mini golf tours 37

List of Professional Golf Mini Tours

These are some of the most popular mini tours where up-and-coming players start their careers

DESCRIPTION Golf ball and hole of money
SOURCE okanmetin
PERMISSION 533476895

The life of a professional golfer isn’t always as glorious as you’d imagine. Many of the top players you see on TV each week have climbed the ranks to earn their status on tour. A main artery to the PGA and LPGA Tours is through mini-tours. This article dissects some of the top mini-tours and what you can expect if you’re looking to take this path to the next level of professional golf.

Here are some of the most popular golf mini-tours for players to consider, but there are plenty of regional mini tours throughout the country with field sizes of a couple dozen players and purses of a couple thousand dollars.

Minor League Golf Tour

Tour Website Location: Florida

Founded in 2004, the Minor League Golf Tour has become one of the preferred tours for players to develop their games to reach the highest level. The tour aims to provide players with a lower-cost option to compete, with payouts awarded to many in the field as opposed to being top heavy. The Minor League Golf Tour site notes that over $15 million has been awarded to over 4,000 competitors since its inception.

Men, women, seniors, and juniors of professional status are eligible as are amateurs with a handicap of 6.0 or less.

Events are played at courses throughout Florida such as PGA National and Abacoa Golf Club. A popular Minor League Golf alumnus is Brooks Koepka.

Big Easy Golf Tour

Tour Website Location: South Africa

South Africa has produced some of the biggest names in golf history. Gary Player, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Retief Goosen, Branden Grace, and many others have all been a part of the South African success at the professional level. The Big Easy Tour is a direct feeder to the Sunshine Tour and was named after Els when the tour began in 2011.

The tour consists of 10 events in a calendar year including a playoff and final. The average winner’s share for an event is around $1,500 and the tournaments are 54 holes with a cut after the second round. Big Easy Tour events are played at prestigious courses throughout South Africa including Centurion Country Club and Country Club of Johannesburg.

Challenge Tour

Tour Website Location: Europe

The Challenge Tour is operated by certified PGA and R&A individuals and is made up of a series of 72-hole events with a cut after two rounds of play. This tour is a direct feeder to the DP World Tour, with 20 players graduating from the Challenge Tour to the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) each year.

Tour Website Location: Southeast USA

The GProTour began in 2013 and is a regionally-based tour that serves North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, with occasional tournaments in bordering states.

The GProTour has a 54-hole format with a 36-hole cut. A season consists of around 20 events with purses in the $65,000- $120,000 range.

New members to the GProTour will pay $1,349 for a yearly membership. Each event also allows up to three amateurs, where a $275 entry fee will get you into the field.

Tour Website Location: USA

The Epson Tour is the official development tour for the LPGA Tour. Up until 2021, it was known as the Symetra Tour and has graduated great players who have gone onto the LPGA including Nelly Korda, Stacy Lewis, Christina Kim, and countless others.

The Epson Tour lowered its entry fee to $450 per event with winner shares hovering around $30,000 for most tournaments.

As a direct line to the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour fields the best female players in the world who are nearly ready to make the jump to the highest level. Events are held at top-tier courses such as French Lick Resort and Sweetgrass Golf Club.

The Alps Tour is a developmental mini-tour that serves Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, Morocco, and Egypt and is a feeder to the Challenge Tour. The Alps Tour season consists of more than a dozen events. The field size is typically in the 120-144 player range. The top-40 players make the cut after two rounds (three rounds total) and the minimum prize money is around $40,000. The 2022 season concludes at the Alps Tour Grand Final and takes place at Modena Golf & Country Club in Italy.

Mini-Tour Golf 101

You’ll often hear that a professional golfer “came up through the mini-tours,” but do you really know what that means? Let’s go over a few basics.

Most players competing on mini-tours have the goal to reach the PGA or LPGA Tour. For those players who don’t qualify for tours such as the Korn Ferry Tour, which is the direct feeder into the PGA Tour, they’ll need to play on mini-tours to gain status and win money.

For some players, mini-tour life is short-lived. They win a few events, gain some additional sponsorships, and play their way to the next level. For other players, however, mini-tour golf is the highest level they reach. They play week-to-week and bounce around to different tours based on what they can afford and qualify for.

Korn Ferry Tour: Strategies to Qualify and Challenges to Expect

Entry and Payouts

Almost all of the financial aspects fall on the player. This includes travel, meals, lodging, and entry into the event itself. Considering mini-tour golf often leads players to compete in other countries, it can get expensive.

Some tours have a yearly membership fee and the competitor is almost always responsible for their costs and their caddie's costs for the week. Oftentimes, mini-tour players seek sponsorship in the early going in order to secure financing for their expenses.

Purses and payouts are strictly determined by the tour and individual event. You can anticipate a winning share of anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000 with low-funded tours obviously paying out less.

Formats and Fields

Almost all mini-tour formats are stroke play over two or three rounds. If a particular event is a larger, marquee event, the field size is usually larger than normal. Normal mini-tour fields are under 100 players. How an event addresses the cutline, if one exists, is determined by the individual tour or event.

What Are the Requirements for a PGA Tour Card? 6 Ways to Earn One

Life on Tour

As the game of golf continues to grow, the number of tours and organizations offering players the opportunity to compete grows. If you aspire to be a professional player on the PGA or LPGA Tour, mini-tours are great places to begin your journey.

LIV & LET Highlights
Course of the month
The Players
Nedbank Golf Challenge
The Presidents Cup
Joburg Open
The Masters
PGA Championship
Nationwide Deals
Cape Town Deals
Johannesburg Deals
Deals in Durban
Deals in Pretoria
Deals in Port Elizabeth
Romantic Getaways
Accommodation Deals
Restaurant Deals
Courier Guy OOM
CG Championship Series

The List: Mini-Tours

The Challenge Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and Sunshine Tour are for golfers aiming at the major Tours, but what are the mini-Tours a rung below? BRENDAN BARRATT has the list.

There are a lot of very talented golfers desperately trying to make their way to the next level while spending as little cash as possible.

From driving cheap cars long distances between tournaments to sleeping in the front seat or staying in low-budget hotels, carrying their own golf bags and getting by without any real form of income other than prize money, it’s a far cry from the pampered lifestyles of the professionals on the PGA and DP World Tours.

To make matters more challenging, most of the Tours have relatively high entry fees and low purses, meaning that players are living hand to mouth – in the hope they can achieve their one big breakthrough.

Here are some of the mini-Tours that carry the hopes and dreams of golfers who, while relatively unknown, are better than any of us will ever be.

IGT Big Easy Tour

In South Africa, the IGT Big Easy Tour is the official developmental Tour of the Sunshine Tour. Launched in 2010, it offers players a good testing ground against professionals and top amateurs, as well as a direct avenue to the Sunshine Tour, with the top 10 players for the season earning their Tour cards for the following year. Notable graduates: Daniel van Tonder, Dylan Frittelli, Christiaan Bezuidenhout

PGA EuroPro Tour

Launched in 2002, the EuroPro Tour gives up-and-coming European golfers a platform to showcase their skills and play their way on to the Challenge Tour. It’s also had a few South Africans come through the ranks, including Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Thomas Aiken and Branden Grace. Notable graduates: Tyrrell Hatton (below) , Tommy Fleetwood.

Bushveld Tour

Another local developmental Tour, the Bushveld Tour offers one-day (18-hole) tournaments for amateurs and professionals. Entry fees are in the region of R1 000, meaning players need to realistically finish in the top 10 to cover their costs, which is a pretty solid grounding for life on the bigger Tours. Notable graduates: Jacques Blaauw

Pro Golf Tour

The Pro Golf Tour is one of four official satellite tours in Europe recognised by the DP World Tour as a gateway to the Challenge Tour, with the top five players at the end of the season earning their Challenge Tour cards. Founded in 1997, the Tour now has 16 tournaments across six countries and a total purse of €500,000. Notable graduates: Martin Kaymer

Another satellite Tour that leads to the Challenge Tour, the Alps Tour was launched in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland in 2001. While the countries involved may have changed over the years, the basic premise has not. Notable graduates: Matt Wallace, Adri Arnaus

PGA Tour Latinoamerica, Mackenzie Tour, Forme Tour

In 2011, the PGA Tour took over the running of the Tour de las Americas, rebranding it as the PGA Tour Latinoamerica. A year later the PGA Tour took the reins of the Canadian Tour and it was renamed the Mackenzie Tour in 2015 as part of a sponsorship agreement. In 2021, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to support those players who had earned Mackenzie Tour cards but were unable to travel between the US and Canada, the PGA Tour launched the Forme Tour. Notable PGA Tour Latinoamerica graduates: Harry Higgs (below) , Keith Mitchell, Emiliano Grillo Notable Mackenzie Tour graduates: Tony Finau, Joel Dahmen

Symetra Tour

Formerly known as the LPGA Futures Tour, the Symetra Tour is seen as the official qualifying Tour for the LPGA Tour. With over 20 events and in excess of $3-million in prize money, it is a great breeding ground for the next generation of LPGA stars. To date, 435 LPGA titles have been won by former Symetra Tour players. Notable graduates: Lorena Ochoa, Inbee Park, Nelly Korda

Let Access Series

Launched in 2010, the Let Access Series is the official developmental Tour to the Ladies European Tour. By 2019 it had built up a head of steam, with 20 events and a total purse of over a million euros, but Covid-19 has taken its toll and the Tour was down to 14 events in 2021. Notable graduates: Carly Booth, Georgia Hall, Carlota Ciganda

Gateway Tour, All Pro Tour, SwingThought Tour

The US has a number of developmental Tours that rank just below the Korn Ferry Tour. The Gateway Tour, based in Arizona, California and Florida, the All Pro Tour and the SwingThought Tour (formerly known as the Hooters Tour) are three of the most popular, although there are many others. Notable graduates: Johannes Veerman, Shawn Stefani, MJ Daffue

– This article first appeared in the February 2022 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine. Subscribe here!

Article written by simon

African Insider African Insider News Cape Town ETC Cape Town News

Live Golf Scores

News Instruction Courses Equipment Video Magazine Win

Mini Tours Mini Tours

Professional

Men's Mini Tour Tournaments

Filter by date.

MAJOR: Pauma Valley

Pauma Valley , CA

COLUMBIA OPEN

Blythewood , SC

Eagle Ops Champ

Broken Arrow , OK

Dakotas Tour

Reflection Bay

Henderson , NV

Timacuan Summer Open

Lake Mary , FL

GREENVILLE OPEN

Greenville , NC

Sep 3-5 · $920+

CHATMOSS CHAMPIONSHI

Martinsville , VA

Cypress Head

Port Orange , FL

Sep 9 · $360

Sioux Falls , SD

HUNTSVILLE OPEN

Huntsville , AL

Sep 11-13 · $920+

MAJOR: Stockton Open

Stockton , CA

Sep 11-13 · $550+

Okoboji , IA

Eagle Flies

Lake Park , IA

GCU Shootout

Phoenix , AZ

Sep 17-18 · $350+

Rio Pinar Summer Ope

Orlando , FL

Yankton , SD

Hillcrest Q

Legacy Summer Open

Longwood , FL

Sep 23 · $360

WAVERLY OPEN

Waverly , GA

Sep 24-26 · $925+

So Dunes: ELEVATED

Maricopa , AZ

Sep 24-26 · $550+

Watertown , SD

Rolling Red GT

Georgia Classic

Albany , GA

Women's Mini Tour Tournaments

Bmt Emergency Open

Beaumont , TX

Sep 11-13 · $595+

Heritage Classic

Wichita , KS

Trophy Club , TX

Genesis of Conway Op

Conway , AR

Children's Hospital

Peoria , IL

Redbird Champ

Bloomington , IL

FCA Women's Champ

Oscar Williams

Mackie Golf Classic

Abilene , TX

Apr 30-May 3

Taco Bell Classic

Natchez , MS

L'Auberge Champ

Lake Charles , LA

Northshore Champ

Mandeville , LA

Related Services

Tm for clubs.

