Ever watched a PGA TOUR event and seen celebrities or business leaders teeing it up alongside the professionals? That event is likely a Pro-Am, and it's one of the most exciting and accessible formats in the game. This article will break down exactly what a Pro-Am tournament is, how it works, and give you practical advice on how you can one day play in one yourself. We’ll cover everything from the basic rules to the etiquette you’ll need to feel confident playing alongside a seasoned pro.
At its heart, a Pro-Am tournament is a golf event that brings together both professional golfers and amateur players in a team a Gormat. The name itself is a contraction of "Professional-Amateur." Amateurs get the unique opportunity to play a round of golf with a touring professional, learn from them, and experience a competitively organized event on a course that's often in pristine condition.
These events usually pair one professional with a team of three or four amateurs. While the professional plays their own ball and records their own score for an individual professional competition, they also contribute to a separate team competition with the amateurs. It’s a fantastic way to blend high-level golf with a fun, community-focused atmosphere.
If you're nervous about having your high-handicap game showcased next to a flawless professional swing, you can relax. The formats used in Pro-Ams are specifically designed to be low-pressure, fun, and to keep the pace of play moving swiftly.
The most popular format for Pro-Ams, especially at the charity and corporate level, is the "scramble." Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it typically works for a four-person team (you, two other amateurs, and one pro):
The scramble format is brilliant because it takes the heat off of individual performance. Hit a bad shot? No problem. The chances are that one of your teammates - perhaps the pro! - hit a good one you can all use. It allows amateurs to contribute without feeling like they have to play perfect golf, which is exactly the point.
While the scramble is common, you might sometimes encounter other formats:
Not at all. Pro-Ams exist on a wide spectrum, from small local events to massive, televised PGA TOUR competitions. Understanding the difference is important.
These are the events you see on TV, like the Wednesday Pro-Am at the WM Phoenix Open or the multi-day AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. In these tournaments, the amateurs are typically high-level executives, celebrities, and accomplished athletes who secure their spots through corporate sponsorships or significant donations. Playing in one of these is a bucket-list experience that often comes with a five or six-figure price tag.
The professionals participating are the best in the world - names you know from the PGA, LPGA, or Champions Tour. The stakes are high, the galleries are big, and the whole experience is a taste of life inside the ropes.
This is the most common and accessible type of Pro-Am. Nearly every community and private club hosts them. They are often charity fundraisers, corporate outings, or events organized by the local PGA section. The "pros" are usually talented local club professionals or players from mini-tours.
Don't be mistaken - these pros are outstanding golfers who can teach you a ton about the game. The cost to enter is significantly lower, typically a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per person, with the funds often benefiting a great cause. This is the perfect entry point for any amateur looking for the Pro-Am experience.
What makes a Pro-Am so special? It's more than just a round of golf. It’s an experience.
Decided to take the plunge? Fantastic. Here is some friendly coaching advice to help you feel comfortable, play well, and make the most of your day.
Getting into a Pro-Am is easier than you might think.
For Local Pro-Ams:
You can usually sign up as a single player and be placed on a team, or enter with a few friends as a group.
A golf pro-am is far more than just a typical round, it's an opportunity to learn, network, and experience the game in a completely new way. Whether playing in a local charity scramble or a high-profile tour event, it connects different levels of the sport and reminds us that everyone is out there to enjoy the game.
Preparing for an event like a pro-am, where you want to play your best without holding up the team, is exactly why we built Caddie AI. If you find yourself on a tough hole and aren't sure of the right play, you can get a smart, simple strategy immediately. If you're stuck between clubs or facing a tricky lie, you can get a recommendation in seconds, allowing you to walk up and hit your shot with confidence and keep the game moving smoothly.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
