How to get into the biggest senior amateur golf tournaments
29 Sep 2024
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com
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One of the most common questions we get is how to find more tournaments that are a good fit for your skill level. Playing "up a league" is aspirational for many golfers - not just juniors looking to start playing amateur and collegiate golf. The following is the first in a series of articles and
videos we will be posting to help our senior members get into more tournaments. And while much of the content applies to anyone, we will dive deeper into each category of male and female competitive amateur golf - stay tuned.
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If you're a senior amateur golfer who recently had success in a major event like the USGA Senior Amateur, you may be wondering what's next. It’s a common question I hear from players who are eager to expand their tournament schedules after breaking through in a big way. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate your options and get into more senior amateur events.
One golfer who reached out to me had just made match play in his first USGA event—the USGA Senior Amateur—a huge accomplishment. He knew this opened doors to some prestigious tournaments like the British Senior Amateur but wanted to know what else he might be eligible for.
Invitational Tournaments: Start at the Top
First, let’s address the Invitational tournaments, which are among the most prestigious and competitive events. Tournaments like the Crump Cup at Pine Valley, the Coleman Invitational at Seminole, and the George C. Thomas Invitational at Los Angeles Country Club are tough to get into. Even with your stellar performance, these events won't automatically send you an invitation. But it never hurts to try! Making match play in a USGA Senior Amateur certainly gets you on their radar.
If those events feel out of reach, don’t be discouraged. Many tournaments with the term "Invitational" in their name aren’t quite as exclusive. For example, the Sunnehanna Senior Amateur in Pennsylvania and the Porter Cup Senior in New York are excellent options. These events, while competitive, are often more accessible to players who have made match play in prestigious events or who have a track record of success in state and regional events.
Additional National Tournaments to Consider
There are also national tournaments like the Dixie Senior Amateur in Florida (November) and the Ojai Senior Cup in California (October) that actively seek out the best senior amateur players. Having made match play in a national event like the USGA Senior Amateur makes you an attractive candidate, and your chances of getting into these tournaments are strong if there’s space.
A (not so) Secret Society
Let’s take it a step further and talk about the Society of Seniors. This organization has been somewhat exclusive (and perhaps elusive) over the years, often requiring accomplishments like winning a state amateur or playing in several USGA events. However, their criteria have loosened slightly, and if you’ve made match play in a USGA Senior event, you’ve got a good shot at gaining membership.
Once you're a member of the Society of Seniors, you’ll have access to at least ten of their tournaments each year, such as the Ralph Bogart Invitational, named for the Maryland Hall of Fame golfer. If you have the credentials to become a member of The Society, you will get more chances to compete at a high level. You'll also have a pathway to compete in tournaments as you grow older, as there are divisions for players even beyond the Super Senior age of 65. Combine those events with others, like the Florida Series, which includes several winter tournaments for snowbirds, and you’ll have a packed schedule of senior amateur events.
Building Your Tournament Schedule
Some senior amateur golfers play up to 30 or more events a year, which is probably more than most people can manage. However, building a schedule of 10-15 tournaments is entirely achievable for many players, especially if you balance it with golf at your home club. At AmateurGolf.com, we’ve been helping golfers navigate the competitive amateur landscape for 25 years. You can use our site to search for tournaments by category, including senior events, and create a schedule that works for you.
Final Tips for Aspiring Senior Amateurs
What applies to senior amateur golf also holds true for other categories, whether you're a mid-amateur or an accomplished player at the state or regional level. Making match play at the USGA Mid-Amateur or excelling in other events can open up more opportunities for you as well. While winning your club championship might not be enough to get you into national-level events, it’s still an excellent goal to pursue. I always encourage golfers to play in their city championships, their state amateurs, and club championships. If you don’t belong to a private club, consider joining a men’s or women's (or mixed) club to gain more competitive experience.
That’s it for now—keep the questions coming, and I’ll keep answering them. In the meantime, enjoy your golf and best of luck in your tournament pursuits!