What’s the one tournament you most want to play in? Whether it’s competing in a major championship at the highest level or just getting on the honours board at your club, most of us have a competition that represents our Everest.
Some dreams, though, are more achievable than others. I’m never going to play in The Open off my 13 handicap, but winning my club’s handicap net? Well, I can dream, can’t I?
But if you’re one of the few that’s genuinely looking for a target, or just want a couple of pointers, here’s some suggestions for you. We’ve gone outlandish and we’ve gone simple. If you’ve got a handicap, there has to be an event for you in this list…
If you’re a low handicap player: A major championship
It might feel like entering the lottery, but it’s not unknown for a couple of plucky amateurs to come all the way through qualifying to tee it up at a major championship.
For The Open, the world’s oldest major, that journey begins at Regional Open Qualifying. In 2025 for The Open at Royal Portrush, more than 2,000 golfers competed over 18 holes at 15 venues across Great Britain & Ireland. They ranged from former tour players like Robert Rock to club players chasing the dream. You simply need a handicap of 0.4 or lower and stump up a £200 entry fee.
Half a dozen spots are usually available at each venue and, in 2025, 131 players progressed to the next stage. That is Final Qualifying and those who reach here rub shoulders with the stars.
Held at four venues and over 36-holes, five places at Portrush were available from each and entries included the likes of Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and Graeme McDowell.
US Open qualifying follows a similar path but on a much larger scale. There were 10,202 entries for the tournament and 18-hole local qualifying as held at 110 courses across 43 US states, as well as Canada and Mexico.
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Those who succeed go to Final Qualifying and those events are held internationally, with one at Walton Heath in the United Kingdom.
If it all sounds like a pipedream, it is possible to get through both stages. Consider the case of James Nicholas – a 28-year-old Korn Ferry Tour pro who got through local and final qualifying to make the cut at Oakmont.
For the AIG Women’s Open, any female golfer with a handicap of 0.4 or less can pay £125 and enter pre-qualifying. In 2025, for the event at Royal Porthcawl, that was held at Delamere Forest. Those who get through that stage move on to Final Qualifying at Pyle & Kenfig.
The US Women’s Open, which was staged at Erin Hills, saw 26 qualifying events between April and May.
But regardless, wherever you play, and whether or not you progress, it’s an incredible experience to say you played your part in a major championship.
Honourable mention: Your National Championship
Getting into the Amateur Championship or the US Amateur attracts the cream of the crop – you’ll be up against the tour stars of the future – and you’ll play on the best courses to boot.
But if you can’t make this grade, your association championship or county/regional championship still offers a very high standard of competition.
If your over 35, check out the mid-amateur events. Winning one of these can still get you into a major!
If you’re a mid-handicap player: The Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship
We’re shooting for the moon here, but if you want a golf experience to remember then this is it. “More than a tournament – it’s a celebration of golf, camaraderie, and unforgettable evenings”, so the website says. Where do I sign up?
Some 3,000 golfers give this a go each year, with over 12 divisions provided. In the net competitions, they’re categorised by age – so if you’re a super senior (70-79), you won’t have to go up against a young buck.
But flights are also broken down again by handicap index, so you’ll be competing against players of your own skill level.
After 72 holes of tournament play on a different course each day at the fabulous resort, high performers get the chance to play a championship play off with a chance to be crowned a World Amateur Champion.
Entry fees start at $649 and you’ll need to factor in plenty of expenses if you’re not based in the US. But you want a bucket list golfing experience? This is right up there.
Honourable mention: The ‘humble’ Open competition
These have got an interesting reputation – particularly in the UK – for being a potential haven for sandbaggers. But competition organisers work incredibly hard to ensure the integrity of their tournaments, from checking handicaps to following up on any scores that might seem suspicious.
There is reason, though, why Opens are attractive. Played on great courses, often at a fraction of the price of the regular visitor green fee, the price tables can be exceptional – with values just not available your regular club events.
Some even offer up holidays and hole-in-one prizes. Websites like Golf Empire showcase more than 10,000 of these events at more than 1,500 golf clubs, so you’re bound to find one that suits you.
If you’re a high handicapper: Club Championship
Here’s one that’s closer to home and can make you a legend. The focus often falls on the gross competition, but most clubs offer a net format as well and give high handicappers a chance to share in the glory of excelling at their course’s top event.
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It’s a chance to write your name into club history – literally if they’ve got an honours board – and the pressure of being in contention can do strange things to players!
Honourable mention: The World Amateur Golfers Championship
Founded 30 years ago, the World Amateur Golfers Championship aims to give entrants the thrill of representing their country in a global championship while competing against players of a similar skill level.
Though it has a category for scratch to 5 handicappers, it’s designed to be played by non-elite golfers and categories also go from 16-20 and 21-25.
Qualifying tournaments are held all over the world with the 2025 world final staged at Jeju Island in South Korea in the autumn. It won’t come cheap but it’s the trip of a lifetime.
Don’t forget… NCG Top 100s Tour
The NCG Top 100s Tour is the UK’s leading series of competitive events for amateur golfers, with more than 80 each year.
Played on courses that feature in our NCG Top 100s rankings lists, and with great prizes from title sponsor TaylorMade, events start from just £45 per person and are a top-class golfing experience.
Now have your say
What golf competition do you most want to play in? If you have played, how did you get on? Let us know by leaving us a comment on X.
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