Tournament Finder

Course Tours™

My BlueGolf

Groups for Golfers

Yardage Book App

Scorecard App

Course tours, bluegolf account.

Tap a list to save.
Save an item to multiple lists by tapping heart again.
Delete a list by removing all items from it.

Create New List

Bluegolf 360 tours & associations.

Registration
Tournament Management

BlueGolf TM Clubs

Bluegolf.com golfers, tournaments.

Top Architects
Terms of Service
Accessibility

Opinion & Analysis

12 things you don’t know about the mini tours.

Many people think playing professional golf at any level is glamorous, but I can tell you after more than four years of professional golf that’s often not the case. Don’t get me wrong. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot on the mini tours, but the life of a mini tour player barely resembles that of a PGA Tour player.

I believe it was Lee Janzen who said, “If you haven’t slept in your car then you’re not a professional golfer.” Lee might have a point, but my back and neck would disagree the next day. Mini tour players have to do what they’ve got to do to make ends meet, but low scores normally allow them to get them a hotel room. Maybe that’s why I don’t play anymore… that score thing kind of matters.

What I do know is that most recreational golfers and even some top-level amateurs don’t know a lot about the life of a mini tour player and what it takes to play golf for a living. Here’s 12 things you should know.

No. 12: Tour Players

The next time you look at a PGA tour leaderboard, remember most of them started their professional golf career on the mini tours. Here is a short list of players who have won on the PGA Tour and played on the NGA Hooters Tour: Keegan Bradley, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Lee Janzen, Shaun Micheel, John Daly, Tom Lehman, Lucas Glover, Craig Perks, David Toms, Gary Woodland, Camilo Villegas, Mark Wilson and Bubba Watson.

No. 11: Driving

The mini tour player’s vehicle is their predominant mode of transportation. Driving for 8-to-10 hours between tournaments or Monday qualifiers is nothing new. Your vehicle will even double as your bed on some nights. One time I had to sleep in the back of my two-door Honda Civic in a hotel parking lot in Iowa because all the hotels were sold out. I guess the state fair was going on and there was a big flood in Iowa. It was in July, so it was really humid and hot. I was awakened by some people making out on the hood of my car at 3 a.m.

No. 10: Pro Ams

Some mini tour events will have a pro-am the day before the tournament starts where players play in the same group with four amateurs. This is a great opportunity to see the course one last time before the tournament starts and have a fun time with your playing partners. The playing ability of your amateur partners might not be extremely high, so always be ready to give some pointers and duck. There was an amateur in my group who shanked the ball off the toe of his driver into the tee marker. If you thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. The next person reverse shanked the ball off his driver between his legs and hit the other tee marker. I don’t know what’s more impressive: the winner shooting 25-under that week or those two shots in a row.

No. 9: The Off-Season

Mini tour tournaments are held year-round in Florida, Arizona and Southern California for players to tee it up. A large percentage of players work in the off-season at golf courses in some capacity, either as a caddy or in the bag room or pro shop to make ends meet.

No. 8: Accommodations

How cheap can you get the room and how many people can you fit in the room to split the bill? These are two common questions you will hear. Players will use websites like Kayak and Priceline to find the best room rate for the week. The whole goal is to keep costs down so you can play in more tournaments throughout the year. Another option is host housing, which is where a family will host a player for the week in their house for free. These are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and you’ll call them friends for the rest of your life.

No. 7: Sponsors

You don’t see big corporate sponsors on any players’ bags on the mini tours. There are a few options of how players typically afford a season playing professional golf. They fund it themselves, their family helps them or they have a group of investors/backers that put up the money. Former mini tour legend Zach Johnson had help from a group of members from his home course growing up help him play on the Hooters Tour.

No. 6: Cinnamon Rolls

I’m talking about the cinnamon rolls at the Holiday Inn continental breakfast and they’re delicious. Here’s the deal, though: mini tour players normally stay at the Motel 8 or Quality Inn across the street for half the price, then casually walk across the street to enjoy a nice warm cinnamon roll. Sorry, Holiday Inn.

No. 5: Big Cities

Oh yeah, mini tour players tee it up in big cities all the time like Miami, Okla., Morganton, NC and Hawkinsville, Ga. But, you know what? Those small towns and the people who welcome the players with open arms are what make the tournament special. If it weren’t for them there wouldn’t be such a thing as mini tours.

No. 4: Equipment

Receiving equipment varies from player to player between each club manufacturer. The majority of players order equipment at a discount price, while others receive it for free. The players who receive free equipment normally have some kind deal where they’re required to carry a certain number of clubs.

No. 3: Caddies

Did you say caddy? No thanks, I will carry my clubs so I can eat dinner each night of the week. Around 90 percent of players carry their clubs using a carry bag or use a pushcart if the tournament allows. If a player does have a caddy for the week, it’s normally a relative or friend.

No. 2: Entry Fees

The entry fees vary based on the tournament and tour you play, but range from $700-to-$1,000 per tournament. Most tours have a membership fee you have to pay at the beginning of the year, which is normally between $1,500 and $2,200.

No. 1: These Guys Are Good

You’ve probably seen the commercials from the PGA Tour with players like Bubba Watson and Bill Haas saying, “These guys are good.” Here’s the thing: players on the mini tours could be included in those commercial. Did you know the winning score each week is between 15 and 25-under par? That’s with pin locations three steps from the edge or next to a huge slope of every green.

Robots to take over top golf academies?

Tiger Woods’ back isn’t the problem

Josh is a retired professional golfer who won the Hooters Tour Touchstone Energy Open at age 21. He has played competitive golf all across the U.S. and holds four courses records. He now has his amateur status back, and works at a digital marketing agency in NYC. Josh is also the Co-Founder of My Golf Tutor, an online golf instructional website.

45 Comments

Apr 2, 2014 at 3:22 pm

This is great insight!! Thanks Josh. It’s great to see these players pursuing their dreams. I hope we hear more about life and events on the mini-tours.

Apr 2, 2014 at 1:58 pm

wow! didnt know must of the things here, impressive

Apr 2, 2014 at 12:11 pm

I worked at Echo Farms in Wilmington, NC when a Hooters Tour event came through. Those guys are good. REALLY good. There were a couple of range rats in that group. Get up early and hit balls until they tee up in the afternoon or play in the morning and hit balls till dark. It helped me understand what it was gonna take to make it. That and the one guy that showed up in a 1972 Winnebago that his grandparents had given him. It was nearly worn out but it made life a little easier for the guy and his wife. All they asked us for was a place to plug in and get water. I can’t remember what the winning score was but the winner had won the week before in Myrtle Beach.

Apr 2, 2014 at 11:59 am

“I was awakened by some people making out on the hood of my car at 3 a.m.”

Well, yeah. All the hotel rooms were sold out.

Apr 2, 2014 at 11:28 am

There used to be a NGA Hooters Tour event held at my home club but when they lost the sponsor the tournament left too. Mostly it was young guys fresh out of college or even high school with the goal of making the PGA Tour. The course was always set up difficult and these players blistered it. The last year it was held the winner came in at -22. Was a great event and yes those guys are good.

Jeff Pelizzaro

Apr 1, 2014 at 10:30 pm

Josh, I work with a few guys that are trying to make it on some of these tours and I would have to say that the general public doesn’t realize how hard some of them are working and how slim the margins are. While the life of a golf pro sounds pretty luxurious, I think you’re article sheds some light on the fact that it’s not all glitz and glamour like we see on the TV on Sundays.

These guys are grinding it out week after week, shelling out cash hoping to make some of it back. I know a few of the other readers above eluded to the fact that these are all privileged kids floating on their parents bucks, but I think you and I both know that’s not the case for all of them.

And I don’t know about the rest of the readers, but I don’t know how well I would handle that much stress week after week, not knowing if this gamble of a career path is going to pan out or not as you stand over a 4ft. putt.

Apr 9, 2014 at 7:34 am

Have a friend who played on the Troppo Tour hear in Australia. In the late 80’s. He said it was the best time of his life. Frienships and competition was great. He said though it was extremely cut throat. 2 Missed puts inside feet said would take you from 8th to 33rd in 2 holes. Love hearing his stories.

Apr 1, 2014 at 8:09 pm

Spot on article! As a former professional who played for 8 years after college it is difficult. Don’t forget to mention PGA Qschool entry, and travel expenses! 5k entry, then caddie and travel expenses. Took me 3 years to pay off all of the debt I accumulated trying to make it! The check I made with a Web.com win (as a caddie) helped pay it off!

Apr 1, 2014 at 7:40 pm

The only golfers I have known that have tried mini tours are college/ young adults who come from upper/ upper middle class families. Who else has $30000 to risk playing one year of small purse tournaments. That money for most people is needed to get an education or start a business, which has a much higher chance of payoff than a golf career. I think the “sleeping in a car” and “sharing hotel rooms” is somewhat misleading as one would think these individuals are poor or are roughing it. The opportunity for someone to be on the road for weeks at a time without working a “real job” is not available for most. How does working a part-time low-paying job in a pro shop pay for your food, rent, car all year? Many adults with full time jobs only make $30000 a year.

To have individuals sponsor you is also limited to very few as you have to have relationships and ties with people who have thousands of dollars to risk. The chances of these people sponsoring someone who has a successful enough career to repay is very slim.

Professional golf and the opportunity to attempt professional golf is reserved for only those who have had a privileged upbringing.

Apr 1, 2014 at 11:25 pm

Well said. This article expresses the rift. Sleeping in a car and splitting hotel bills is not difficult. He thinks he’s had it tough.

Apr 2, 2014 at 9:27 am

Evan..it’s a shame you have such a short sided view of this. I hope you are happy in your life and have the courage to chase a dream every now and then. From the sounds of your post, intended or not, you are making some very blanket statements that make you sound like you’re choking on sour grapes because your struggle or someone else you know, was harder. We all make choices in life. Some guys come from normal middle to low middle class upbringing and say ‘screw it, I’m going for it’, no matter if it’s golf, minor league baseball, or starting a lawn care company. You come across with the attitude that only those with money in the bank can do things like this or get ahead. I hope that’s not what you meant. If it is, please, educate yourself. In more ways that just a degree. Good luck to you Evan. I sincerely mean that.

Apr 2, 2014 at 11:38 am

I think you missed Evan’s point completely.

