About the BGA
The BGA Tour (Buddy Golf Association) was founded in 2023 with a simple goal: create a more engaging and meaningful amateur golf experience. What began as a couple of buddies playing the same course, in the same format, weekend after weekend quickly grew into a desire for something more competitive, more varied, and more memorable.
That idea evolved into a full-circuit amateur golf tour, traveling to some of the best public courses across the state of Kentucky and featuring a wide range of individual and team-based tournament formats. In just three seasons, the BGA Tour has hosted 38 events at more than 20 different courses, building a community of 158 founding members with handicaps ranging from +2 to 32.
The BGA Tour is built for everyday golfers—not professionals—who value competition, camaraderie, and well-organized events. Last season alone, the tour awarded nearly $10,000 in payouts to 23 different winners, reinforcing a competitive but fair environment where strong play is rewarded and everyone has a chance to compete.
At its core, the BGA Tour is about bringing people together through golf—competing hard, enjoying the round, and building something lasting with our buddies.
Membership
Becoming a BGA Tour member grants players active tour status, meaning their scores and points are officially recorded and tracked throughout the season. Membership includes a BGA Tour Card, BGA Tour shot glass, and a celebratory cigar to mark entry into the league.
Membership dues are $40 for new members and $20 for returning members. New players are welcome to participate as a guest in one BGA Tour event before committing to full membership, allowing them to experience the league before joining.
How to Sign Up
All players must register online through the BGA Tour website for any event they wish to participate in. Event fields are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with BGA Tour members receiving priority access when applicable. Due to limited availability, players are encouraged to register early for events they plan to play.
If a player needs to withdraw from an event, a full refund of the entry fee will be issued with at least two weeks’ notice prior to the event. Withdrawals made between two weeks and the day before the event are eligible for a 50% refund. Refunds are not guaranteed for same-day withdrawals or no-shows.
By registering for any BGA Tour event, players acknowledge and agree to all applicable tournament rules, guidelines, and policies.
Point System
The BGA Tour uses a season-long points system to track player performance across all events. Players earn BGA Points at each tournament based on their finish, with standings updated after every event and tracked throughout the season on the website.
The regular season includes four designated Elevated Events, each awarding 2× BGA Points, placing added importance on these tournaments and creating key opportunities to move up the standings as the season progresses.
Payouts
Each BGA Tour event operates on a winner-take-all format, with 100% of the event entry fees awarded to the event winner. This structure keeps every tournament competitive and places full emphasis on performance on the day.
In addition to individual event payouts, the BGA Tour features a season-long prize pool. The BGA Points Leader at the conclusion of the regular season (Season Champion) will receive 30% of the season-long pot. The remaining 70% of the season-long pot will be awarded to the BGA Champion, determined by the winner of the BGA Playoffs.
The BGA Toast
At the start of every BGA Tour event, players take part in a simple tradition that sets the tone for the day. Before the first tee shot, we raise a glass to the good shots, the bad shots, and a great day with our buddies. It’s a reminder of what the BGA Tour is all about — competition, camaraderie, and enjoying the game no matter how the round unfolds.
Win or lose, birdies or doubles, the toast keeps everyone grounded in the same mindset: appreciate the moment, respect the game, and have a great day together.
Who the BGA Is For
The BGA Tour is built for competitive amateurs who love the game and the camaraderie that comes with it. Our events welcome a wide range of skill levels, from low-handicap players to weekend golfers, with formats designed to keep competition fair and fun.
What Makes the BGA Different
What sets the BGA Tour apart is our focus on experience over ego. We’re serious about competition, but we’re not professionals — just buddies who enjoy organized events, quality courses, and a season-long race that means something.
Culture & Expectations
Sportsmanship, pace of play, and respect for fellow competitors and host courses are expected at every BGA Tour event. The BGA Tour is built on the belief that strong competition and a positive atmosphere can coexist, with every player contributing to that balance. Conduct on and off the course should reflect respect for the game, appreciation for the opportunity to compete, and consideration for those around you, ensuring each event remains competitive, enjoyable, and worthy of the courses and partners who host us throughout the season.
