The Golf European Tour is an organization that is responsible for organizing professional golf tours for men in Europe. The organization's offices are situated at the Wentworth Club, Surrey, England. It was established by the Professional Golfers Association during the 1970s by the British.
History of European Tour
Playing professional golf began in Scotland. The first known professional players of the sport were club-makers and green-keepers. These players also teach the sport to men who are wealthy enough to play the game and arrange for “challenge matches”.The Open Championship was the first multi-competitor stroke play tournament. It was introduced in the 1860s. For several years, golf tournaments that offer prize money have spread from the United Kingdom to various countries of Continental Europe.
The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) was founded by professional golfers from Great Britain and Ireland in 1901. This association became the governing body of the sport and was responsible for creating the European Tour. In 1937, the Harry Vardon Trophy was created to award the players who had the best stroke average during the tournament.
Categories of Golf Tours
There are three main categories of professional golf tours. These golf tours are considered as the most awaited event in professional golf. These are the elite European Tour, the European Senior Tour, and the developmental Challenge Tour.• The Elite European Tour
This category is the principal golf tour in Europe. It is considered as the second most important even in men’s golf. It has a higher standing as compared to the other golf tours in the world. This tour is seen by most golfers as the stepping-stone to qualify for the PGA Tour.
• The European Senior Tour
This category of European Tour is specifically created for professional golfers over the age of 50. This professional tour was founded in 1992 and is being operated by the PGA European Tour. The first-ever title sponsor of this event is the Staysure, a UK-based insurance company.
• The Challenge Tour
This type of European tour is considered the second-tier men’s professional golf tour. Operated by the PGA European Tour, they have hosted some events outside Europe. Players who were able to achieve high finishes during the challenge tour are awarded World Ranking Points.