With over 30,000 golf courses in the world and over 20 professional golf tours, the game of golf attracts quite a following, and that following generates a need for golf tickets. Whether you're in the sporting goods industry, travel industry or simply have a desire to plan a vacation around your favorite sport, it's in your best interest to know how to navigate your many ticketing options.

As any sports aficionado knows, watching an event on television cannot compare to watching the live experience. But there is an art to buying tickets for golf tournaments.

When you go to buy golf tickets, you should know the following:

1. Shopping directly for golf tournament tickets and events is usually your most straightforward, inexpensive option.

2. Dealers and brokers also sell golf tournament tickets, Masters golf tickets, PGA tickets and US Open Golf tickets.

3. Individuals sell golf tickets on several sites for assorted prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy your tickets for golf tournaments directly from sponsors

Whether organized by the PGA or another golf organization, your simplest option for many golf tournament tickets and major championship tickets is to buy directly from the sponsor.

I recommend: When shopping for Masters golf tickets, Augusta National, Inc. will place you on a practice rounds waiting list, if you contact them. The PGA of America also sponsors a ticket website for PGA tickets. The United States Golf Association links you to U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open sites, which all sell US Open golf tickets.

Shop around brokers and dealers' sites for the best deal on tickets for golf events

Brokers and dealers pick up extra tickets for golf tournaments and sell them to you, often with ticket handling fees. Still, they may provide more flexibility in terms of dates and times, especially if shopping close to the tournament date.

I recommend: TNOW Entertainment Group, Inc. sells a variety of golf ticket packages, including US Open golf tickets and Masters golf tickets. Coast to Coast Tickets LLC. carries PGA tickets as well as The Majors and Champions Tour tickets.

Buy golf tickets from an individual

When you buy golf tickets online from an individual, there's no guarantee whether you will find a good deal or face substantial mark-ups.

I recommend: On StubHub, Inc. you can sell and buy golf tickets online. On eBay quite a few sellers post golf tournament tickets throughout the year to let bidders bid on them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Since many popular and well-televised golf tournaments attract more ticket seekers than there are golf tickets, plan your ticket search as early as possible.
• •  Beware of fraud when buying from an individual; check the seller's ratings on eBay. StubHub has a FanProtect Guarantee program, to ensure authenticity.