Why Do Golf Tournaments End With 'Open'?

In the world of professional golf, the term 'Open' in a tournament title can be confusing and misinterpreted. The words 'Open' and 'invitational' are commonly used, but what do they mean, and why do some golf tournaments end with this term?

The Evolution of Tournament Titles

In the past, many prestigious golf tournaments were restricted to amateurs, a situation that prevailed until the 1960s in tennis. Today, the use of 'Open' indicates that the tournament is open to professional golfers and can include amateurs. However, this does not apply to all tournaments; some are 'invitational,' others are PGA sponsored, and some are Pro-Am events, each with its own criteria for participation.

Why 'Open'?

The term 'Open' is still used in golf, mainly for events like the U.S. Open, which is an example of an open tournament. For a professional golfer, losing their PGA tour card status and wanting to compete again, there are opportunities to participate in these 'Open' tournaments. However, it's not that simple. According to the rules, any professional player can participate if they meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum 1.4 handicap.

Qualifying Requirements

For a professional to participate in the U.S. Open, a major tournament, around 10,000 players qualified in 2014. These players could either contact courses they have good relations with to invite them, or they could enter sectional qualifying matches and earn their way to the tournament. Top ten amateurs can also participate in these events.

The Invitation Factor

While the term 'Open' implies that the tournament is open to the public, it often refers to the competitive nature of the golfers who wish to participate. Many seasoned professional golfers, including Tiger Woods, choose to skip these 'Open' tournaments to avoid longer wait times and the presence of less skilled players. Instead, they focus on PGA Tour events or other competitive championships that provide a more focused and professional atmosphere.

The Benefits of PGA Tour Events

PGA Tour events, such as the FedEx Cup, are designed to provide a more streamlined and competitive experience. Players earn their way onto the PGA Tour by competing in other PGA sponsored tournaments throughout the year. This ensures a level of skill and competition that is not always present in 'Open' tournaments. The PGA Tour has stricter qualifying requirements, which often result in a more skilled field of competitors.

Conclusion

The term 'Open' in a golf tournament title signifies the opportunity for amateur and professional players to participate based on certain qualifying criteria. While it may seem that 'Open' simply means 'public,' it actually refers to the competitive nature of the golfers who wish to participate. Professional golfers often choose to compete in different types of tournaments based on the level of competition and the overall experience they seek.

Key Points:

'Open' tournaments are open to both amateurs and professionals who meet certain criteria. The U.S. Open allows up to 10,000 players to qualify each year. Many professional golfers skip 'Open' tournaments to avoid longer wait times and distractions. PGA Tour events provide a more competitive and focused atmosphere for skilled golfers.