Not every tournament needs a major title to pack grandstands and stir up drama on the greens. The biggest non major golf tournaments offer thrilling competition, iconic venues, and some of the most respected titles in the sport. For fans and players alike, these nonmajor golf events bring prestige and excitement—without the pressure of the Majors.
At Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, we celebrate golf in all its forms, from casual weekend rounds to world-class tour stops. If you're looking to dive deeper into the sport, here’s a curated list of the most celebrated nonmajor tournaments you need to know.
The Players Championship: The Crown Jewel of Nonmajor Golf Events
If there were a fifth major, most would crown The Players Championship.
Venue: TPC Sawgrass, Florida
Purse: Over $25 million in 2025
Notable Features: The island green at the 17th hole
Past Winners: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas
Often called the "fifth major," this tournament is arguably the most prestigious of all nonmajor tournaments. It boasts the strongest field of the year and is hosted at one of the most iconic courses in the U.S. Every March, golf fans tune in to see who can survive the 17th hole and stake their claim on this legendary title.
Tour Championship: Where the FedEx Cup Reaches Its Peak
This event may not carry the word “major,” but the stakes are sky-high.
Venue: East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta
Format: FedEx Cup finale with a staggered scoring start
Top Prize: $18 million to the winner
The Tour Championship isn’t just a tournament—it’s the climax of the PGA Tour season. Only the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings make it here. It’s not about who plays well for four days—it’s about who grinds all season long. A true test of endurance and skill.
The Memorial Tournament: Jack’s Gift to the Game
One of the most respected nonmajor tournaments, the Memorial carries Jack Nicklaus’s signature.
Venue: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Ohio
Tradition: Honoring golf legends annually
Prestige: Invitation-only field
Nicklaus designed the course himself, and each year he invites a carefully selected field to compete. It’s more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of golf history. Among nonmajor golf events, this one carries a quiet gravitas that every player respects.
Looking for A Stay & Play Deal?
If you wish to enjoy scenic desert views in the Arizona-Nevada area, make sure to check out Laughlin Ranch Golf Club's stay and play partners for the one of the best accommodation and golf experiences.
Arnold Palmer Invitational: The King’s Own
Named for one of the most beloved icons in golf, this tournament is filled with tradition and heart.
Venue: Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando
Trophy: Arnold Palmer red cardigan sweater
Perks: Winner gets a three-year PGA Tour exemption
This event stands out among the biggest non major golf tournaments for its personal touch. Palmer’s legacy still looms large at Bay Hill. Players want to win this one not just for the title, but to pay tribute to The King.
WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play: Mano a Mano Brilliance
A rare format in the professional world, match play flips the script.
Venue: Austin Country Club, Texas
Format: Head-to-head, single elimination
Unique Element: Strategy over score
While most tournaments reward total stroke play, this one pits players against each other one-on-one. That means high drama and unexpected outcomes. Among nonmajor tournaments, it’s a breath of fresh air—and a fan favorite.
Genesis Invitational: Prestige at Riviera
Backed by Tiger Woods, this event has risen fast in stature.
Venue: Riviera Country Club, California
Status: Elevated to invitational
Field: Limited to 120 players, making it elite
The Genesis Invitational might be relatively new as a top-tier nonmajor, but it’s packed with legacy. The course is legendary. The setting? Pure Southern California class. And with Tiger as the host, it’s become a can't-miss stop on the PGA Tour.
Waste Management Phoenix Open: The Rowdiest Show on Grass
This is where golf lets loose, and the fans go wild.
Venue: TPC Scottsdale, Arizona
Famous Hole: 16th—aka "The Coliseum"
Attendance: Over 700,000 in a single week
Unlike most professional golf events, the Phoenix Open is anything but quiet. Fans cheer, chant, and celebrate every shot, especially at the infamous 16th. Among all nonmajor golf events, this one throws the biggest party.
RBC Heritage: A Southern Classic
This tournament brings charm, tradition, and plaid jackets.
Venue: Harbour Town Golf Links, South Carolina
Tradition: Winner dons a tartan jacket
Course Features: Narrow fairways, ocean winds
While it’s one of the more laid-back stops on tour, make no mistake—it’s competitive. With a unique setting and historic feel, the RBC Heritage has carved out a special place among the biggest non major golf tournaments in the U.S.
Final Thoughts: Why These Nonmajor Golf Tournaments Matter
Just because a tournament isn’t labeled a "major" doesn’t mean it’s short on drama or significance. In fact, many of the biggest non major golf tournaments deliver unforgettable moments, legendary champions, and fan experiences that rival the four majors.
Whether you're drawn to the strategy of match play, the tradition of the Memorial, or the electric vibe of the Phoenix Open, there’s a nonmajor tournament out there for every kind of golf fan.
At Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, we love seeing how the sport evolves through these events. They inspire amateurs and pros alike to keep swinging with purpose—and to appreciate the game not just for its championships, but for its journey.