are treated to a truly global golfing experience.

Long-Term Sustainability with High TV Viewership and Strong Sponsorship

Finally, the Champions Tour has a long-term sustainability that is underpinned by high TV viewership and strong sponsorship. The tour enjoys significant coverage on television networks around the world, which helps to maintain its profile and reach a global audience. Additionally, the tour has attracted strong sponsorship from a range of blue-chip companies, which ensures that it has a stable financial footing and can continue to thrive in the years ahead.

The Asian Tour

Strong International Representation with Players from Over 20 Countries

The Asian Tour boasts a diverse and international field of players, with representation from over 20 different countries. This diverse roster of talent brings a unique dynamic to the tour, as golfers from various backgrounds and cultures compete against one another. This strong international presence not only enriches the tour’s overall quality but also adds an element of excitement for fans, who get to witness top-level golf from a global perspective.

The Asian Tour is renowned for hosting high-quality tournaments with generous prize money. This attracts some of the world’s top golfers, who are drawn to the tour’s prestigious events and substantial purses. These tournaments are often held at world-class golf courses, further enhancing the tour’s reputation and appeal to both players and fans alike. The combination of high-quality events and substantial prize money has made the Asian Tour a desirable destination for golfers seeking to bolster their careers and compete against the best in the sport.

One of the Asian Tour’s key strengths is its diverse array of tournament venues. The tour visits a variety of courses across Asia, showcasing the region’s unique golfing landscapes and challenges. This range of courses allows players to demonstrate their skills in different environments, making the tour an exciting and unpredictable spectacle for fans. The tour’s wide-ranging schedule also helps to promote golf throughout Asia, encouraging the development of new courses and the growth of the sport in the region.

The Asian Tour is known for providing an excellent fan experience, with courses that are often accessible and well-equipped with amenities. This makes it easy for fans to enjoy the tournaments, whether they prefer to watch from the course or from the comfort of their homes via television coverage. The tour’s commitment to fan engagement is evident in the various events and activities that take place during tournament week, ensuring that spectators have a memorable and enjoyable time.

Long-Term Sustainability with Moderate TV Viewership and Sponsorship

Despite facing competition from other golf tours, the Asian Tour has demonstrated a strong sense of sustainability over the years. This is evidenced by its continued growth and success, as well as its ability to attract both TV viewers and sponsors. While the tour’s TV viewership and sponsorship numbers may not be the highest in the sport, it has managed to maintain a stable presence and continue to thrive. This long-term sustainability is a testament to the tour’s resilience and adaptability, as it continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and competitive landscapes.

The Japan Golf Tour

• Strong International Representation with Players from Over 10 Countries
  • The Japan Golf Tour boasts a diverse field of competitors, with players hailing from more than 10 different countries. This international mix contributes to the tour’s global appeal and helps to foster a competitive atmosphere, as golfers from various backgrounds and experiences vie for top honors.
  • The Japan Golf Tour is renowned for hosting high-quality events with substantial prize purses. These tournaments attract top talent from around the world, ensuring that the competition is always fierce and unpredictable. The generous prize money also provides motivation for players to perform at their best, further enhancing the overall quality of the events.
• Wide Range of Tournament Venues
  • The Japan Golf Tour showcases a diverse array of courses, ranging from traditional Japanese layouts to modern, championship-caliber designs. This variety allows the tour to visit different regions and attract local spectators, while also providing a unique challenge for the players as they adapt to various playing conditions.
  • Golf fans in Japan are treated to an exceptional experience when attending events on the Japan Golf Tour. The courses are often accessible to the public, allowing fans to get up close to the action and witness the world’s best players in action. Additionally, the tour provides a range of amenities, such as food and beverage options, merchandise, and entertainment, ensuring that fans have a memorable time while following their favorite players.
• Long-Term Sustainability with Moderate TV Viewership and Sponsorship
  • Despite facing stiff competition from other golf tours, the Japan Golf Tour has maintained a strong presence and demonstrated long-term sustainability. While TV viewership and sponsorship levels may not be the highest compared to other tours, the Japan Golf Tour has been able to build a loyal following and continues to attract top talent, suggesting that it has a promising future in the sport.

The Sunshine Tour

The Sunshine Tour boasts a diverse and international field of players, with representation from over 20 different countries. This global appeal attracts top talent from around the world, making it a truly international golfing platform.

The Sunshine Tour is renowned for hosting high-quality tournaments with substantial prize money. This attracts top professional golfers who are seeking competitive play and substantial rewards. The generous prize pool not only benefits the winners but also contributes to the overall prestige of the tour.

The Sunshine Tour offers a wide range of tournament venues, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the golf courses in the region. This variety provides a unique experience for players and fans alike, as they get to witness the sport being played in different settings, from lush greens to desert courses.

The Sunshine Tour is known for providing an excellent fan experience, with course accessibility and top-notch amenities. This makes it an attractive option for spectators, who can enjoy the game in a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The tour’s focus on fan experience contributes to its overall popularity and success.

Despite moderate TV viewership and sponsorship, the Sunshine Tour has demonstrated long-term sustainability. This can be attributed to its strong international appeal, high-quality tournaments, and excellent fan experience, which have helped the tour maintain its popularity and relevance in the golfing world.

FAQs

1. What are the most popular golf tours?

The most popular golf tours include the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Champions Tour, and Web.com Tour.

2. What are the differences between the tours?

The PGA Tour is the most prestigious and has the highest prize money, while the European Tour is more popular in Europe and has a strong presence in Asia. The LPGA Tour is for female golfers, and the Champions Tour is for players over the age of 50. The Web.com Tour is a developmental tour for players looking to move up to the PGA Tour.

3. Which tour has the best players?

The PGA Tour has the highest-ranked players in the world, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas. However, the European Tour also has some top-ranked players, such as Jon Rahm and Justin Rose.

4. Which tour is the most difficult?

The difficulty of a tour can vary depending on the course and conditions, but the PGA Tour is generally considered the most challenging due to the high level of competition and course difficulty.

5. Which tour is the most accessible for amateur golfers?

The Web.com Tour is generally considered the most accessible for amateur golfers, as it has a lower level of competition and offers opportunities for players to earn status on the PGA Tour.

6. Which tour has the most diverse field of players?

The European Tour has a more diverse field of players, with players from over 40 different countries. The PGA Tour also has a diverse field, but it is generally dominated by players from the United States.

7. Which tour has the most historic courses?

The European Tour has many historic courses, such as St. Andrews and Muirfield, which have hosted The Open Championship numerous times. The PGA Tour also has some historic courses, such as Augusta National and Pebble Beach.

8. Which tour has the most lucrative prize money?

The PGA Tour has the highest prize money, with many tournaments offering millions of dollars in prize money. The European Tour also has significant prize money, but it is generally lower than the PGA Tour.

9. Which tour has the most opportunities for young players?

The Korn Ferry Tour (formerly the Web.com Tour) is considered the pathway to the PGA Tour for many young players, and it offers opportunities for players to earn status on the PGA Tour through tournament wins and money list finishes.

10. Which tour has the most iconic tournaments?

The PGA Tour has many iconic tournaments, such as The Masters, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship. The European Tour also has some iconic tournaments, such as The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup.