Play in a PGA Pro-Am
Great golf courses. Friendly competition. Unforgettable experiences.
The Western Washington Chapter PGA Pro-Am Series brings together PGA Professionals and amateur golfers for a season of outstanding golf at public and private facilities throughout Western Washington. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or playing in your first Pro-Am, our events offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the game, build relationships, and experience some of the region’s finest golf courses.
Why Play in a PGA Pro-Am?
Exceptional Golf Courses
Experience a wide variety of outstanding golf facilities, including private clubs that may not otherwise be accessible to visiting golfers.
Play with a PGA Professional
Team up with a PGA Professional from your golf facility and enjoy a memorable day of golf together in a competitive yet welcoming environment.
Friendly Competition
Enjoy organized competition that uses handicaps to accommodate golfers of different abilities, with opportunities to contribute to your team’s success.
Connections & Camaraderie
Build friendships, connect with other golfers, and support the PGA Professionals and golf facilities that make these events possible.
How to Participate
Participating in a Chapter Pro-Am starts with your PGA Professional. Unlike a traditional open golf tournament, Pro-Am teams are organized and registered through participating PGA Professionals.
1. Connect with Your PGA Professional
Ask the PGA Professional at your home golf facility about upcoming Pro-Am opportunities and availability on their team. If you don’t currently have a relationship with a PGA Professional, contact your local golf facility to learn more.
2. Choose an Event
Review the schedule with your PGA Professional and identify an event that works for you. Participation is subject to available tee times and event eligibility requirements. Entry fees vary by event and host facility.
3. Get Ready to Play
Your PGA Professional will coordinate team registration and communicate important event information, including tee times, dress code requirements, golf cart arrangements, and other details.
Pro-Am Opportunities
Regular Pro-Ams
Our regular Pro-Am Series features teams consisting of one PGA Professional and three amateur golfers. Amateurs must generally be at least 18 years old and are typically members of the participating Professional’s home facility.
Events use a Stableford scoring format, providing an enjoyable and competitive experience for golfers of varying abilities.
Senior Pro-Ams
Our Senior Pro-Am Series offers additional opportunities for PGA Professionals age 45 and older and amateur golfers age 50 and older.
Senior events generally feature individual gross and net competitions along with a two-net-best-ball team format.
Handicaps & Competition
Our Pro-Ams use handicaps to help provide fair and enjoyable competition for golfers of different skill levels. Amateurs are generally required to maintain an active USGA GHIN handicap through an eligible golf club. Online handicaps associated with virtual golf clubs are not accepted.
The maximum Handicap Index used for competition is 36.0, although golfers with higher indexes may still participate. Limited exceptions to the active handicap requirement may be approved under Chapter policy.
Multiple tee options are available to accommodate different abilities and playing preferences. Tee selection must reflect a player’s normal playing ability and comfort level, rather than provide an unfair competitive advantage. Handicap adjustments and prize eligibility may vary based on the tees selected.
Participants are expected to follow the Rules of Golf, maintain accurate handicaps, and comply with all applicable event-specific competition rules.
Dress Code & Golf Etiquette
All participants are expected to wear appropriate golf attire and comply with the dress code of the host facility. Tailored golf shorts, skirts, and skorts are permitted, subject to the host facility’s requirements.
Prohibited Attire
- Cut-offs and cargo shorts
- Baggy shorts or shorts with oversized pockets
- Short shorts
- Athletic shorts and exercise shorts
- Any attire prohibited by the host facility
Some facilities may have additional restrictions regarding denim, footwear, hats, and clubhouse attire. Players who do not meet the applicable dress code will not be permitted to participate. Please confirm any specific requirements with your PGA Professional before the event.
Respect the Course & Your Fellow Players
- Arrive with enough time to check in and prepare for your round.
- Repair ball marks, replace divots, and rake bunkers.
- Follow all golf cart and facility policies.
- Be ready to play when it is your turn and maintain pace with the group ahead.
- Follow event scoring instructions and verify your scores.
- Respect fellow competitors, PGA Professionals, and host facility staff.
Our target pace of play is 4 hours and 40 minutes. Groups are expected to maintain their position relative to the group ahead, and slow-play penalties may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member of a private golf club?
No. Amateur participants may come from public or private golf facilities. Amateurs generally participate through their home facility’s PGA Professional, subject to Chapter eligibility policies.
Do I need to know a PGA Professional?
Pro-Am teams are organized through PGA Professionals. If you’re interested in participating, contact the PGA Professional at your local golf facility and ask about upcoming opportunities.
Do I need to be a highly skilled golfer?
No. Our events welcome golfers of varying skill levels. Handicaps help provide equitable competition, and the emphasis is on enjoying the game and the Pro-Am experience.
Do I need an official GHIN handicap?
Generally, yes. Amateurs are required to maintain an active USGA GHIN handicap through an eligible golf club. Limited exceptions are available under Chapter policy. Ask your PGA Professional if you have questions about eligibility.
How much does it cost to participate?
Entry fees vary depending on the event and host facility. Your PGA Professional can provide the applicable entry fee and information about any additional costs.
Can I play in more than one Pro-Am?
Yes. Amateurs may participate in multiple events throughout the season, subject to eligibility, team availability, and registration requirements.
Are golf carts and meals included?
Golf cart arrangements, food service, and other amenities vary by facility. Your PGA Professional can confirm what is available or included for a specific event.
What if I need to cancel?
Notify your PGA Professional as soon as possible. Cancellation deadlines and financial obligations apply, so early communication is important.
Where can I find tournament results?
Event information and results are available through the Chapter’s tournament resources. Your PGA Professional can also help you access results for the events in which you participate.
