Kids Get Into PGA Golf Tournaments Free? A Parent's Guide to Family Golf Events in 2026–2027

Updated October 2026

Here's something more golf-loving parents should know: kids can get into many professional golf tournaments for free.

Yes, free.

If you've ever considered taking the kids to watch the pros but assumed tickets for the whole family would cost a fortune, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Some of the biggest golf tournaments offer complimentary grounds admission for children, making a day watching professional golf one of the best family outings for kids who love the game.

And for us? It's exactly the kind of experience we love.

More green time. Less screen time. And maybe a little inspiration for the next generation of golfers.

But there's one important catch: not every tournament has the same junior ticket policy.

Here's where families can take advantage of free admission, what to know before you go, and a few essentials that make a day on the course with kids a whole lot easier.

Do Kids Really Get Into PGA TOUR Events for Free?

At many PGA TOUR tournaments, children ages 15 and under can enter the grounds free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

However, each event can have its own admission policies. Some limit how many children can accompany an adult, while others have separate rules for hospitality areas or require advance junior tickets.

Major championships can have entirely different policies.

The easiest approach? Always check the event's official junior ticket page before purchasing adult tickets.

Upcoming Golf Tournaments Offering Free Admission for Kids

1. The RSM Classic — November 19–22, 2026

Location: Sea Island Golf Club, St. Simons Island, Georgia

Kids' admission: Free for children 15 and under accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Hospitality areas are excluded.

The RSM Classic offers a chance to experience professional golf in beautiful coastal Georgia.

For families who enjoy walking the course, following their favorite players, and soaking up the tournament atmosphere, this could make a wonderful fall weekend getaway.

Even better, the event currently lists complimentary admission for all spectators on Wednesday's Pro-Am day.

Official RSM Classic Spectator Information

2. WM Phoenix Open — February 8–14, 2027

Location: TPC Scottsdale, Arizona

Kids' admission: Free for children 15 and under.

Known for its incredible crowds and lively tournament atmosphere, the WM Phoenix Open offers a golf experience unlike most others.

It's an exciting option for families with older kids who would love to see professional golf surrounded by enthusiastic fans.

One thing to consider: Certain parts of the tournament can get extremely crowded and loud. Families with younger children may prefer quieter viewing areas or earlier visits.

Children over age three need the appropriate credential to enter hospitality venues.

Official WM Phoenix Open Spectator Information

3. THE PLAYERS Championship — March 9–14, 2027

Location: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Kids' admission: Up to two children ages 15 and under enter free with each ticketed adult.

If we were choosing a tournament specifically for a family golf trip, THE PLAYERS would be high on our list.

Not only can children attend for free, but the tournament has offered kid-friendly experiences including autograph opportunities, family amenities, and interactive activities.

And there's something pretty special about watching the pros take on the famous island green at the 17th hole.

Children ages six and older need separate hospitality tickets for those venues.

Official THE PLAYERS Tickets & Junior Policy

4. PGA Championship — May 17–23, 2027

Location: Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, Texas

Kids' admission: Up to two children ages 15 and under receive free grounds admission with each ticketed adult.

Want to introduce your kids to major championship golf?

The PGA Championship is another fantastic option.

Junior tickets are collected at the event's main spectator ticket office, and the tournament may request proof of age.

Complimentary junior admission applies to general grounds access, not premium hospitality areas.

Official PGA Championship Ticket Information

5. The Open Championship — July 11–18, 2027

Location: The Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland

Kids' admission: Children under 16 qualify for the Kids Go Free program when accompanied by an eligible adult.

For golf families dreaming of a bucket-list trip, there's something magical about experiencing The Open at St Andrews.

The 2027 championship offers a Kids Go Free ticket category, but unlike some U.S. tournaments, children must have an actual junior ticket reserved.

These tickets are subject to availability and can sell out. The main ticket ballot has already closed, so families should review the remaining official ticket options.

Official 2027 Open Championship Ticket Information

What About Other PGA TOUR Events?

Many regular PGA TOUR events also offer complimentary junior admission, but it's important to verify the specific tournament's current policy.

For example, The American Express has previously offered free grounds access to children ages 15 and under with a paid adult ticket. Families considering the January 21–24, 2027 tournament should confirm that the policy remains in effect before booking travel.

And don't assume the same rules apply to every major championship.

At the 2026 U.S. Open, for example, children ages 12 and under qualified for complimentary Gallery tickets, while teens ages 13–17 had different admission rules.

Our advice: Check the tournament's official website before planning your trip. Admission policies, ticket limits, and hospitality restrictions can change.

What to Bring to a PGA Golf Tournament With Kids

A day watching professional golf with kids can be incredible.