Guys dont just say “I’m going for it” and then have $30,000 magically appear in their bank account. Golfers from lower class upbringings dont just say “I’m going for it” and the tournaments agree to let them compete for free. Guys find the money somewhere. But to fully pay for all of your life expenses as well as your tournament fees/expenses I cant imagine there are any guys at all that are doing that working the low wages they would in a golf shop in the off season.

I know a couple of guys who have played mini tours for a season or two that worked at my local range in the winter. Those guys work ridiculously long hours for next to nothing, I’d be surprised if their work-wages covered their car payments and rent. Both of them had to have a group of sponsors footing the bill for their tournament fees. The math just doesnt add up, you cant work for a few months at minimum wage and save enough money to pay $1,500+/week in expenses during the golf season.

Apr 2, 2014 at 12:36 pm

I had the pleasure of having a “mini-tour” player caddie for me at Rio Secco. Man could he hit the ball. He worked several different golf related jobs so he could pursue his dream. He was as blue collar as golf allows.

Apr 2, 2014 at 2:04 pm

Thanks DRHolmes,

I think my original statement was misunderstood. MOST if not ALL, middle to lower class individuals CANNOT even attempt a full year or two of tournament golf. It is not at all like team sports that make sure you at least have your room, meals and travel covered. If you make a minor league baseball team, you are essentially sponsored. Not making a lot of money, but not doing it on your own. They are apples and oranges…

Most individuals from a middle to lower class family don’t have the support to use all of their part time money for travel and golf. My parents would have laughed me out of the house if I said I was going to take two year and all of my earnings to play a mini tour. How far behind in life does that put you? Unless of course your family can absorb a couple of fruitless years.

This reminds me of a economic study on Minor League sports, baseball in particular. Chasing a dream too long and risking too much to become a pro athlete is usually disastrous. For every one who makes it, there are a thousand who have really damaged their adult lives.

Apr 2, 2014 at 2:21 pm

Yes, I am making a general statement. Your similarity between starting a local business (lawn company) and joining a mini tour are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Your return and chance of long term success with the lawn company are much greater than a pro golf life.

Many people who come from middle to lower class families only get a chance or two to make something of themselves. If I took a couple years and $20k to $50k I might not ever fully recover from that sacrifice.

Considering your response to what I wrote, I think you should educate yourself. Their have been studies on the risks and effects of chasing a dream in minor league sports. This is not only my own experience as someone who comes from a lower middle-class family, but as someone who has studied the risk and reward of playing pro sports.

Apr 2, 2014 at 6:31 pm

This comment is perhaps the most off-base, most ill-informed piece of nonsense I’ve ever read. The stories of professional golfers (both on the PGA Tour level and the mini-tours) who come from humble beginners are legion. For every surgeon-father Charles Howell III, there are a dozen who scrape and work just for the opportunity to play golf. Even Phil Mickelson used to drive the range cart at the old Stardust in San Diego just to be able to hit balls.) What… you’re saying that Tiger Woods came from a “privileged” background? Just what do think the U.S. Army pays, anyway? Why not do a little research next time rather than simply display your ignorance?

Apr 3, 2014 at 10:33 am

Once again, you might want to do your homework… Earl Woods was an officer in the Army, a LT Col to be exact… 0-5 pay grade. Which is very good, especially in the era he grew up in. Yes, it’s not trust fund or CEO money… but by military standards, he was white collar. Pro Golf is a full-time sacrifice and career these days. Back in the Jones/ Hogan era, many of these men had jobs and lives away from golf, the tour wasn’t as demanding. I understand that everyone’s definition of “wealthy” or “well off” is different, especially in the golf community. If your household income is under $50000 a year (which much of the population is), you most likely will not have the opportunity to give pro golf a legitimate run, let’s say 2 years on mini tours.

Apr 3, 2014 at 10:39 am

Phil grew up in San Diego CA (one of the most expensive places in the country). His father was an airline pilot and naval aviator… I pity that he had to work part time at a golf course. BTW, Earl Woods was also a defense contractor after his Army officer career. I think you need to educate yourself… the examples you gave are completely contrary to the point you’re trying to make.

Apr 1, 2014 at 3:26 pm

All you guys are great ball strikers. What separates the mini-tour players from let’s say the Web.com, or the PGA Tour?

Josh Thompson

Apr 1, 2014 at 5:00 pm

Hi Sean! I would say the putts gained stat you would see a slight difference. Every year there are a numerous mini tour players that go on to play the PGA and Web.com Tour. Thanks for the question and have a good one 🙂

Apr 1, 2014 at 11:41 am

You forgot to mention how you could end up being real smelly for not taking a shower for a few days while you slept in the car!

Apr 1, 2014 at 11:50 am

Good point “L”

Apr 1, 2014 at 7:13 am

assuming you make the cut, how high on the leaderboard do you need to be on Sunday evening to at least cover your expenses for the week – entry, stay, food? Cheers

Apr 1, 2014 at 10:14 am

Hi Golfraven, it all depends on the entry fee, purse and your expenses for the week. Some tournaments you need to finish higher because the purse is small.

Apr 1, 2014 at 12:37 am

Would be really interesting to know how the details work out.

How do you get host families? Do the tournaments arrange it? Do you get any perks while at the courses, like meals? What about the equipment deals? Do they have tee up money on the mini tours like they do on the bigger ones? What about lessons and coaches? Do people get free lessons? Do they pay a reduced rate, etc?

Really wondering how people can afford to play golf, afford the fees, the practice, the equipment and travel earning so little prize money.

How much do you need to have set aside to start out?

Apr 1, 2014 at 10:11 am

Some great suggestions–Thanks Alex!

Richard L Cox III

Apr 1, 2014 at 12:06 pm

As a former hack pro myself I can answer each of your questions with 90% certainty.

How do you get host families? *They’re only offered at some events.

Do the tournaments arrange it? *They tell you it’s available. You either say, “I want in,” or not.

Do you get any perks while at the courses, like meals? *You’re lucky to get a discounted practice round unless you’re playing a Hooters’ event.

What about the equipment deals? *Josh has a great explanation here, but ‘equipment deals’ on mini-tours basically amount to getting free balls, hats, and gloves mailed to you every couple of months or a set of wedges if you made the cut last week.

Do they have tee up money on the mini tours like they do on the bigger ones? *No. Not even close.

What about lessons and coaches? *It’s player specific, but 90% of the guys have regular instructors, etc.

Do people get free lessons? Do they pay a reduced rate, etc? *No. No. No.- not even Philly Mick gets free lessons.

Really wondering how people can afford to play golf, afford the fees, the practice, the equipment and travel earning so little prize money. *You sir, have just figured out why playing mini-tours can drive a person to drink.

How much do you need to have set aside to start out? *I’d say $30,000 would last you one year.

Mar 31, 2014 at 11:27 pm

I always loved the Waterloo Open in Iowa. I didn’t have a caddy one year. Some guy volunteered to carry my bag and refused payment at the end of the round. Had a beer with him and called it a night…not before I hit up Shag Nastys

Apr 1, 2014 at 8:41 am

I have played the Waterloo Open a hand full of times, its a great tournaments.

Mar 31, 2014 at 10:09 pm

Nice article. I live in Morganton, NC and am a member at Mimosa Hills.

Mar 31, 2014 at 10:14 pm

Thanks Kelly! I’ve heard it’s a great course.

Mar 31, 2014 at 9:25 pm

Great article, Josh. I can’t imagine…

Maybe your next article can be about how to best interact and become involved… be better advocates. For example, how do you get to play in a pro-am? Should you tip your player?

I always wondered if it was ethical for guys to sell “shares” of their career winnings for an investment… e.g., I pay $1,000 into a player for 0.2% of his winnings for 6 years, or something like that. I would imagine that there are a lot of guys who would take a chance on a guy if for nothing beyond the same thinking as fantasy football.

Mar 31, 2014 at 9:29 pm

Thanks Mat! Great suggestions on future articles — will write those down.

Paul Kaster

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:48 pm

Nice job Josh! I have lots of great memories of my time playing minis but it’s definitely tough. Well worth trying for anyone who thinks they may have what it takes. Best of luck!

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:52 pm

Thanks Paul!

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:46 pm

Great article man! I wish the PGA and the big golf companies would pour more money into these mini tours. This is a great way to grow the game. I personally pull for the mini tour turned big time pros like Zach Johnson. Who by the way is one of the top five players on tour right now. “What an incredible Cinderella story”

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:51 pm

Thanks! I know what you mean Don. The tour now runs the Canadian and Latin America Tours – so who knows whats next.

Apr 9, 2014 at 7:42 am

What an incwedable Cindawella Story. Ha Ha. Remember the Super in Caddy Shack had a r lisp!

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:22 pm

That Hooters girl second from the left is gorgeous!

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:14 pm

Saw you mentioned Morganton, NC. Did you play at Mimosa Hills? One of my all time favs.

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:38 pm

I didn’t play at Mimosa Hills, but some of my friends have.

Mar 31, 2014 at 7:46 pm

Great insight Josh, thanks for sharing! Good luck to you!

Mar 31, 2014 at 8:10 pm

Thanks Curt!

Mar 31, 2014 at 7:28 pm

Great stuff man, cool to hear what those guys go through and prepare myself if i ever get a chance to play pro.

Mar 31, 2014 at 7:36 pm

Thanks Adam! Hope to provide more insights of the tour life to the Golf WRX community. Any thing you want to hear about in particular in future articles? Have a good one.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Making Golf Accessible and Enjoyable

One of the most significant influences YouTube has had on golf is making the sport more accessible. Traditional barriers to golf included high costs, the requirement for membership at exclusive clubs, and a general perception that the sport was elitist. However, YouTube creators have democratized golf by offering free content that educates, entertains, and inspires. Instructional videos on swing techniques, putting tips, and course management have provided golfers of all skill levels with valuable resources that were previously available only through expensive coaching.

Key Figures in Golf Content Creation

Several YouTube creators have emerged as influential figures, drawing large audiences and captivating viewers with their unique approaches to the game. Among the most notable are the following:

Rick Shiels

Rick Shiels is a PGA golf coach whose YouTube channel is one of the most popular in the golf community. He offers instructional videos, equipment reviews, course vlogs, and engaging golf challenges, making his channel a comprehensive resource for golfers of all levels.

Rick Shiels during a preview day ahead of The Open at the Royal Liverpool, Wirral. Picture date: Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Bryan Bros. Golf

The Bryan Bros. Golf channel features professional golfers and trick shot artists George and Wesley Bryan. Known for their incredible trick shots, course vlogs, and golf tutorials, they offer a mix of high skill and entertainment that appeals to a wide audience.

GM_Golf (Garrett Clark)

Garrett Clark, the creator of GM_Golf, is a young and energetic golfer who engages a large audience with his entertaining and skillful content.

Good Good Golf

Good Good Golf, led by GM_Golf creator Garrett Clark, is a collaborative channel featuring multiple golf YouTubers who create diverse and engaging content, including course vlogs, challenges, and tutorials. The channel focuses on blending entertainment with golf education.

No Laying Up

The No Laying Up YouTube channel is the video platform for the popular golf podcast and media brand founded in 2014 by five golf enthusiasts, often referred to as “fanalysts.” The channel offers a variety of content, including original golf travel series, on-site tour coverage, podcast episodes, and lifestyle content. Known for its informative discussions, humor, and high-quality video production, No Laying Up engages a highly active community of golf fans.

