Amateur golf offers a huge range of competitions, from weekly club medals to national championships. Whether you're a mid-handicapper looking for your first open competition or a low-handicap golfer aiming for regional or national events, there's a level for you. Here's how amateur competitions are organised, how to enter them and what to expect.
The levels of amateur golf
| Level | Typical events | Who plays |
|---|---|---|
| Club | Weekly medals, Stablefords, knockouts, club championships | All members with handicaps |
| Open competitions | Opens hosted by clubs for visitors | Golfers of most handicaps |
| County, state or regional | Regional championships, team matches, order of merit events | Low-handicap golfers |
| National | National amateur championships, stroke play events | Elite amateurs |
| International | International amateur championships and team events | Top amateurs |
Club competitions
Club competitions are the foundation of amateur golf:
- Medals (stroke play) and Stablefords. Read Stableford strategy.
- Match-play knockouts. Read match play golf.
- Club championships, often scratch (no handicaps) and handicap divisions.
- Pairs and team events.
- Inter-club matches.
Read your first golf competition.
Open competitions
Many clubs host open competitions for visitors: individual or pairs events, often with handicap divisions and prizes. They are a great way to play new courses and meet new golfers. Entry is usually online or through the hosting club, with an entry fee.
Regional and national championships
Entry criteria
- Handicap limits: for example, a maximum handicap for entry.
- Qualifying: stroke play qualifying rounds, sometimes at separate venues.
- Rankings: some events use national or world amateur rankings to select fields. Read how golf world rankings work.
- Residency or membership: regional events may require membership of a club in the region.
Formats
Many championships use 36 holes of stroke play qualifying, followed by match play for the top players. Others are 54- or 72-hole stroke play events.
Age-group events
- Junior: under-12s to under-18s or under-21s. Read junior golf competitions.
- Mid-amateur: for golfers over a certain age, often 25 or 30, who are not full-time students.
- Senior: typically over 50, 55 or 60, with separate championships.
Team golf
Amateurs can represent their club, county, state, region or country in team matches and championships, often in foursomes and singles formats.
Amateur status
To compete as an amateur, you must follow the rules of amateur status. In general:
- Prizes: there are limits on the value of prizes you can accept for golf competitions.
- Payment: you may not be paid for playing golf in a way that would breach the rules.
- Sponsorship: amateurs may accept certain types of sponsorship and expenses under the current rules.
- Turning professional: declaring yourself a professional means losing amateur status.
The rules changed significantly in recent years, so check the current rules before accepting prizes or sponsorship. Read golf sponsorship for businesses and how to become a professional golfer.
How to get started in competitive amateur golf
- Get an official handicap. Read the World Handicap System explained.
- Play club competitions regularly.
- Enter a few open competitions at nearby clubs.
- Find your regional golf union or association's events calendar.
- Prepare: know the rules, and practise under pressure. Read golf practice games.
- Keep track of results and set goals. Read golf goal setting.
Preparing for a bigger event
- Play a practice round and make course notes.
- Check the local rules and conditions of competition.
- Know the equipment rules, such as conforming balls. Read conforming golf equipment.
- Arrive early and warm up. Read the pre-round warm-up routine.
- Stick to your routine. Read golf pre-shot routine.
Frequently asked questions
What handicap do I need to play amateur competitions?
Club and open competitions welcome most handicaps. Regional and national championships usually have low handicap limits.
How do I enter an open competition?
Through the hosting club's website, a competition booking platform or by contacting the club, usually with an entry fee and proof of handicap.
Can amateurs win prizes?
Yes, within the limits set by the rules of amateur status.
What is a mid-amateur?
A golfer above a certain age, typically 25 or 30, who competes in events for adult amateurs who are not students.
The bottom line
Amateur golf offers competition for everyone, from club medals to national championships. Get a handicap, start with club events and opens, and work your way up as your game improves. Know the entry criteria and amateur status rules, prepare well and enjoy the challenge. For the next step, read how to break 80.