What is a pro-am in golf?

Definition

A tournament format pairing professional golfers with amateur players, typically in a team format where both contribute to the team score. Pro-Am events serve multiple purposes including fundraising, corporate entertainment, and providing amateurs with opportunities to play alongside professionals. These tournaments often precede professional events and help build relationships between pros and sponsors or members of host clubs. Pro-Am formats vary but commonly use better ball or scramble formats that allow amateurs to contribute meaningfully while learning from professional partners. Many charity tournaments use Pro-Am formats to maximize participation and fundraising potential.