Annual Golf Tournaments in Northern California You Shouldn’t Miss

Northern California isn’t just wine country and redwoods—it’s a golf lover’s playground. With rolling fairways, legendary coastal courses, and a climate that practically begs for tee times, it’s no surprise that the region hosts some of the most exciting and diverse golf tournaments in Northern California. From PGA Tour stops to prestigious amateur competitions and local charity events, the tournament scene is vibrant, competitive, and full of personality.

Whether you’re a golfer aiming to compete or a fan looking to follow the action, these annual tournaments offer something for everyone. Let’s dive into the premier events you should absolutely mark on your calendar.

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TLDR – Quick Guide

Must-Attend Golf Tournaments in Northern California:

• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – PGA Tour event pairing pros with celebrities at iconic Pebble Beach.
  
• Fortinet Championship (Napa) – Season-opener for the PGA Tour, featuring top-ranked players.
  
• PURE Insurance Championship – PGA Tour Champions + junior players, hosted at Pebble Beach.
  
• California State Amateur Championship – One of the oldest and most prestigious amateur events.
  
• Northern California Open – Historic NCPGA event for amateurs and pros alike.
  

Why Attend:

• Spectacular scenery from coastlines to vineyards.
  
• World-class fields and unique tournament formats.
  
• Great mix of competitive, charitable, and networking opportunities.
  

Detailed Breakdown

1. AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

• When: February
  
• Where: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, Monterey Peninsula
  
• Why It’s Special: Celebrities, CEOs, and PGA pros pair up for a week of stunning golf and entertaining pairings. Think Bill Murray cracking jokes while Jordan Spieth drains birdies.
  
• Fun Fact: The event was originally hosted by Bing Crosby and has been played since 1937.
  

2. Fortinet Championship (formerly Safeway Open)

• When: September
  
• Where: Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa
  
• Why It’s Special: This is the kickoff event of the PGA Tour season, drawing elite talent and offering incredible access for fans.
  
• Fun Fact: It’s also known for hosting top-notch food and wine tastings, true to its Napa roots.
  

3. PURE Insurance Championship

• When: September
  
• Where: Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill
  
• Why It’s Special: A heartwarming twist—PGA Tour Champions players are paired with First Tee junior golfers, showcasing mentorship and youth development.
  
• Fun Fact: The tournament raises funds for The First Tee program, supporting youth education through golf.
  

4. California State Amateur Championship

• When: June
  
• Where: Rotates between top California courses
  
• Why It’s Special: With roots going back to 1912, this event has seen future stars like Johnny Miller and Xander Schauffele make their mark.
  
• Fun Fact: The format is part stroke play, part match play—a rare combo that tests every aspect of a golfer’s skill.
  

5. Northern California Open

• When: Varies by year
  
• Where: Varies across Northern California
  
• Why It’s Special: This NCPGA-sanctioned event welcomes both rising amateurs and seasoned pros, making it a true proving ground.
  
• Fun Fact: It’s one of the oldest regional opens in the U.S., with a legacy dating back over a century.
  

Key Takeaways

• Northern California offers golf tournaments in Northern California that are as scenic as they are competitive.
  
• Events range from PGA Tour stops to charitable and amateur classics—there’s something for every level of golf enthusiasm.
  
• The unique pairings, historic venues, and community atmosphere make these tournaments can’t-miss events whether you’re playing or spectating.
  
• Keep an eye on the calendars for updated dates and ticket availability—these events fill up fast!
  

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