Fan Favorites

Bob Does Sports

Bob Does Sports is a fun and light-hearted channel where Bob and his friends, Joey Cold Cuts and Fat Perez, engage in hilarious golf challenges, course vlogs, and entertaining golf-related activities. The channel aims to make golf fun for everyone, from amateurs to seasoned players.

Grant Horvat

Grant Horvat focuses on providing golf tips, techniques, and insights aimed at improving viewers’ games. He shares course vlogs, instructional content, and personal golfing experiences, making his channel a rich resource for golf enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills.

BustaJack Golf

BustaJack Golf features a duo that creates entertaining golf content. Their focus is on fun challenges, course vlogs, and collaborations with other golf YouTubers. They aim to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

DOD King creates entertaining golf content, focusing on combative and humorous golf challenges. His content is light-hearted and aimed at providing laughs while still celebrating the game of golf.

Random Golf Club

Founded by Erik Anders Lang, Random Golf Club aims to unite golfers worldwide. The channel features unique golf experiences, travel vlogs, and community events, focusing on the inclusivity and communal aspects of golf.

Fried Egg primarily focuses on golf course architecture and insightful commentary on the game. The channel provides deep dives into course design, history, and strategic elements, appealing to golf enthusiasts who appreciate the sport’s finer details.

Brodie Smith

Brodie Smith started his YouTube career focusing on ultimate frisbee trick shots and has since transitioned into the golf world. His content is enthusiastic and showcases his journey from being a professional frisbee player to becoming a passionate golfer.

Luke Kwon Golf

Luke Kwon is known for his engaging golf content that combines instructional videos with personal anecdotes and experiences on the course.

Paige Spiranac

Paige Spiranac is a professional golfer and social media personality known for her engaging and often personal approach to golf content.

Pure Instruction and Insights

Peter Finch

Peter Finch is a golf coach who offers a variety of content, including golf tutorials, equipment reviews, course vlogs, and golf-related travel content. His instructional videos are highly valued by amateur golfers looking to improve their game.

Athletic Motion Golf

Athletic Motion Golf offers in-depth golf instruction with a focus on biomechanics. The coaches break down the golf swing scientifically to help viewers understand the mechanics of a perfect swing. Their content is technical yet accessible.

Eric Cogorno Golf

Eric Cogorno is a golf coach who focuses on providing detailed and informative instructional content to help golfers of all skill levels improve their game.

Top Speed Golf – Clay Ballard

Clay Ballard’s Top Speed Golf channel emphasizes improving golf swing mechanics to help golfers increase their swing speed and overall efficiency in the game.

Danny Maude

Danny Maude is a golf coach known for his clear and effective instructional videos. His channel is highly valued by golfers looking to improve their game through easy-to-follow tutorials.

Not A Scratch Golfer

This channel follows the journey of an average golfer aiming to improve his game. It features instructional content, product reviews, and personal experiences on and off the course aimed at helping other recreational golfers.

Tour Professionals and Major Champions Spreading Their Creator Wings

Bryson DeChambeau

Major Champion Bryson DeChambeau is known for his scientific approach to the game. He shares insights into his training routines, golfing tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at his life on the tour. His channel is a great resource for those interested in the technical and analytical aspects of golf but also looking to be entertained. Bryson also offers a great look into the inner workings of being a professional golfer.

Bryson DeChambeau shows off the championship trophy to fans after winning the 124th US Open golf championship at Pinehurst Credit: UPI/Alamy Live News

Padraig Harrington

Padraig Harrington, another Major Champion, shares his wealth of experience and knowledge through instructional videos, insights into his tour life, and behind-the-scenes content. His channel is ideal for those looking to learn from a seasoned pro.

Phil Mickelson and The HyFlyers

This channel showcases content from golf legend Phil Mickelson and his LIV Golf team, The HyFlyers. It includes game insights, training routines, and behind-the-scenes looks at the team’s activities and tournaments.

The Data Behind the Impact

The impact of YouTube golf content creators is not just anecdotal; several recent statistics underscore their influence:

Continuous Rise in Golf Participation: The National Golf Foundation, keepers of industry statistical data, has shown a continuous rise in both on and off-course participation for the last several years. Surprisingly to some, the COVID-19 pandemic was actually a good thing for golf. The numbers for on course, off course, and those who enjoyed a mix of both shook out like this the past three years:

This growth is partly attributed to the visibility and appeal generated by golf content on YouTube, especially for those in the off-course and mixed segments.

Engagement Metrics: Channels like Rick Shiels have videos that consistently receive hundreds of thousands of views, indicating a strong and engaged audience. A significant proportion of these views come from instructional content, suggesting that many golfers are turning to YouTube for learning and improvement.

Equipment Sales Impact: YouTube content has a remarkable influence on equipment sales. According to a 2023 report by Golf Datatech, golf equipment sales surged by 10% in 2022, with many attributing this growth to the influence of online reviews and tutorials by trusted YouTubers.

Diversifying Content

Golf YouTubers now produce a diverse array of content, from tutorials and club reviews to global collaborations and unique challenges. This variety caters to different interests and skill levels, making the sport more appealing to a broader range of people. The increased focus on data-driven content has also seen creators incorporating statistical analysis and expert insights into their videos, enhancing their educational value.

Professional Golf Finally Taking Notice

As I reported recently on RG.org in my article, “YouTube Golf: Transforming the Game, One Click and View at a Time, And Mainstream Golf Has Now Officially Taken Notice,” the powers that be in mainstream professional golf are starting to take notice of the influence that golf content creation is having on the game. The PGA TOUR’s recent announcement of its inaugural “Creator Classic”, an event scheduled to run the Wednesday before the 2024 TOUR Championship, will bring together some of the best golf digital creators to compete on the East Lake layout.

You have to think that this year’s U.S. Open Champion, Bryson DeChambeau, who recently surpassed the 1 Million subscriber mark on YouTube, may have been a factor in tipping the scales of YouTube Golf being more widely recognized.

Impacts and Future

YouTube has undeniably revolutionized the way golf is perceived, learned, and enjoyed. The platform has empowered creators to share their love for the game, break down traditional barriers, and inspire a new generation of golfers. With influential figures like Rick Shiels, Grant Horvat, Bryson DeChambeau, the Bob Does Sports crew, and the team at Good Good leading the charge, the future of golf looks brighter, more inclusive, and more engaging than ever before. As content consumption continues to evolve, the role of YouTube in shaping the world of golf is set to grow even further, driving the sport toward new heights.

Global impact: The value of golf as an Olympic sport

In 2016, at the Olympic Games in Rio, Golf’s reintroduction as an Olympic sport stood as a landmark moment in the game’s storied history, marking its evolving recognition and global importance. That development was not only significant in terms of the prestige it brings, but it crucially validates golf’s status as a sport that resonates across different cultures and geographies.

Being part of the Olympics magnifies golf’s global appeal. While the sport has long-standing traditions in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan, the Olympic Games expose it to a broader, more diverse audience. Countries where golf is not typically popular are more likely to take notice when their athletes compete on this grand stage. This visibility can spark interest and investment in the sport in regions previously untapped by golf’s reach.

The Olympic stage provides an unparalleled level of attention and viewership. Billions tune in to watch the Olympics, meaning millions who may have never watched a golf tournament are introduced to the sport. This exposure is invaluable for attracting new players, particularly young ones. For a sport often perceived as elitist or inaccessible, showcasing golf in the democratic, unifying context of the Olympics helps alter these stereotypes.

The Olympic spotlight helps emphasize the sheer athletic prowess required in golf. It highlights the focus, precision, and mental endurance necessary to excel, aligning golf with other sports celebrated for their physical demands. Golfers can now be recognized not just as skilled athletes within their own circles but as part of a broader community of world-class competitors.

Golf’s Olympic inclusion also presents opportunities for countries to invest in developing their athletes. With the incentive of Olympic glory, nations are more likely to fund training programs, build facilities, and support golf associations dedicated to nurturing young talent. This, in turn, leads to higher competitive standards and a richer diversity of playing styles and personalities in the sport.

The return of golf to the Olympics—starting in 2016 after a 112-year hiatus—also provided seasoned professionals and emerging talents the opportunity to compete in a team dynamic distinct from traditional tournaments. Playing for one’s country adds a layer of passion and a sense of duty, often resulting in compelling performances that resonate deeply with fans.

Golf’s inclusion in the Olympics bolsters its global presence, attracts diverse new audiences, and provides a platform to showcase the athletic demands of the sport. It injects fresh enthusiasm into the golfing world, inspiring nations to nurture their golfing talent, thus enriching the game’s global tapestry. This milestone symbolizes much more than a place in the competitions; it represents an expansive future for golf as a universally celebrated sport.

As John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s Chief Championships Officer and Board Chair for USA Golf, told me in an interview I conducted for RG.org ,

“Golf as part of the Olympic Games has and should continue to grow and inspire the game, especially as governments provide funding for the sport in their country to encourage medal-winning.

“For golf to maintain its success on the Olympic stage, it is crucial to ensure that the best players participate, fans attend the on-site competition, and viewers across various media platforms tune in. These metrics are key to sustaining the sport’s relevance and appeal in the Olympic context.”

Watching the golf competition at the Paris Olympics is a must if you are a fan of sports and competitions at the highest level. Whether it’s a replay of the Men’s competition or tuning in live this week for the Women, Olympic Golf promises thrilling action with top golfers from around the globe showcasing their skills on a world-class course. The strategic challenges and picturesque landscapes of Paris’s Le Golf National Golf Course offer an extra layer of excitement.

With the Olympics’ spirit of unity and excellence, the golf competition offers a unique opportunity to witness historical moments and intense yet friendly rivalries take place at an incredible venue. Whether you’re a seasoned golf fan or new to the sport, golf at the Paris Olympics is an unforgettable experience that combines athletic prowess, global representation, and a cultural celebration—all in the spirit of this ancient game we call golf.

The BEST hidden gem links courses in the UK & Ireland

Another Open Championship has come and gone and links golf was once again in the spotlight at Royal Troon ! For those who have never played a links course (like myself), it sparks a desire to fly across the pond to experience it for ourselves. While a golf trip to the UK or Ireland is a bucket-list item, most people look to play the big-name courses ( Old Course , Carnoustie , Lahinch , Royal Portrush ,etc.), but don’t realize they can get a similar experience by traveling to some of the lesser known destinations where you will find some of the purest links courses in the world. With this in mind, here are our picks for the best hidden gem links courses you should play when you book a UK or Ireland trip:

Ballyliffin

We start our list off with a 36-hole club in the Northwest of Ireland, a remote area of the Emerald Isle that is known for its rugged terrain and spectacular scenery. Bordering the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballyliffin is relatively newer (est. 1947) but offers golfers one of the purest links golf experiences anywhere in the country. While not easy to get to, the two courses onsite ( Old and Glashedy ) are well worth the travel with large dunes shaping the fairways that overlook the North Atlantic Ocean and a myriad of pot bunkers everywhere you look. Even Rory McIlroy believes that “Ballyliffin’s two courses are a must play on any golf trip to Ireland.” and we tend to agree.

