So, you’re ready to take your game beyond the weekend foursome. You’ve been playing well, feeling confident, and now you’re thinking...

“I want to play in a real golf tournament. But where do I even start?”

You’re not alone — and the good news is, you’ve got options. Lots of them. From one-day events at public courses to city amateurs and regional championships, there’s something out there for you.

Here’s how to find amateur tournaments near you — and how to pick the right one for your first (or next) competitive round.

📍 Where Do These Tournaments Happen?

Short answer? Pretty much everywhere.

Amateur tournaments take place at:

• Public and municipal golf courses
• Private clubs (many open to non-members for tournaments)
• State and regional golf association events
• Destination courses and resorts
• Even charity and team-based outings at your local track

If there’s a golf course near you, there’s a good chance it hosts tournaments — you just need to know where to look.

RELATED: How to Play in Amateur Golf Tournaments: The Complete Guide

🔍 How to Find Local Tournaments (Without Digging Forever)

1. Use a Tournament Finder Tool
This is the easiest and most direct route.
Try the AmateurGolf.com Tournament Finder. Just enter your state or zip code, and filter by:

• State
• Regions
• Age/Gender
• Format

Within seconds, you’ll see a calendar of events in your area — from casual to competitive.

2. Call or Visit Nearby Courses
Seriously — just pick up the phone and ask:
“Hey, do you host any amateur tournaments this season?”
Many public and semi-private courses hold open events, flighted competitions, or even let non-members enter their club championships if you have a handicap.
Don’t be shy. Staff and pros love helping players get involved.

3. Follow Your State Golf Association

Every state has a governing body that organizes well-run amateur events. Search for:

• “[Your State] Golf Association”
• Browse their tournament schedule
• Look for “open,” “net,” or “mid-amateur” events — often great for first-timers

These events tend to be a little more structured, but still beginner-friendly if you’ve played a few rounds with your handicap.

4. Ask Around
You’d be surprised how many golfers in your local area are quietly playing tournaments.
Ask a playing partner, your local pro, or someone you see on the range:
“I’ve been thinking about trying a tournament — know any good ones to start with?”
Most golfers are more than happy to share their experience (and might even invite you along).

✅ What Kind of Tournaments Should You Start With?

Here’s a cheat sheet for picking a first (or next) event:

Event Type	Why It’s Great
Public Net Tournaments	Beginner-friendly, fair, and fun
Club Championships	Local, structured, great starter events
Scrambles or Best Ball	Social, low-pressure, team-based
City or County Amateur	Often flighted, a step up in challenge
State Am or Mid-Am	More serious — for later, not first time out

If you’re not sure whether an event fits your level, just email or call the tournament director. They’ll point you in the right direction.

🧠 Quick Tips for First-Time Tournament Hunters

• Start local. No need to drive three hours for your first go.
• Read the fine print — check for handicap requirements, format, or dress code.
• Don’t worry about being perfect — just showing up is a win.
• Treat it like a golf trip — some nerves, a lot of fun, and a story to tell after.
  
  

Find Your First (or Next) Tournament

 

Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be elite. You don’t have to shoot 75. You just have to want to compete — and be willing to try.
There are plenty of events where you’ll feel welcome, where your handicap will match your competition, and where you’ll walk off the course feeling proud you showed up.
So… check your calendar, pick a weekend, and sign up.
Your first tournament is closer than you think.

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