Golf Tournament Guide: How to Follow, Attend, and Play
Want to follow a golf tournament without feeling lost? Whether you’re a first-time spectator, a weekend player, or someone hunting live streams, this guide gives you clear steps to get started fast.
Major tours run most of the big events: PGA Tour, DP World Tour (European Tour), LPGA, and regional circuits like the Sunshine Tour across Africa. Check each tour’s official site or their apps for up-to-date schedules, tee times, and live scoring. For local or charity tournaments, visit club websites or social pages — they post entry lists and tee times the week before the event.
How to watch live and follow scores
Want to watch from home? Broadcasters differ by region. Big events usually air on major sports channels and their streaming services. If you prefer mobile, official tour apps offer live scoring, shot-by-shot updates, and highlights. For free options, many tours stream select holes or highlights on YouTube or social platforms during tournament days.
Tip: Use live scoring to track pairings and leaders. Start with the leaderboard to spot who’s near the top, then follow that player’s group. Most apps let you pin a player so you get every shot update.
Attending a tournament: what to expect
Show up early. Big events get busy and parking can fill fast. Bring sun protection, light snacks, and a refillable water bottle — most venues have stations to refill. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking uneven grass and sometimes long distances between holes.
Respect quiet zones: when a player prepares to hit, the gallery must stay still and quiet. Clap after a good shot or at the end of a hole. If you want photos, use silent mode on your phone and avoid flash. Also, follow the marshal’s directions for where you can stand; they keep play moving and the fairways clear.
Thinking of buying tickets? Weekend rounds and final days cost more. Single-day passes let you see leaders finish, while week passes give access to practice rounds and more relaxed spots around the course.
Curious about formats? Stroke play is the most common: lowest total strokes over rounds wins. Match play is head-to-head, hole by hole. Team events like foursomes or four-ball mix partners and strategy — great if you enjoy team drama over individual scorecards.
If you play competitively, know the basic scoring terms: par (expected score), birdie (one under), eagle (two under), bogey (one over). Practice managing three shots per hole—tee, approach, and putt—then build from there.
Want updates specific to Africa and regional tournaments? Bookmark this tag page and check back before major dates. We’ll post schedules, viewing tips, and local event highlights so you don’t miss the action.