How to incorporate Ballyliffin in a golf trip:

Stay: Ballyliffin Lodge, Hotel & Spa

Play: Old Links & Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin, and Old Tom Morris Links or Sandy Hills Course at Rosapenna

Enniscrone

The next course on the list is in the Sligo area of the Northwest where we find Enniscrone, roughly 3 hours (by car) south of Ballyliffin. Like many links courses, Enniscrone was originally a 9-hole course when it was opened in 1918 before an additional 9 holes were added 12 years later. In 1970, Eddie Hackett was tasked with redesigning the course to help the two 9-hole courses flow effortlessly into one 18 hole layout. A big feature that can be seen throughout your round here are the towering dunes that shape the course and protect some holes from the ocean winds. Built right out of the landscape of the dunes bordering the sea, the course has a lot of undulation in the fairways and greens with some elevated tee boxes providing unreal views of the natural land.

How to incorporate Enniscrone in a golf trip:

Stay: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo

Play: Enniscrone , County Sligo , and Donegal

Additional Courses: Strandhill , Carne , and Narin & Portnoo

St. Patrick’s Links

Another fantastic gem on the Northwest coast of Ireland is the NEW (2020) St. Patricks Links at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links . The land was purchased back in 2012 which was already a 36-hole facility and Tom Doak was brought in to reimagine the property to the layout it currently is today. Large sand dunes shape the front 9 holes before heading back through some more subtle dunes back towards the clubhouse. The course offers elevation changes with some tee boxes sitting atop the dunes offering spectacular views of Sheephaven Bay and beyond. With two other courses and a fantastic hotel on property, this destination is all you could ever ask for.

How to incorporate St. Patricks in a golf trip:

Stay: Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links

Play: St. Patrick’s Links , Sandy Hills Course , and Old Tom Morris Links (all at Rosapenna)

Island Club

For our last hidden gem in Ireland, we head 30 minutes north of the country’s capital, Dublin , to The Island Club. Built along rugged terrain and the highest sand dunes on the east coast of Ireland, the Island Club is situated on a small peninsula surrounded by water on three sides providing a difficult challenge, especially with the winds. Founded in 1890, the Island Club continues to be ranked in the Top 10 courses in Ireland and has held some Amateur Championships and Open Championship Regional Qualifiers.

How to incorporate The Island Club in a golf trip:

Stay: The Grand Hotel, Malahide

Play: Island Club , Portmarnock Old , County Louth

Additional Courses: Royal Dublin

Located along “Scotland’s Golf Coast” of East Lothian is where we find the classic links of Dunbar. Opened in 1856 with only 15 holes, this is one of the many courses in Scotland that Old Tom Morris had a hand in crafting. Laid out along rocky and rocky terrain, the course is only 6500 yards long and while not long by modern standards, the course requires shot making and proper club selection to play well. The course has held many national and international tournaments including a few rounds of The Open Final Qualifying.

How to incorporate Dunbar in a golf trip:

Stay: No. 12 Hotel & Bistro

Play: Dunbar , Gullane (No.1) , North Berwick

Additional Courses: Craigielaw , Kilspindie , Gullane ( No.2 , No. 3 )

Cruden Bay

The next course on our list brings us to the Scottish Highlands , one of the lesser traveled destinations in Scotland, but still home to some amazing links courses including Cruden Bay! Located 25 miles north of Aberdeen on the east coast of the Highlands, Cruden Bay was opened in 1899, although history would indicate golf has been played at the property since 1791. Another Old Tom Morris design, the course is consistently ranked in the Top 25 of courses in Scotland and it is easy to see why. At only 6600 yards, it is relatively short, but the natural lay of the land provides elevation changes, punchbowl greens, and some large, 3-story high dunes that offer spectacular views for a classic links experience.

How to incorporate Cruden Bay in a golf trip:

Stay: Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen

Play: Cruden Bay , Trump International Links , Royal Aberdeen

Additional Courses: Murcar

We head back to the Highlands just north of Dornoch to where we find Brora Golf Club. Similar to a lot of links courses, Brora opened as only 9 holes in 1891, but that only lasted for 9 years before an additional 9 was added in 1900 before a James Braid redesign in 1924. At just over 6200 yards, this is one of those courses that will make you appreciate links golf in Scotland with cattle and sheep roaming freely around the property. The course is a typical links routing with the front 9 going out and the back 9 coming back to the clubhouse. The defense of the course is the wind (naturally), but the greens are relatively small with pot bunkers standing guard to catch errant approach shots.

How to incorporate Brora in a golf trip:

Stay: Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch

Play: Brora , Royal Dornoch – Struie & Championship

Additional Courses: Golspie , Tain

Staying in the Scottish Highlands , the last Scotland links gem on the list is just outside of Inverness at The Nairn Golf Club. The narrow fairways are fast and firm leading to decent sized, tricky greens that roll true, but are guarded by devious pot bunkers. The first seven holes play right along the water and with not a ton of elevation changes, spectacular views across the Moray Firth can be seen throughout the course. With fantastic course conditions throughout the season, this fantastic links is an absolute must-play when visiting the Highlands.

How to incorporate Nairn in a golf trip:

Stay: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Play: Nairn , Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands) , Fortrose & Rosemarkie

Additional Courses: Nairn Dunbar , Moray

Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR highly recommends you start planning your trip across the pond AT LEAST 12-18 months in advance in order to secure tee times and hotel rooms over the dates you desire. With more and more people taking up the game of golf, these bucket list trips have already become extremely popular and will continue to gain interest so make sure to start planning early!

RELATED: Open Championship courses you can play (and when the best time to book is)

Editor’s note: This article is presented in partnership with Golfbreaks. When you make a purchase through links in this article, GolfWRX may earn an affiliate commission.

Three Swing Challenge: Testing the Edel Array F-2 putter

What clubs do equipment free agents choose to use on tour? We found out

‘You’re right, we’re always wrong!’ – Sergio Garcia receives warning during Open qualifier

Xander Schauffele’s winning WITB: 2024 Open Championship

Davis Thompson’s winning WITB: 2024 John Deere Classic

Details on Justin Rose’s lead-taped driver shaft, “Rose” iron shafts

Highlights from the Wilson Golf Product Testing and Fitting Experience at Pinehurst

Q&A: The truth behind Bryson DeChambeau’s new Avoda irons from company founder Thomas Bailey

Jhonattan Vegas’ winning WITB: 2024 3M Open

Major champ ‘disappointed’ not to be chosen as U.S. Ryder Cup captain

Adam Scott WITB 2024 (August)

Adam Scott what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. Driver: Titleist GT2 (10 degrees)...

Hideki Matsuyama WITB 2024 (August)

Hideki Matsuyama’s WITB accurate as of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. 15 clubs listed. Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS...

WITB Time Machine: Dustin Johnson’s winning WITB, 2017 FedEx St. Jude Championship

DJ rose to the occasion seven years ago, beating Jordan Spieth on the first playoff hole to capture the FedEx...

Aaron Rai’s winning WITB: 2024 Wyndham Championship

Driver: TaylorMade M6 (9 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Aldila Synergy 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue...

Anthony Kim reveals the 3 options he had before joining LIV Golf

Matt Kuchar defends decision to mark his ball on 72nd hole

2024 TaylorMade P770, P7CB irons – GolfWRX Launch Report

‘None of your business’ – Rory McIlroy kept his cards close to chest over this journalist’s question at Olympics

Tommy Fleetwood WITB 2024 (August)

A Mini-Tour Primer

Everything you need to know about a dozen circuits, small and smaller.

The mini-tour landscape changed massively in 2012, when the PGA Tour introduced its international tours in Latin America, Canada and China (no longer operating). Those tours took players and money overseas, leaving the mini-tours in the States floundering. The two big mini-tours at the time, Egolf and Hooters, soon folded or were sold, and in their place, a lot of small tours popped up. These tours appear and often vanish just as quickly.

If you are turning pro, looking for a place to test your game or just a golf nerd like me, here are a dozen mini-tours that are operating in the United States.

All Pro Tour

Format: 72 holes

Entry fee: $950 for members; $1,350 for non-members (A season-long membership is $1,500)

Average field size: 100-plus, with bigger events getting almost 200

Geographic area: Central U.S. mostly

Purse size: $ 100,000-$175,000; the fall season features three-day events with purses averaging around $50,000

Website: APT | All Pro Tour

Fun fact: Defending Masters champion Scottie Scheffler played three events, with a best finish of T-5, in preparation for Q school in 2018.

Dakotas Tour

Format: 54 holes

Entry fee: $840

Average field size: 60-75

Geographic area: North and South Dakota

Purse size: $50,000-$70,000K

Website: The Dakotas Tour - Professional Golf - Professional Golf In The Midwest

Fun facts: The Dakotas Tour is largely considered the best economical option in mini-tour golf. Events often offer host housing for the players, and the pro-am format makes the purses player-friendly, meaning players collect a larger percentage of the money taken in than most other tours.

The G Pro Tour

Entry fee: $920-$1,165

Average field size: 80

Geographic area: North and South Carolina and Georgia

Purse size: $50,000-$75,000; one event last season offered $93,000

Website: GProTour (thegprotour.com)

Fun fact: When Brendon Todd was struggling with the full-shot yips, he played multiple events on the GPro Tour to work on his game.

Asher Tour (former Golden State/Outlaw Tour)

Entry fee: $750-$1,350; some are two-day/36-hole events

Average field size: 50-70; some of their bigger events have well over 100

Geographic area: Arizona and California

Purse size: $30,000-$40,000; $100,000 for bigger events

Website: HOME (ashertour.com)

Fun fact: The Asher Tour runs one of the few events in which the winner gets an exemption into a PGA Tour event. The winner of the Reno Open, in late May, receives a spot in golf's fifth major, the Barracuda Championship.

Emerald Coast Tour

Entry fee: $700-$850

Average field size: 25-40

Geographic area: Florida, Alabama and Mississippi

Purse size: $15,000-$20,000

Website: Home (emeraldcoasttour.com)

Fun fact : Doug Barron was playing on this tour prior to Monday-qualifying for, and winning, a Champions Tour event in 2019. He has since added a second victory on the senior circuit.

Rolling Red Tour

Format: 36 holes

Entry fee: $729-$869

Average field size: 20-30

Geographic area: Southern U.S.

Purse size: $7,000-$10,000

Website: Rolling Red Golf Tour

Fun fact: The tour also hosts an 18-hole shootout, so players have two events in which they can cash.

Florida Pro Tour

Entry fee: $300-$450

Average field size: 30-90

Geographic area: Florida

Purse size: $5,000-$20,000; its biggest event last season had an $85,000 purse

Website: Home - Florida Professional Golf Tour (fpgtour.com)

Fun fact: In the 2017 season, mini-tour legend Kevin Alywin started with three wins and two runner-up finishes. He won the money title that year with more than $29,000, nearly triple the total of the player in second.

The BO Tour

Entry fee: $200-$700

Average field size: 20-35; a few have had upwards of 60

Geographic area: Southern California

Purse size: $3K-$20K

Website: The Bo Tour Event :: 2023 Professional Points (golfgenius.com)

Fun fact: The tour was founded by Steve “Bo” Boreri. If you want to play in an event, send him a text. For a long time he accepted cash and paid players the same day.

