The Best Golf Opens UK: Competitions That Amateurs Can Enter

The UK is renowned for its rich golfing tradition, offering some of the best open golf competitions for amateur golfers to test their mettle on world-class golf courses. Whether you’re an aspiring champion looking to make your mark or simply love the thrill of competition, there are plenty of tournaments across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland where you can join the action.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most prestigious golf opens in the UK that amateurs can enter, including details on competitions and famous wins. So, dust off your clubs and get ready to plan your golfing calendar!

Pro golfer hitting shot during competition

Finding Golf Opens UK Competitions

Search for Amateur Golf Tournaments

Searching for amateur golf tournaments has never been easier. With Golf Empire, you can find over 10,000 open golf competitions at more than 1,500 golf clubs across the UK. Their advanced search tool allows you to filter tournaments by date, location, and type, making it easy to find the perfect competition for you. Whether you’re looking for a local tournament or a prestigious amateur golf championship, they’ve got you covered.

Simply enter your criteria, and you’ll be presented with a list of upcoming amateur golf tournaments that match your preferences. This tool is invaluable for amateur golfers who want to plan their competitive calendar and ensure they’re playing in the best possible events. From small local competitions to major amateur championships, Golf Empire is your go-to resource for finding the right tournaments to showcase your skills.

The Amateur Championship

If there’s one amateur championship you absolutely need to know about, it’s simply called The Amateur Championship. Established in 1885, this event is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world. It’s held across different top-tier golf courses in the UK, rotating between famous venues like Royal Birkdale and St Andrews.

The championship begins with two rounds of stroke play on the first two days, where the field is whittled down to the top 64 golfers. Those who make the cut then battle it out in match play until only one remains—the amateur champion.

In recent years, George Garcia became the first Spaniard to win the title in 2009, cementing his place in history. As an added bonus, the winner of The Amateur Championship secures a spot in The Open Championship and the Masters—prizes no amateur golfer would want to miss!

Location: Rotates between top UK courses (2024 event to be held at Ballyliffin, Ireland)
Format: 36-hole stroke play followed by match play
Eligibility: Male amateur golfers with a handicap of 0.4 or lower

The Brabazon Trophy

The Brabazon Trophy is another top event for amateur golfers looking to compete in elite amateur golf events. This annual championship is run by England Golf and has been held at many of the best golf courses in the country since 1947. This stroke play tournament is played over four rounds, with only the best players making it past the first two days to play the final 36 holes.

The competition has seen future stars like Sandy Lyle and Peter McEvoy take the title, and many of its past winners have gone on to successful professional careers. The runner-up has even managed to carve out opportunities, making this event a solid stepping stone for those looking to make a mark in amateur golf.

Location: Rotates between premier UK courses
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Eligibility: Open to all male amateurs with a handicap of 2.4 or lower

The Lytham Trophy

Played at the iconic Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, the Lytham Trophy is one of the top amateur golf tournaments and leading golf opens for amateur golfers in the UK. Held annually since 1965, this tournament is known for its challenging links conditions, which have tested some of the finest players in amateur golf. It’s an intense stroke play event played over three days and attracts an elite field of players from around the world.

The winner of the Lytham Trophy is presented with a silver replica of the iconic Claret Jug, and with its prestigious past, this competition is a must for amateur golfers who want to prove themselves on one of the toughest golf courses in the country.

Location: Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Eligibility: Open to all amateurs with a handicap of 1.4 or better

The Scottish Amateur Championship

Scotland, the home of golf, offers one of the most exciting major amateur golf events in the UK—the Scottish Amateur Championship. This competition has been running since 1922 and has seen many legendary golfers pass through its ranks. It’s typically played at some of Scotland’s finest golf courses, including the likes of Royal Dornoch and Gullane.

The format includes stroke play over the first two days, followed by match play for the top players. For amateur golfers, this is one of the premier tournaments to compete in and is a great way to experience Scotland’s iconic links courses.

