How to Play in a Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Receiving an invitation to play in a Pro-Am is an incredible opportunity, but the excitement can quickly be followed by a wave of nerves. This guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare, what to expect on the day, and how to be the best possible partner for your professional. Following these steps will help you move past the anxiety and enjoy an unforgettable day on the course.

Before You Tee It Up: Understanding the Pro-Am Format

First things first, let’s get clear on what a Pro-Am actually is. The name stands for Professional-Amateur, and it’s an event where amateur golfers, like you, get to team up and play a round with a touring professional. While it sounds straightforward, the format is usually designed to make the day fun and a little less pressurizing than a typical stroke-play tournament. Most Pro-Ams use a team format, most commonly a Scramble or Best Ball.

The Two Most Common Formats

• Scramble: This is the most popular format for a reason - it’s teamwork in its purest form. On every hole, all players on the team (you, your fellow amateurs, and the pro) hit a tee shot. The team Captain (usually the pro) then chooses the best drive. From that spot, everyone hits their second shot. You repeat this process - best shot, everyone hits from there - all the way until one person puts the ball in the hole. It's a fantastic format because one great shot from any player can lift the entire team.
• Best Ball (or Four-Ball): In this format, every golfer plays their own ball from tee to green, just like a normal round. At the end of the hole, you compare scores. The lowest score from the amateur team, combined with the pro's score, becomes the team score for that hole. In some versions, it is just the single lowest score from the whole team. If you’re having a tough hole and are on your way to a triple bogey, no worries! Just pick up your ball - your partner's net par or the pro’s birdie might be the score that counts anyway. This takes a lot of the personal scoring pressure off.

Make sure you confirm the format beforehand. Knowing a Scramble from a Best Ball changes your strategy and helps calm the nerves, as you’ll understand what’s expected and how you can best contribute to your team.

Setting Yourself Up for Success: How to Prepare

Your preparation in the week or two leading up to the Pro-Am isn’t about becoming a scratch golfer overnight. It’s about building a little confidence and making sure you’re logistically ready for a smooth day.

Dial in Your Mindset, Not Just Your Mechanics

This is the most important part of your prep. Remember this: nobody expects you to play like the professional. The pro is not there to judge your swing or scoff at a missed 3-footer. They are there as part of their job, to entertain sponsors and have a pleasant day. The amateurs are there for the experience. Let go of the need to impress. Your main goal should be to have a great time, enjoy the walk, and be a good playing partner. A positive attitude is far more valuable than a perfect golf swing on a day like this.

Practice, but Don’t Rebuild

The week before the Pro-Am is not the time to experiment with that new swing thought you saw on YouTube. Head to the range a couple of times, but focus on comfort and rhythm. Find your "go-to" shot - the one reliable club and swing you can count on to get the ball into a decent position. Pay special attention to your short game. In almost any team format, your chipping and putting will be valuable assets. A confident putter is a huge bonus in a scramble, as you can give a bold roll at the hole knowing the pro has a putt right behind you.

Pack Your Bag Like You Belong There

Getting your gear organized the night before eliminates day-of stress. Think ahead and pack a well-stocked bag.

• Golf Balls: Bring more than you think you’ll need. Mark them distinctly so they are easy to identify.
• The Essentials: Plenty of tees, a couple of gloves, your ball marker, and a divot tool.
• Weather Gear: Don’t get caught off guard. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a rain suit, and a small towel, even if the forecast looks perfect.
• Sustenance: Pro-Ams can be long. While food and beverages are often provided, having your own water bottle and a few snacks (like a protein bar or some nuts) is always a smart play.
• Cash: Have some cash on hand for potential caddie tips or for the locker room and bag drop staff.

The Big Day: What to Expect at the Course

With your preparation done, it's time to enjoy the experience. Knowing the flow of the day can help tremendously.

Arrive Early, Not on Time

Plan to get to the course at least 60-90 minutes before your shotgun start. This isn’t like your regular Saturday tee time. There will be a registration desk where you'll get your team assignment and learn which pro you’re playing with. You'll likely receive a gift bag, find your designated locker, and have time for a pre-round breakfast or snack. Use the extra time to get a feel for the atmosphere, hit a few balls on the range to warm up, and roll some putts to get the speed of the greens.

Meeting Your Professional Partner

Typically, your team will meet your pro on the practice green or at your starting tee about 15-20 minutes before play begins. When you meet them, simply offer a smile, a firm handshake, and your name. "Hi, I'm [Your Name], great to meet you. Looking forward to today." That's it! Let the conversation start from there. A relaxed, friendly introduction sets a great tone for the next five hours.

Keep a Good Pace

One of the biggest fears for an amateur is holding up the group. The good news is, Pro-Ams are designed for this. You're not being timed with a stopwatch. That said, simple awareness goes a long way. Always practice "ready golf." When you get to your ball, figure out your yardage and club selection while others are preparing. Be ready to hit when it's your turn. And remember, especially in a Best Ball format, if you're taking too many strokes and are clearly out of a hole, don’t hesitate to pick your ball up and move on. It’s part of the strategy.

How to Be a Great Teammate: Pro-Am Etiquette

This is what separates a good Pro-Am experience from a great one. Being a supportive, engaging partner is something both your pro and your fellow amateurs will appreciate.

The Dos and Don'ts of Interacting with Your Pro

Think of your pro as a regular person who just happens to be phenomenal at golf. Follow these simple social guidelines:

• DO ask questions about course strategy. "What’s your play here?" or "What's the right line off this tee?" are great conversation starters that also help your team.
• DO ask about their experiences, like "What’s your favorite course you’ve played?" or general questions about life on tour.
• DO offer them a drink or a snack from the cart. It's a nice gesture.
• DON'T bombard them with requests for swing advice right off the first tee. If the moment feels right later in the round, you might ask one simple question, but let them focus on playing.
• DON'T offer them your read on a putt unless they specifically ask for it. They've got this.
• DON'T be over-the-top with your cheering or become overly self-deprecating after a bad shot. Just stay cool and positive.

Playing Your Part Effectively

Your handicap doesn't matter as much as you think, you can always find a way to contribute.

• In a Scramble: If you are a higher handicap player, offer to hit your tee shot first to get a ball safely in the fairway. This frees up the longer hitters to be more aggressive. On the greens, with your partners’ balls safely on the green, always give your putt a good run at the hole.
• In a Best Ball: Every player will eventually come through with a great hole. When you have a net birdie or par opportunity, play smart and safe. If another player has already secured a good score on the hole, you can play more aggressively. Your primary role is to be a supportive teammate.

Wrapping Up Your Pro-Am Experience

The day doesn’t end on the 18th green. After the round, make a point to shake hands with your pro and fellow players. Sincerely thank the pro for the round - a simple "Thank you so much, I had a fantastic time" is perfect.

Most Pro-Ams conclude with a luncheon, dinner, or awards reception. Stick around if you can! It’s part of the event and a great chance to chat with your teammates and other participants. Finally, remember to tip any forecaddies or locker room staff who helped you during the day.

Final Thoughts

Playing in a Pro-Am is far less about the final score and much more about the unique experience of walking side-by-side with one of the game's best. By preparing for the day, understanding your role, and focusing on being a supportive teammate, you can transform what might feel like a high-pressure situation into one of the most memorable rounds of your life.

Confidence is a huge part of enjoying any round, especially a big one like a Pro-Am. That's why we built Caddie AI to act as your pocket resource, ready to give you smart, simple course strategy or analyze a tough lie so you always feel prepared. It takes the guesswork out of the shot, helping you step up and swing with the self-assurance you need to play your best and have a great time.