West Florida Tour

Format: 18 or 36 holes

Entry fee: $230-$950, the latter for 36-hole events

Average field size: 45-plus

Geographic area: West Florida

Purse size: $10,000-$20,000

Website: Welcome to WFGT (westfloridagolftour.com)

Fun fact: Christian Bartolacci has owned the West Florida Tour for 12 years and is largely a one-man operation. A PGA member, he handles registration, course setup and rules.

Minor League Golf Tour

Entry fee: $235-$525

Average field size: 30, but some of the bigger events approach 100

Geographic area: South Florida

Purse size: $5,000-$20,000

Website: Professional Golf Tours - Mini Tours - Developmental Golf Tours - Women's Golf Tours (minorleaguegolf.com)

Fun fact: Sunny Kim, who has become a cult hero among the golf nerd population, has 86 wins and has earned more than $337,000 on this tour.

Moonlight Tour

Entry fee: $120-$350

Average field size: 15-30

Website: Mobi | Hybrid Template (ogatour.org)

Fun fact: The Moonlight Tour has been around for over 20 years, and PGA Tour veteran Patrick Sheehan has racked up more than 300 victories.

Carolina Mountain Tour

Entry fee: $220

Average field size: 15-25

Geographic area: Carolinas

Purse size : $2,000-$5,000

Website: Carolina Mountain Professional Golf Tour (mountaingolftour.com)

Fun fact: On its website, the tour touts itself as the longest-running mini-tour in the U.S. It is beginning its 27th year in 2023.

Ready for more?

Mini Tours Mini Tours

More Courses

Search for articles

A mini-tour primer.

If you are turning pro, looking for a place to test your game or just a golf nerd like me, here are a dozen mini-tours that are operating in the United States.

All Pro Tour

Format: 72 holes

Entry fee: $950 for members; $1,350 for non-members (A season-long membership is $1,500)

Average field size: 100-plus, with bigger events getting almost 200

Geographic area: Central U.S. mostly

Purse size: $ 100,000-$175,000; the fall season features three-day events with purses averaging around $50,000

Website: APT | All Pro Tour

Fun fact: Defending Masters champion Scottie Scheffler played three events, with a best finish of T-5, in preparation for Q school in 2018.

Dakotas Tour

Format: 54 holes

Entry fee: $840

Average field size: 60-75

Geographic area: North and South Dakota

Purse size: $50,000-$70,000K

Website: The Dakotas Tour – Professional Golf – Professional Golf In The Midwest

The G Pro Tour

Entry fee: $920-$1,165

Average field size: 80

Geographic area: North and South Carolina and Georgia

Purse size: $50,000-$75,000; one event last season offered $93,000

Website: GProTour (thegprotour.com)

Fun fact: When Brendon Todd was struggling with the full-shot yips, he played multiple events on the GPro Tour to work on his game.

Asher Tour (former Golden State/Outlaw Tour)

Entry fee: $750-$1,350; some are two-day/36-hole events

Average field size: 50-70; some of their bigger events have well over 100

Geographic area: Arizona and California

Purse size: $30,000-$40,000; $100,000 for bigger events

Website: HOME (ashertour.com)

Fun fact: The Asher Tour runs one of the few events in which the winner gets an exemption into a PGA Tour event. The winner of the Reno Open, in late May, receives a spot in golf’s fifth major, the Barracuda Championship.

Emerald Coast Tour

Entry fee: $700-$850

Average field size: 25-40

Geographic area: Florida, Alabama and Mississippi

Purse size: $15,000-$20,000

Website: Home (emeraldcoasttour.com)

Fun fact : Doug Barron was playing on this tour prior to Monday-qualifying for, and winning, a Champions Tour event in 2019. He has since added a second victory on the senior circuit.

Rolling Red Tour

Format: 36 holes

Entry fee: $729-$869

Average field size: 20-30

Geographic area: Southern U.S.

Purse size: $7,000-$10,000

Website: Rolling Red Golf Tour

Fun fact: The tour also hosts an 18-hole shootout, so players have two events in which they can cash.

Florida Pro Tour

Entry fee: $300-$450

Average field size: 30-90

Geographic area: Florida

Purse size: $5,000-$20,000; its biggest event last season had an $85,000 purse

Website: Home – Florida Professional Golf Tour (fpgtour.com)

The BO Tour

Entry fee: $200-$700

Average field size: 20-35; a few have had upwards of 60

Geographic area: Southern California

Purse size: $3K-$20K

Website: The Bo Tour Event :: 2023 Professional Points (golfgenius.com)

Fun fact: The tour was founded by Steve “Bo” Boreri. If you want to play in an event, send him a text. For a long time he accepted cash and paid players the same day.

West Florida Tour

Format: 18 or 36 holes

Entry fee: $230-$950, the latter for 36-hole events

Average field size: 45-plus

Geographic area: West Florida

Purse size: $10,000-$20,000

Website: Welcome to WFGT (westfloridagolftour.com)

Fun fact: Christian Bartolacci has owned the West Florida Tour for 12 years and is largely a one-man operation. A PGA member, he handles registration, course setup and rules.

Minor League Golf Tour

Entry fee: $235-$525

Average field size: 30, but some of the bigger events approach 100

Geographic area: South Florida

Purse size: $5,000-$20,000

Website: Professional Golf Tours – Mini Tours – Developmental Golf Tours – Women’s Golf Tours (minorleaguegolf.com)

Fun fact: Sunny Kim, who has become a cult hero among the golf nerd population, has 86 wins and has earned more than $337,000 on this tour.

Moonlight Tour

Entry fee: $120-$350

Average field size: 15-30

Website: Mobi | Hybrid Template (ogatour.org)

Fun fact: The Moonlight Tour has been around for over 20 years, and PGA Tour veteran Patrick Sheehan has racked up more than 300 victories.

Carolina Mountain Tour

Entry fee: $220

Average field size: 15-25

Geographic area: Carolinas

Purse size : $2,000-$5,000

Website: Carolina Mountain Professional Golf Tour (mountaingolftour.com)

Fun fact: On its website, the tour touts itself as the longest-running mini-tour in the U.S. It is beginning its 27th year in 2023.

You need to subscribe to view this content.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Fighting in the finals.

Next week begins the first of four Korn Ferry Finals events

Applications for a Dream Job

2024 Red Putter Tournament Results

Matthew Kraus now has a collection of 4 Red Jackets! Kraus won the Red Putter Pro Tournament on Saturday, August 3rd at The Red Putter Mini Golf and became the first person to claim the champion title 4 times! He is also the first to do so three years in a row.

Kraus came out on top of a field of 84 players from all over the US who came to compete in the three round tournament. Kraus scored 32, 36 and 33 for a three round total of 101, which ties the record for low tournament score. Kraus not only won the Red Jacket, but also went home with $2000 and a nice trophy. Matthew Kraus also took home the trophy for Best Single Game with his score of 32 in the first round. After Kraus, there was a three way tie for second place. Bryan Akers, Gary Hester and Tim Tally all scored 110 and had to participate in a playoff. Tim Tally, the 2021 Champion, took second place after an exciting hole-in-one on hole #2, with a little help from The Log.

Akers and Hester continued to battle for the third place trophy, Bryan Akers aced Hole #4, The Wolf, to edge out Gary Hester.

To enter the tournament and join the Red Putter Pro Board, players had to qualify by scoring under par on the course. Players can now qualify for next year’s tournament, which will be held on Saturday, August 2nd 2025.

Southern Swing Dates

The Fringe ( Roswell , GA )

*August 24 TN Pro Mini Golf Open

Mossy Creek Mini Golf ( Jefferson City , TN )

August 25 Smoky Mountian Match Play

Mossy Creek Mini Golf ( Jefferson City , TN )

*September 7 NC Pro-Am

Lakeview Putt & Play (Arden , NC )

* $2500 purse 5 Rounds $ 65 Fee

2024 HOF Voting for the USPMGA

Once again this year we are conducting a members vote for the next entry into the uspmga hall of fame., please cast a ballot by sending pete corcoran an email at [email protected] or text him at , (843) 855-4996, with your selection., master’s week update, add on tournament for the day after the masters: october 13th, this tournament will be in honor of all those who have loved ones suffering from dementia and alzheimer’s disease..

On the Sunday after the Masters there will be a match play tournament for the remaining top 16 of the Masters. We at the USPMGA understand that some won’t be able to stay or make it so it will be for those who do stay and choose to play on Sunday.

The entry fee will be $60 and players who choose to play that are eligible according to their finish in the Masters can pay after the end of the Masters.

Top prize will be $1000 and the top 8 will receive cash awards. The total payouts will be updated soon.

We understand this is short notice but are looking forward to expanding opportunities for other players.

Bob Detwiler and Pete Corcoran

The match play will be conducted at the Aloha Course on Lake Arrowhead drive.

Starting time 8 am

ADDITIONAL INFO

RULES/REGULATIONS

MINI GOLF HISTORY

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

2020 Tennessee Match Play Finals Mossy Creek Tennessee

The best of the best (at&t u-verse), mossy creek up coming tennessee open, inside the world of professional mini golf (hbo), prepare then don’t care by dr. brad lebo, masters of mini golf: inside the fierce competition at the u.s. pro tournament | nbc nightly news, from the land down under by allan cox, land down under ii by allan cox, holey moley season 1, the great big story.

Made with by Graphene Themes .

https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/1660979394-f2fb2fdf9fda460337149d26b8b77b3a0cac11eb1fb69d694230d49187bd6049-d

Miniature Golf Tours is one of the most unique reality game shows ever created for television.

With surprisingly more than 130 million people playing miniature golf each year, and another 10 million golfers, it has become one of the quietest markets in the United States appealing to people of all age groups.

Miniature golf has grown to over 1,000 courses in the United States and an additional 10,000 courses worldwide.

Miniature Golf Tours shows the special world that will come to life during our thirteen episodes of filming. Each player and their caddie will compete against two competitors and their caddies for the chance to advance to the next round of competition.

HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS

"Miniature Golf Tours" is a reality television game show that puts three different players with their own caddies carrying their golf bag that contains only their putter, alligator putter cover, and logoed bag towel against two other contestants on each team.

Caddies wear white jumpsuits with their players’ first name printed on their back in large four-inch letters and embroidered white newsboy caps. Caddies also carry the players’ score card and 18-hole footage and information card.

Each player will wear a different color embroidered logoed polo shirt that will match the color of their miniature golf ball used while playing in each episode.

All teams will be competing for $3,000 for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd, and $1,000 for 3rd in each of the first nine quarter-final rounds of competition that will highlight a different miniature course each week. Just to make it exciting, two of the holes each week will be awarded $1,000 for a hole in one.

The winner of each of the first nine quarter-final rounds will than advance to the three semifinal rounds and the winner of each semifinal round will go onto the final round to win Season One's Grand Prize of $20,000 and a new Mini Cooper for 1st place, $5,000 for 2nd, and $2,000 for 3rd.

When the players and their caddies first come into the competition,

There will be 150 spectators following the player around the 18 holes along with the referee, course announcer, and “Quiet While Putting” sign holder.

Two announcers will sit at a logoed table wearing a microphone head set with speakers.