Location: Rotates between top Scottish courses
Format: Stroke play followed by match play
Eligibility: Open to male amateur golfers

The Welsh Amateur Championship

For golfers who enjoy competing in new environments, the Welsh Amateur Championship is one of the notable amateur golf tournaments to consider. This long-standing amateur championship has produced some fantastic golfers, and the rotating golf courses in Wales provide a variety of challenges, from rolling parkland to coastal links.

Played over two rounds of stroke play followed by match play, the Welsh Amateur is a great way to meet other amateur golfers and enjoy top-quality courses in a competitive setting.

Location: Various Welsh courses (2024 event to be held at Tenby Golf Club)
Format: Stroke play followed by match play
Eligibility: Open to all male amateurs with a handicap of 5.0 or lower

The Carris Trophy

For younger golfers, the Carris Trophy is one of the premier junior amateur golf competitions in the UK. This championship is open to amateur golfers under the age of 18 and has seen many talented young players rise through the ranks. The event has been held annually since 1935 and often takes place on some of the most prestigious courses in England.

The competition features stroke play over four rounds, and the winner earns the coveted Carris Trophy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for junior amateurs to gain experience and compete at a national level.

Location: Rotates between top English courses (2024 event to be held at Sunningdale Golf Club)
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Eligibility: Open to male amateur golfers under 18

The South of England Open Amateur Championship

Hosted by the Golf Club at Walton Heath, the South of England Open Amateur Championship is a top-tier event that stands out among regional amateur golf events and draws an international field of amateur golfers each year. This championship is played over 72 holes of stroke play, and the winner is often viewed as one of the most promising talents in amateur golf.

With past champions including players who have gone on to play in major professional tournaments, this event is one of the highlights on the amateur golfing calendar.

Location: Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Eligibility: Open to all male amateurs with a handicap of 1.5 or lower

The Irish Amateur Open Championship

Ireland has its own rich golfing tradition, and the Irish Amateur Open Championship is one of the key international amateur golf tournaments on the amateur golf circuit. This event attracts a competitive field from across the world, and it’s hosted on some of Ireland’s best-known courses, such as Royal Portrush and The Island.

The Irish Amateur is a stroke play event, with 72 holes played over four days. The competition is intense, and only the best players make it through to the final rounds. Winning this prestigious title is a huge accolade, and many past champions have gone on to represent their countries at the highest level.

Location: Rotates between Irish courses
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Eligibility: Open to male amateur golfers

Unique Competition Opportunities

Charity Golf Events and Overseas Competitions

Are you looking for a unique competition opportunity? Golf Empire lists charity golf open competitions and overseas golf open competitions, giving you the chance to play for a good cause or experience golf in a new and exciting location. Their charity golf events section features tournaments that support a range of causes, from local charities to national organisations. Playing in these events not only allows you to enjoy the game but also to contribute to meaningful causes.

Meanwhile, their overseas competitions section lists tournaments in countries around the world, from Ireland to Spain and beyond. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to experience different courses and cultures, adding an extra layer of excitement to your golfing adventures. Whether you’re looking to support a charity or explore new golfing destinations, these unique competition opportunities are not to be missed.

How to Get Involved

For those eager to participate, each of these golf opens has its own entry requirements and qualification criteria. Be sure to read the details carefully before entering. Some events are open to amateur golfers with a certain handicap level, while others may require pre-qualification rounds.

Final Thoughts

The UK offers some of the best competitive golf events for amateur golfers to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. From the historic Amateur Championship to the highly competitive Irish Amateur Open, there’s a competition to suit every aspiring golfer. These events are not just about winning, but about playing alongside top talent, enjoying the beauty of world-renowned courses, and growing as a golfer.

Whether you’re aiming for the title or just want to test yourself on some of the world’s best golf courses, entering one of these tournaments could be the perfect next step in your golfing journey. So, grab your clubs, sign up, and get ready to compete!