Pro Am Golf
Pro Ams are fun yet competitive way for amateur and pro golfers to team up and share their passion for golf. They can be kind of like a roadshow event where pros bring their games to golf clubs, or, in other instances, the pro will accompany amateur players on a golfing trip. Why are Pro-Am tournaments organised?... They are a way for pro golfers to demonstrate and share their expertise whilst providing inspiration to the games of amateur players. Pro-Am competitions bring a taste for what pro tour golf is like to people who would only otherwise get to see such levels of golf on TV. As opposed to when they are playing pro tour event however, the pros own game is not the primary focus of their concentration. Pros will also pay attention to the games of their amateurs. This is one way we get to thank and reward those who support our business through personal interactions like giving golf tips, recounting tour stories and entertaining. 
How are they played?...A professional golfer will play in a team with either three or one amateur player(s) depending on the competition format. Common formats are to take the best score on each hole (amateurs with "stokes") or have the whole team play from where the best ball after each shot lies (a "scramble"). All pro-am team competition formats are designed to allow the pros and amateurs to attack shots that they might not otherwise and therefore give a glimpse of what is possible in golf.
Businesses like to be involved in such events because it is an informal way to present their products and provide hospitatity for potential clients. Even if the entry fee for a team of amateurs can appear expensive sometimes, sponsorship from businesses and some of the corporate hospitality means great value. There is always a polo shirt and a goody bag (tee prize) for all participants and for the lucky winners there are often quite incredible prizes to be won. Sometimes pros play for a low score prize amongst the other pros and there may be a prize fund on the day. On other occasions pros receive a fee for the day. In both these situations, amateurs that pay to enter pro-ams can feel like they are part of the pro golfers team and have helped to sponsor their pro golfer for travel and training over the course of the season. In a good cause... More often than not, pro-ams coincide with tournament events (played on the day prior to the opening round). The funds raised from a pro-am contribute to the organisation of the week's golfing spectacle which is always associated with one or several charities as well as golf development projects such as the junior golf school in the area. The big picture at the end of the day is of fun and a great success for one and all involved.
Here are some further links regarding Pro Am Golf... 
Pro Am Team photos If I have played with you in a pro am then you may find our team picture and perhaps even one of your golf swing videos through this link! 
Upcoming Pro Am Golf Tournament opportunities Here's the page where I will let you know about upcoming pro am golf tournament events that I can play. Guaranteed to be a great day out. |