Television scoreboard

Announcers, the referee, and hole announcer wear embroidered white hats during the event.

In conclusion, what attracts our television audience to MiniatureGolfTour.com is the simple idea that anyone can compete and enjoy the challenge of miniature golf at home or on television.

So grab your pencils and start filling out your scorecard, because we are ready to film and play the most unique reality game show ever filmed. MiniatureGolfTours.com

Follow us on social for updates.

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Dustin Long ,

Nate Ryan ,

Trending Teams

Unbridled tour emerges to help keep status-searching pros sharp.

Will Gray ,

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Once the final scores were tallied and it was clear that a playoff would be required to determine a winner, Brooks Downing asked a question that rarely crosses the lips of tournament directors.

“So,” Downing wondered aloud, “do we have to stop any play?”

Moments later, the two remaining combatants and a handful of officials headed back to the 18th tee at Hidden Hills Golf Club, wedging in behind a foursome of members that had teed off just four minutes after the tournament’s final group and were eager to complete their round.

Welcome to the latest stop in pro golf purgatory, a place where players from all walks and status can gather to stay sharp until their next meaningful start. This week while 156 players teed it up at a Korn Ferry Tour event in St. Augustine, another three dozen comprised the field on the nascent Unbridled Tour about 30 minutes away at Hidden Hills, a quiet Arnold Palmer design that sits near a U.S. naval base.

With PGA Tour and Korn Ferry competition now in its second week back, players are beginning to adjust to the new normal. COVID-19 tests, traveling bubbles, sanitized practice areas and fan-free environments. But for dozens more who can’t sniff useful Korn Ferry status, the new normal equates to a bunch of long-shot qualifiers and months of roadblocks.

The pipeline for professional golf is officially clogged, one of the many ripple effects of a global pandemic. Korn Ferry Q-School has been wiped out, as has the entire 2020 Mackenzie Tour season. The fate of PGA Tour Latinoamerica still hangs in the balance, but the start date looks like this fall at the earliest. It means that scores of players are competitively homeless this summer, looking for any and every way to improve their game while hopefully making enough cash to stay afloat.

“Mainly mini-tours and Mondays,” explained Carson Young, who won the Unbridled event with a birdie from the trees on the first playoff hole to beat former European Tour winner Scott Jamieson. “Just trying to get out there, have a good finish and see what can happen. Maybe find a way to gain some status.”

If the Unbridled Tour doesn’t ring a bell, you’re not alone. The circuit was created in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an effort to meet the demand of players whose careers have been put on pause but who still need a place to play in the coming weeks and months. It’s the brainchild of Downing and his team from BDG Sports, a Lexington-based group that usually focuses on pro-am operations and the production of more than 100 college basketball games per year.

The BDG team also previously ran the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship and currently operates a pair of Korn Ferry tournaments in the Bahamas. Their first Unbridled event last month came to life just 12 days in advance, and over the last two weeks they have run Tuesday-Thursday tournaments in Northeast Florida, catering to area pros and those who missed out on Monday qualifying for the first two Korn Ferry events. Last week’s 70-man field included the likes of Ollie Schniederjans, Chase Koepka and Norman Xiong.

“We were sitting at home, looking at some of the other business we have scheduled throughout the year, and thought there was an opportunity for us to host some events,” said tournament director Josh Franklin. “I would say guys appreciate the playing opportunity. That’s been first and foremost the most important thing.”

Young is a prime example of the type of player whose career aspirations have been sidetracked by the coronavirus. The 25-year-old Clemson graduate made it through Mackenzie Tour qualifying school in early March, days before the pandemic shuttered the sport. In the span of a week he went from celebrating full-time status for the first time in his three-year pro career to wondering how he could salvage a lost year.

Thursday’s victory earned him $6,000 off a $1,000 entry fee, and it means he’ll have more flexibility to chase more qualifiers down the road. Up until this week he was still considering shelving his clubs for the second half of the season and looking to get a day job in order to save some cash for the Mackenzie events he hopes to play in 2021.

“It’s definitely a weird situation,” Young said. “But it’s nice just to have anything more than a one-day event, where you feel like you have to go out and shoot 7 or 8 under. It’s good to have tournaments like this to prepare for.”

Michael Buttacavoli wasn’t around for Young’s first win as a pro, having missed the 36-hole cut at Hidden Hills the day prior. Instead he was back home in Miami, planning out his summer and trying to plot his next move. The 32-year-old is something of a developmental circuit connoisseur, having played for nearly a decade without breaking through. A lean 2019 Korn Ferry season left him scrambling for options, as he quickly learned that his two Latinoamerica wins from 2018 didn’t necessarily equate to useful status in 2020. So his next plan was to go play PGA Tour Series China – a plan that he had to scrap well before pro golf in the U.S. came to a standstill.

Instead, he’s going to chase after shreds of Korn Ferry status, traveling from one Monday qualifier to the next while sprinkling in starts on the All Pro Tour and at the Texas State Open. He realizes the pandemic has left some players high and dry while rewarding others with additional full-time status, but he’s come to terms with the ultimate outcome.

“There’s pros and cons involved for everyone with this, but if you haven’t accepted it then you’re just wasting space in your own head,” Buttacavoli, pictured above, said. “All you can do is figure out what you can do to get better between now and when you tee it up next. My plan is to Monday in. It might be next week, or the week after, or three months from now. But when I do, I want to be ready.”

But for players and tournament organizers alike, the profits are meager. Downing’s team hopes to add another 4-8 similar events throughout this year, largely “shadowing” the Korn Ferry schedule but also trying to target areas where they feel confident they can drum up at least a 50-man field. They’re eyeing an event next month in Colorado and plotting a potential winter swing across Florida.

“Between all three of these first events, if we make $10,000 or $12,000 total, it’ll be a great day,” Downing said.

After a brief trophy ceremony, Young grabbed his clubs off his cart and headed for the parking lot. It was there that he encountered his first real snag of the day: he had no idea how to fit the novelty-sized winner’s check into the back seat of his silver Honda. Eventually he found the right position, and hit the road to begin his 6-hour drive back home to South Carolina.

His Mackenzie Tour debut is still nearly a year away, but it won’t be long before he finds another off-shoot event to test his skills.

“Good golf will take care of it over the next year or two,” Young said. “I know it’s kind of a delay, but it’s just what we have to deal with now.”

Explore 33,000+ golf courses in 180 countries.

Top 100 World
Ryder Cup Courses
Golf & Spa Breaks
Ocean-view Courses
Best US Golf Resorts
The Open Courses
Golf & Gastronomy
Scottish Links
Top Resorts
Bandon Dunes
PGA Catalunya Resort
Evian Resort

Costa Navarino

Cape Kidnappers
Top Destinations
Monterey Peninsula

Dubai Creek

Follow the latest news and trends in golf.

TaylorMade Golf
Callaway Golf
Scotty Cameron
Golf Channel
Golf Digest
Golfing World
European Tour
Ladies European Tour
Solheim Cup
Challenge Tour
korn Ferry Tour

Find out more

Connect with like-minded golfers.

Justin Rose
Martin Kaymer
Louis Oosthuizen
Thomas Pieters
Romain Langasque
Thomas Detry
Robert Trent Jones Jr
Evan Schiller
Ambassadors
Paul Strand
Ottmar Ruoff
Stephen Vincent
Dirk Schaeffer
Andreas Dorsch
Tobias Strerath
Gaby Becker
Top Reviewers
Olivier Rockerath
Sven Przetak
Jan Van de Velde
David Theoret

Thomas Pieters & Thomas Detry kneeling next to the World Cup

Pieters & Detry

World Cup Champions

Find everything you need for your golf equipment and gear needs.

Galvin Green
Polo Ralph Lauren
TaylorMade M5 driver
Callaway Epic Flash Driver
Titleist TS1 Driver
Mizuno MP20 Irons
Axis1 Rose Putter
Callaway JAWS Wedge
Titleist T100 Irons
Callaway Super Hybrid

New Titleist Golf Bags

Travel, golf resorts, lifestyle, gear, tour highlights and technology.

App & Website
Media & Press
Partnerships
Courses Reviews

Destinations

Top Itinaries
Women in Golf
Accessories

Instruction

Tiger Woods

View from teebox overlooking the sea at Costa Navarino Golf Club

Suggestions

Sunlife: Four luxury golf resorts in Mauritius

4 min read • 11 May

What’s in Matthieu Pavon’s winning golf bag?

2 min read • 29 Jan

What’s in Xander Schauffele’s Open winning bag?

3 min read • 22 Jul

Course Reviews

Best golf courses in Normandy

5 min read • 9 Mar

What’s in Scottie Scheffler’s Masters winning golf bag?

3 min read • 15 Apr

Top 10 public golf courses in Ohio

4 min read • 20 Mar

Exciting golf brands 2024

5 min read • 3 Feb

Pathway to Stardom: Europe’s Mini-Tours

European golf has a number of mini-tours which offer pathways to the DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour for the game’s rising stars.

In the men’s game, the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, is the leading professional golf tour in Europe. The organisation also operates the developmental Challenge Tour, which is the second tier.

Players who are successful on the Challenge Tour qualify for membership of the DP World Tour the following year. 20 players earn direct promotion to the tour, while those finishing 21-45 can gain qualification through European Tour Qualifying School. Players who win three Challenge Tour events in a season are fast-tracked straight to the main tou and are fully exempt the following season.

The Challenge Tour ranking system is known as the Race to Mallorca , which culminates at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final. In 2022, Nathan Kimsey became the first Englishman to win the Road to Mallorca rankings since 2016 after claiming his second victory of the season at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final.

One level down from the Challenge Tour are three developmental tours: the Alps Tour, the Pro Golf Tour, and the Nordic Golf League, each of which is based in Europe. These are sometimes known as the satellite tours or mini-tours. Each season the top five players on the Order of Merit of each of these tours earn status on the Challenge Tour for the following season.

The Alps Tour was established in 2001 by Austria , France , Italy and Switzerland to give young professionals the opportunity to play pathway tournaments to the Challenge Tour and the DP World Tour. The top ten players on the Order of Merit are exempt through the second stage of European Tour Qualifying School, and the top five win playing privileges on the Challenge Tour. Since its formation, Belgium , Spain , Slovenia , Morocco and Egypt have joined the tour.

The Pro Golf Tour is a developmental professional golf tour based in Germany. The top ten players on the Order of Merit are awarded a bypass to the second stage of European Tour Qualifying School, while the five leading players earn an additional prize with status on the Challenge Tour. Pro Golf Tour alumni includes two-time major winner Martin Kaymer .

The Nordic Golf League is another of the third-tier men’s professional golf tours. The top five players on the Order of Merit at the end of each season earn a place on the Challenge Tour for the following season. The tour is based in Scandinavia, and incorporates tournaments from the national tours of Denmark, Finland and Sweden.

In December 2022, it was announced that the England-based Clutch Pro Tour and the Tartan Pro Tour would become official feeder tours to the Challenge Tour, in place of the now defunct PGA EuroPro Tour which ceased operations in 2022. The Clutch Pro Tour offers Challenge Tour status to the top two players on the Order of Merit, while the Scotland-based Tartan Pro Tour, owned by 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, offers Challenge Tour status to the leading player on the Order of Merit. Both the Clutch and Tartan tours are for male and female players.

