What Are Alternate Events on the PGA Tour?
The PGA Tour is known for its big-money events full of the game's biggest stars, but what about alternate field events? Alternate events take place only a few times each year and occur the same week as higher-profile tournaments, typically tournaments with a limited field.
There are four alternate events on the PGA Tour which occur opposite of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, WGC Dell Technologies Match Play, Scottish Open, and The Open Championship.
Who Plays in Alternate Field Events?
Given that the most elite players are drawn to the most prestigious events with the largest purses, alternate events feature a weakened field and smaller purses. In addition, these events also award fewer FedExCup points (300, rather than 500, goes to the winner) and alternate events are weighed less when calculating a player’s Official World Golf Rankings. Winners of alternate field events also take home less cash, somewhere in the $650,000 neighborhood, as opposed to full field events where winners cash checks ranging from $1.3 million to over $3 million. For example, Matt Fitzpatrick earned $3,150,000 for his 2022 U.S. Open victory.
All that doesn’t mean there isn't value in alternate field events. They allow newer players a greater chance to achieve a breakout victory. In fact, three out of the five alternate field events in 2019 featured a first-time winner. A win at an alternate event does not include a Masters invitation, but it does come with a 2-year PGA Tour exemption.
What Are the Alternate Field Events?
The following are all the alternate events for the 2021-2022 season.
|
Date |
Alternate Field Event |
Opposite Of |
|
March 3-6 |
Puerto Rico Open |
Arnold Palmer Invitational |
|
March 24-27 |
Corales Puntacana Championship |
WGC Dell Technologies Match Play |
|
July 7-10 |
Barbasol Championship |
Genesis Scottish Open |
|
July 14-17 |
Barracuda Championship |
The Open Championship |