It can also involve a lot of walking, plenty of sunshine, unpredictable weather, and more than a few requests for snacks.

A little preparation goes a long way.

Here are the items we'd consider packing for a family golf tournament — always keeping the event's security and bag policies in mind.

1. A Tournament-Approved Clear Bag

Nothing puts a damper on the morning like getting to the security gate and discovering your bag is too big.

Many PGA TOUR events permit clear bags measuring up to 12 × 6 × 12 inches, while non-clear bags may be limited to 6 × 6 × 6 inches.

A compact, transparent bag makes organizing the essentials easier while helping you stay within common tournament requirements.

Why we love it:

• Makes belongings easy to see

• Helps organize sunscreen, lip balm, wipes, and small essentials

• Easy to carry during long walks

• Useful for other sporting events, too

→ [Shop Tournament-Friendly Clear Bags — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

Always verify the specific tournament's bag policy before purchasing or packing.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes for Kids

This is not the day for brand-new shoes.

Depending on the course and the players you follow, a tournament day can mean hours on your feet.

Comfortable sneakers with good traction are a must, especially for kids who want to follow their favorite golfer from hole to hole.

Why we love them:

• Comfortable for extended walking

• Helpful on grass and uneven terrain

• Practical long after tournament day

→ [Shop Comfortable Kids' Walking Shoes — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

3. Sun Protection for the Whole Family

Golf courses offer beautiful views, but often very little shade.

Lightweight hats, kid-friendly sunglasses, and sunscreen are some of the first things we'd plan for.

We particularly love wide-brimmed or UPF-rated hats for younger spectators.

Why we love them:

• Provides protection during long outdoor days

• Lightweight and easy to wear

• Perfect for golf, beach trips, and outdoor sports

→ [Shop Kids' Sun Hats — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

→ [Shop Family Sunscreen — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

4. A Compact Portable Phone Charger

Between mobile tickets, course maps, tee times, photographs, and keeping track of your favorite players, your phone gets quite a workout.

A compact portable charger can be one of the most useful things to bring.

Just make sure your event permits the charger and keep it within your approved bag.

→ [Shop Compact Portable Phone Chargers — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

5. A Lightweight Rain Poncho

Anyone who's spent time on a golf course knows how quickly the weather can change.

A compact rain poncho takes up little space and can save the day when unexpected showers roll in.

Look for individually packed ponchos that fit easily inside a small approved bag.

→ [Shop Lightweight Family Rain Ponchos — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

6. A Kid-Sized Autograph Book

For young golf fans, seeing a professional golfer up close can be exciting enough.

Getting an autograph? That's a memory they'll talk about for years.

If your tournament offers a designated autograph zone, a small autograph book can make a wonderful keepsake.

Check the event's autograph policies before bringing markers, books, or memorabilia.

→ [Shop Small Autograph Books — INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

What Not to Bring to a PGA TOUR Event

Before you pack the family cooler and your favorite oversized tote, check the event rules.

Many tournaments prohibit outside coolers, limit personal bags, and restrict outside beverages.

Food allowances vary by event. Some permit snacks inside a clear, resealable one-gallon bag, while others have different requirements.

Families traveling with infants should also check stroller, diaper bag, formula, and baby-food policies.

A few extra minutes reviewing the official spectator guide can save a frustrating trip back to the car.

Tips for Taking Kids to Their First Professional Golf Tournament

Start at the practice range. Watching players warm up gives kids the chance to see different swings, routines, and approaches to the game.

Follow a group for a few holes. You don't have to walk the entire course. Pick a player your child enjoys watching and see a handful of holes together.

Take breaks before everyone gets tired. Find shade, stop for lunch, and enjoy the experience without trying to see everything.

Practice golf etiquette. Remind kids to stay quiet during swings, follow volunteer instructions, and respect ropes and player boundaries.

Let the kids set the pace. Sometimes the best part of the day isn't watching the eventual winner. It's discovering your child's favorite player, getting a photo together, or hearing them talk about how they want to practice their own swing.

The Best Part? The Memories Are Worth More Than the Tickets.

There's something special about letting kids experience a sport they love at its highest level.

Watching a professional hit a shot they've been practicing themselves. Seeing their favorite players up close. Walking the fairways together.

And maybe heading home with a little extra motivation to get back out and play.

At Ace & Bogey, we've always believed that golf is about more than the scorecard.

It's about the time together, the traditions we build, and the memories our kids carry with them.

So if there's a professional tournament near you offering complimentary junior admission, consider making a family day of it.

After all, the next generation of golf fans has to start somewhere.

More green time. Less screen time.

Where family meets the fairway.

Ticket policies and event dates were checked in October 2026 and may change. Always confirm admission details, ticket availability, bag rules, and prohibited items through the event's official website before attending.

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