If you're just getting into golf or starting to follow the PGA Tour, you’ve probably seen the term PGA Tour Signature Events being used often and wondered what makes them different from regular tournaments. These events are designed to showcase the best players, on the biggest stages, with the biggest stakes. In this post, we’ll …
If you’re just getting into golf or starting to follow the PGA Tour, you’ve probably seen the term PGA Tour Signature Events being used often and wondered what makes them different from regular tournaments. These events are designed to showcase the best players, on the biggest stages, with the biggest stakes. In this post, we’ll explain exactly what a PGA Tour Signature Event is, how it compares to standard tournament events, and what you should look forward to in the 2025 season.
PGA Tour Signature Events are a set of eight elevated tournaments created to feature the highest ranked players in the world. These tournaments have limited fields (usually around 70 to 80 players), offer massive $20 million purses, and award 700 FedEx Cup points to the winner, compared to the 500 points at regular events. Most of them are also no-cut, meaning all players compete all four rounds, which is great for viewers who want to see stars in action throughout the weekend.
Previously called “Designated Events”, they were rebranded in 2024 to reflect their prestige and impact on the PGA Tour schedule. They are now the backbone of the tour’s competitive structure, ensuring that fans get to watch the best players more often and at the best venues.
1.The Sentry
Date: January 5th 2025
Location: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
2. AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Date: January 27 to February 2, 2025
Location: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California
3. The Genesis Invitational
Date: February 10 to 16, 2025
Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course, San Diego, California
Date: March 3 to 9, 2025
Location: Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida
5. RBC Heritage
Date: April 14 to 20, 2025
Location: Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
6. Truist Championship
Date: May 5 to 11, 2025
Location: Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course), Flourtown, Pennsylvania
Date: May 26 to June 1, 2025
Location: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio
8. Travelers Championship
Date: June 16 – 22, 2025
Each event brings its own flair and fan-favorite moments, making the PGA Tour Signature Events schedule one of the most anticipated lineups of the year. These tournaments not only feature the best players but also take place at venues rich with history and atmosphere.
You may be wondering how PGA Tour Signature Events differ from other well-known stops like the Myrtle Beach PGA Tour event, and the American Express PGA event. Here’s a breakdown:
The main difference between PGA Tour Signature Events and regular PGA Tour tournaments comes down to exclusivity, stakes, and format. Signature Events feature smaller, invitation only fields packed with the tour’s top ranked players, while regular events have larger fields with open qualification paths.
Signature Events also offer higher prize purses (typically $20 million), more FedExCup points, and often use a no-cut format, meaning all players compete across four rounds.
On the other hand, standard events usually include a cut after 36 holes, have lower purses, and provide valuable opportunities for rising stars and journeymen to break through. While all PGA Tour events contribute to the season long narrative, Signature Events are designed to guarantee premium fields and consistent star power, making them the tour’s most competitive and viewer friendly stops.
What makes PGA Tour Signature Events so exciting isn’t just the elite fields or the bigger paychecks, it’s the energy. These events feel different. The galleries are larger, the broadcasts are sharper, and every shot carries more weight. There’s a sense that you’re watching the absolute best go head to head, and fans can feel that tension build from Thursday morning to Sunday afternoon.
For viewers, these tournaments offer a more focused and polished experience. With smaller fields, it’s easier to follow your favorite players throughout the weekend. There’s no early week shuffle where half the stars miss the cut. You get all four rounds, all the drama, and a clear sense of who’s climbing the leaderboard. Whether you’re a new fan looking for the best place to start or a long time follower craving high stakes golf, Signature Events deliver exactly what the sport promises, which is, the best players, on the best courses, playing their best golf.
To play in a PGA Tour Signature Event, golfers need to either rank highly in the previous season’s FedExCup standings, maintain a strong position in the Official World Golf Ranking, or earn their way through one of the performance based pathways like the Aon Next 10 or Aon Swing 5. These pathways allow for in-season access based on hot streaks, rewarding players who are performing well at the moment.
There are also a few sponsor exemptions, allowing tournament organizers to include local favorites or up and coming stars. This creates a well-balanced but elite field that keeps each Signature Event competitive and fresh.
Wrapping Up: Signature Events Are Golf’s Can’t-Miss Moments
The PGA Tour Signature Events aren’t just another part of the schedule, they’re where the tour puts its best foot forward. Fewer players, higher stakes, and a better viewing experience make these tournaments the perfect entry point for new fans and a highlight reel for longtime followers.
At GolfersTee, we’re here to help you follow the action with clarity, context, and content that makes sense, whether you’re tracking the leaderboard, learning about the players, or figuring out what makes events like the Truist Championship or The Sentry so special. Stick with us all season long, and you’ll never miss a beat in the world of pro golf.