In the women’s game, the LET Access Series, launched in 2010, is the developmental tour of the Ladies European Tour, the top-tier of women’s European professional golf. The LETAS provides players with an opportunity to compete and progress on to the LET. All female professional golfers and amateurs over 18 with a handicap of 2 or better are eligible for membership.

DP World Tour

Lake Geneva and the Alps: An Undiscovered Golf Destination

We all know that St Andrews is the home of golf but today we want to draw your attention to the ‘holiday home of golf’. There aren’t many destinations that can boast the tournament pedigree and a jaw-dropping beauty like Lake Geneva. Home to The Omega European Masters on the European Tour, The Rolex Trophy […]

6 min read • 5 Aug 2017

Presidents Cup

Presidents Cup 2019: Team International

Get ready! The 2019 Presidents Cup between Team USA and Team International is almost upon us. Let’s meet the players from Ernie’s Team International. History & Format The 2019 Presidents Cup will be held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club from 12-15 December 2019. It will be the 13th edition of the competition between Team USA […]

2 min read • 12 Nov 2019

Subscribe to our newsletter

Something went wrong, your email looks fake or is already in our database

IMAGES

MiniGolf Tour
Adventure-Style Miniature Golf
Tour Links Miniature Golf
Mini-golf
Miniature Golf
20 London Crazy Golf / Mini Golf Courses with Prices 2024

COMMENTS

List of Professional Golf Mini Tours
Like other tours, the GProTour has a 54-hole format with a 36-hole cut. A season consists of around 20 events with each having a purse in the $60,000- $70,000 range. Events are played at courses such as Albemarle Plantation and Mimosa Hills GOlf & Country Club. New members to the GProTour will pay $1,099 for a yearly membership.
Professional Golf Tours
88 Players that have played on the Minor League Golf Tour have 2024 status on The PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour. Minor League Golf. Since 2004, 4,000+ Players. 2,000+ Tournaments. $15,193,618.11 Paid. 8 Monday Qualifier Contests in 2024! Earn $1,000 Towards Korn Ferry or a PGA Tour Qualifier, Sponsored by Abacoa GC. Monthly Training Division Prizes.
Parcours de mini-golf de l'Indre et Loire
Adresses et informations ( jours et horaires d'ouvertures, tarifs, services, numéros de téléphone ) des parcours de mini golf qui se situent dans l'Indre et Loire 37 ( Tours, Joué lès Tours, Saint Cyr sur Loire, Amboise, Loches, Chinon ). Voir aussi les parcours de golf de l'Indre et Loire. 37160 Descartes : Mini golf allée Léo Lagrange.
The List: Mini-Tours
Pro Golf Tour. The Pro Golf Tour is one of four official satellite tours in Europe recognised by the DP World Tour as a gateway to the Challenge Tour, with the top five players at the end of the season earning their Challenge Tour cards. Founded in 1997, the Tour now has 16 tournaments across six countries and a total purse of €500,000.
Mini Tours Mini Tours
Augusta National. THE PLAYERS Stadium. Bay Hill- Challenge/Champ. PGA National - Champion. Coco Beach G & CC - Champ. Riviera CC. Pebble Beach Golf Links. TPC Scottsdale - Stadium. Torrey Pines - South.
12 Things You Don't Know About The Mini Tours
No. 7: Sponsors. You don't see big corporate sponsors on any players' bags on the mini tours. There are a few options of how players typically afford a season playing professional golf. They fund it themselves, their family helps them or they have a group of investors/backers that put up the money.
A Mini-Tour Primer
Format: 54 holes. Entry fee: $840. Average field size: 60-75. Geographic area: North and South Dakota. Purse size: $50,000-$70,000K. Website: The Dakotas Tour - Professional Golf - Professional Golf In The Midwest. Fun facts: The Dakotas Tour is largely considered the best economical option in mini-tour golf.
Tournaments
Tournaments. United States ProMiniGolf Association is known for its PGA Style tournaments throughout the United States. With divisions Pro, Senior (50+), Super Seniors (65+) Junior (12 & Under), and Womens, the association also has an Amateur division for players just starting their dream. Register for a tournament today and review the Rulebook ...
Mini Tours
View Current, Upcoming and Past tournaments for Mini Tours. Register for events right from the Schedule. View past tournament Leaderboards and Scorecards.
A Mini-Tour Primer
Website: Professional Golf Tours - Mini Tours - Developmental Golf Tours - Women's Golf Tours (minorleaguegolf.com) Fun fact: Sunny Kim, who has become a cult hero among the golf nerd population, has 86 wins and has earned more than $337,000 on this tour. ‍ Moonlight Tour. Format: 18 or 36 holes. Entry fee: $120-$350. Average field ...
Why this PGA Tour ROY nominee is playing a mini tour event
Cole, a 35-year-old Tour rookie this past season, collected seven top-10s in 37 starts. Among those top-10s were runner-up finishes at the Honda Classic and Zozo Championship, and he closed the ...
US ProMiniGolf Association
Kraus won the Red Putter Pro Tournament on Saturday, August 3rd at The Red Putter Mini Golf and became the first person to claim the champion title 4 times! He is also the first to do so three years in a row. Kraus came out on top of a field of 84 players from all over the US who came to compete in the three round tournament.
Life on the Mini Tours
Life on the Mini Tours. By: Sean Zak February 2, 2015. It's 8 a.m. at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, and it looks like just another Tuesday in Maricopa, Arizona. A layer of dew coats the ...
When should you use these all-important clubs?
Insights (Kris McCormack, Fully Equipped co-host and VP of tour and education at True Spec Golf): "When it comes to the demographic of a player, the 7-wood is more forgiving and designed for the ...
Professional Golf Tours
Minor League Golf Tour Monday, July 22, 2024. 70 - James Key (a) - $90 Training Division The Florida Club - Par 71 Monday, July 22, 2024. ... 82 - Alec Valenzuela (a) & Andrew Faieta (a) - $37.50 each *Gift Certificate Training Division PGA National - Estates Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 66 - Michael Sweeney - $1,400 *Birdied Second Playoff Hole
Miniature Golf Tour
Miniature Golf Tours is one of the most unique reality game shows ever created for television. With surprisingly more than 130 million people playing miniature golf each year, and another 10 million golfers, it has become one of the quietest markets in the United States appealing to people of all age groups.
Professional Golf Tours
Starting in 2010 the tour was known as The FuZion Minor League Golf Tour. After FuZion closed, GOLFslinger.com stepped in as the title sponsor until 2014. In 2014, Scott Turner, who won 8 times and earned over $38,000 on the MLGT joined The Minor League Golf Tour team.
Inside the Scottsdale Open, a mini-tour event that has a big ...
Logo-free hats, Vegas betting lines, a $130,000 purse…this week's Scottsdale Open is a mini-tour event that has gone big-time, with all the culture clash that suggests. "Some of these guys ...
Unbridled mini-tour helps keep pros sharp
The pipeline for professional golf is officially clogged, one of the many ripple effects of a global pandemic. Korn Ferry Q-School has been wiped out, as has the entire 2020 Mackenzie Tour season. The fate of PGA Tour Latinoamerica still hangs in the balance, but the start date looks like this fall at the earliest.
Pathway to Stardom: Europe's Mini-Tours
All Square 3 min read • 5 Jun 2023. European golf has a number of mini-tours which offer pathways to the DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour for the game's rising stars. In the men's game, the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, is the leading professional golf tour in Europe. The organisation also operates the ...
The best mini-golf course in every U.S. state, revealed! Our exclusive
ALASKA Putters Wild, Anchorage Here in the largest state of the union, the best mini golf course pays small-scale tribute to big Alaskan themes. And it does so in a black-lit, indoor venue, where ...
THE TOP 10 USA Mini Golf (UPDATED 2023)
A: The best Mini Golf in USA according to Viator travelers are: Crave Golf Club - Two Courses of Mini Golf. American Dream Angry Birds Indoor Mini Golf Ticket. American Dream Black Light Indoor Mini Golf Ticket. American Dream One Day Fun Day Dreamworks Waterpark 4-in-1 Pass. Las Vegas Wedding at A Special Memory Wedding Chapel.
Why PGA Tour players are PGA Tour players and mini-tour ...
The co-mingling of mini-tour grinders and Tour veterans at this Scottsdale Open has led to some teachable moments. For the first two rounds Nick Mason, 37, was paired with Tour stalwarts Joel ...

List of Professional Golf Mini Tours

Minor League Golf Tour

Big Easy Golf Tour

Challenge Tour

Mini-Tour Golf 101

Entry and Payouts

Formats and Fields

Life on Tour

The List: Mini-Tours

IGT Big Easy Tour

PGA EuroPro Tour

Bushveld Tour

Pro Golf Tour

PGA Tour Latinoamerica, Mackenzie Tour, Forme Tour

Symetra Tour

Let Access Series

Gateway Tour, All Pro Tour, SwingThought Tour

Article written by simon

Mini Tours Mini Tours

Men's Mini Tour Tournaments

Women's Mini Tour Tournaments

Related Services

Tournament Finder

Course Tours™

Groups for Golfers

Yardage Book App

Scorecard App

Create New List

BlueGolf TM Clubs

Opinion & Analysis

No. 12: Tour Players

No. 11: Driving

No. 10: Pro Ams

No. 9: The Off-Season

No. 8: Accommodations

No. 7: Sponsors

No. 6: Cinnamon Rolls

No. 5: Big Cities

No. 4: Equipment

No. 3: Caddies

No. 2: Entry Fees

No. 1: These Guys Are Good

45 Comments

You may like

Making Golf Accessible and Enjoyable

Key Figures in Golf Content Creation

Fan Favorites

Pure Instruction and Insights

Tour Professionals and Major Champions Spreading Their Creator Wings

The Data Behind the Impact

Professional Golf Finally Taking Notice

Impacts and Future

Global impact: The value of golf as an Olympic sport

The BEST hidden gem links courses in the UK & Ireland

Three Swing Challenge: Testing the Edel Array F-2 putter

What clubs do equipment free agents choose to use on tour? We found out

‘You’re right, we’re always wrong!’ – Sergio Garcia receives warning during Open qualifier

Xander Schauffele’s winning WITB: 2024 Open Championship

Davis Thompson’s winning WITB: 2024 John Deere Classic

Highlights from the Wilson Golf Product Testing and Fitting Experience at Pinehurst

Q&A: The truth behind Bryson DeChambeau’s new Avoda irons from company founder Thomas Bailey

Major champ ‘disappointed’ not to be chosen as U.S. Ryder Cup captain

Adam Scott WITB 2024 (August)

Hideki Matsuyama WITB 2024 (August)

WITB Time Machine: Dustin Johnson’s winning WITB, 2017 FedEx St. Jude Championship

A Mini-Tour Primer

Mini Tours Mini Tours

Search for articles

All Pro Tour

Dakotas Tour

The G Pro Tour

Asher Tour (former Golden State/Outlaw Tour)

Emerald Coast Tour

Rolling Red Tour

Florida Pro Tour

The BO Tour

West Florida Tour

Minor League Golf Tour

Moonlight Tour

Carolina Mountain Tour