How Long Does a Golf Tournament Last? Complete Tournament Duration Guide
Most professional golf tournaments last 4 days, typically running from Thursday to Sunday. Each day consists of 18 holes, making it a total of 72 holes for the entire tournament. Players usually take between 4 to 5 hours to complete their daily rounds.
For major championships like The Masters, The Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship, the format remains consistent with this four-day structure. The first two days (Thursday and Friday) are particularly important as they include the "cut," where only the top-performing players advance to the weekend rounds.
Tournament Schedule Breakdown: - Thursday: First Round (18 holes) - Friday: Second Round (18 holes) + Cut - Saturday: Third Round (18 holes) - Sunday: Final Round (18 holes)
Some tournaments may extend beyond their scheduled end date due to various factors:
- Weather delays (rain, lightning, or extreme conditions) - Playoff situations when players are tied after 72 holes - Daylight limitations, especially in winter months
In the case of playoffs, most PGA Tour events use a sudden-death format, which typically adds 1-2 hours to the tournament. Major championships might employ different playoff formats, such as an 18-hole playoff the following day, though this practice is becoming less common.
Amateur and local tournaments often follow different formats. They might be:
- One-day events (18 holes) - Two-day events (36 holes) - Three-day events (54 holes)
Television coverage typically focuses on the afternoon hours, usually from 2-6 PM local time, though morning coverage is available through various streaming platforms.
For spectators planning to attend, I recommend allocating: - 6-8 hours for a single-day visit - 2-3 days to fully experience a professional tournament - Extra time for parking and transportation to/from the course
Remember that practice rounds occur Monday through Wednesday before the tournament begins. These sessions offer a more relaxed atmosphere and better opportunities for autographs and photos with players.
In cases of severe weather or other delays, tournaments may extend into Monday, but organizers always aim to finish on Sunday to maintain television schedules and travel arrangements for players.