The Crump Cup at Pine Valley is one of the most coveted invites in golf (Sean Melia Photo))

While some of these events are rather elite and invite only the cream of the crop, there are opportunities within this list that can provide pathways into the most exclusive tournaments. Some have qualifier opportunities, too. 

Here is a selection of Mid-Amateur events that every competitive player should have on their bucket list.

U.S. Mid-Amateur

Dates: September 13 - 18, 2025

Venue: Troon CC (Scottsdale, Ariz)

The only mid-amateur event that has a Masters berth up for grabs. Evan Beck won last year’s event in his home state of Virginia at Kinloch Golf Club.

Players with a 2.4 GHIN Index can sign up to play in an 18-hole qualifier. 

Crump Cup

Date: TBD

Venue: Pine Valley GC (Pine Valley, NJ)

Playing Pine Valley in September is a dream that not many get to experience. An invite to the Crump Cup is one of the most coveted invitations in all of golf. The exclusive course is one of the most challenging in the world. The field is broken into three divisions of 16 golfers following a 36 hole stroke play qualifier. The winner must survive a gauntlet of matches to win his division. Players who don’t reach match play stick around to play a bit more golf, including an alternate-shot tournament on Sunday morning before the final matches take place. 

There is also a senior division that follows the same format as the mid-amateurs, but there are two divisions of eight players because the field is smaller.

The Crump Cup will celebrate its 100th playing this September.

George C. Thomas Invitational

Date: June 26 - 28, 2025

Venue: Los Angeles CC (Los Angeles, California)

A prestigious annual 54-hole stroke play tournament held at the Los Angeles Country Club (LACC) in California. Named after the renowned golf course architect George C. Thomas Jr. 

George L. Coleman Invitational

Date: TBD

Venue: Seminole GC (June Beach, Florida)

The Coleman Invitational is a prestigious amateur golf tournament held at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida. Established in 1953, the event is named in honor of George L. Coleman, a prominent figure in the club's history. The tournament’s format combines individual stroke play with team competition. The Donald Ross-designed course requires exacting golf due to the wind and diabolical greens. 

Due to a major renovation at Seminole this year, the Coleman will not be held and will return in 2026. 

Stocker Cup

Date: TBD

Venue: The Preserve Golf Club (Carmel, California)

Carmel is a dream destination for every golfer. The Preserve Golf Club in Carmel, California the Stocker Cup. Named in honor of Peter Stocker, a respected amateur golfer, the event attracts top amateur players from across the United States. The event stands out for its balance between competition and camaraderie. The tournament features a unique format combining individual stroke play and a paired best-ball team competition. Players are invited based on their skill level and amateur status, ensuring a high-caliber field. 

John T. Lupton Invitational

Date: May 23 - 25, 2025

Venue: Honor Club (Ooltewah, Tennessee)

The Lupton Invitational is held annually at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Named after Harry T. Lupton, a founding member of the club, the event attracts elite amateur players from across the United States. The Pete Dye-designed course is known as one of the most challenging layouts in the country with fairways winding between hazards and tough greens. The Lupton features an individual stroke-play format.

Gasparilla Invitational

Date: February 13 - 15, 2025

Venue: Palma Ceia Golf and CC (Tampa, Florida)

The Gasparilla Invitational is a renowned amateur golf tournament held annually at the historic Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club in Tampa, Florida. Its history is unique; it started as a professional event in 1932 and was one of the biggest purses of its time. Walter Hagan won his final professional event in the Gasparilla in 1935. In 1956, it restarted as an amateur event, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur events in the United States. 

It’s a 54-hole event with a unique trophy that harkens back to the Garparilla Pirate festival, which occurs in Tampa Bay in February. Additionally, the Gasparilla has a qualifier for players who are on the waitlist following the first wave of applications. Usually, 2-3 spots are available. 

Devil's Elbow

Date: TBD

Venue: Corrales Puntacana (Dominican Republic)

The only mid-amateur event that provides a PGA Tour invite to the winner. The winner of the senior division earns a spot in the Corrales Puntacana Pro-Am. The Devil's Elbow was established in 2021. The tournament is named after the course's challenging final three-hole stretch, known as "The Devil's Elbow." In the 2024 edition, held from November 7-9, Connor Doyal emerged as the champion, securing his spot in the 2025 Corrales Puntacana Championship in April.

Anderson Memorial Four Ball

Date: June 06 - 09, 2024

Venue: Winged Foot (Mamaroneck, NY)

The Anderson Memorial is a four-ball golf tournament held annually at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. Established in 1933 to honor founding member John G. Anderson, a distinguished amateur golfer and writer, the event attracts top mid-amateur and senior amateur teams from across the United States and internationally. The tournament begins with 36 holes of stroke play on Winged Foot's renowned East and West courses, followed by match play for the top qualifiers. Celebrated for its rich history and competitive field, the Anderson Memorial is a highlight on the amateur golf calendar

John R. Williams Four-Ball Invitational

Date: October 03 - 05, 2024

Venue: Oak Hills (Rochester, NY)

The John R. Williams Four-Ball Invitational is a distinguished amateur golf tournament held annually at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. Established in 1961 and named after Dr. John R. Williams, a pivotal figure in the club's history, the event features a 54-hole better-ball format with Mid-Amateur and Senior divisions. Participation is by invitation only, attracting top amateur golfers from the U.S. and Canada. The tournament is renowned for its competitive field and the challenging East Course, a Donald Ross design. Recent champions include Matt Parziale and Nick Maccario, who secured victory in 2024.

Picard Cup

Date: August 14 - 15, 2025

Venue: Canterbury GC (Cleveland, Ohio)

The Picard Cup is named after Henry Picard, the former Canterbury GC head pro (1945-1964) and 1938 Masters champion. It is a 54-hole event where teams of two play two rounds of best ball, and the middle round is alternate shot.