Every spring, golf fans around the world focus on one pinnacle event: The Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Its green jackets, iconic azaleas, and breathtaking shots make it a must‑watch spectacle. But for the PGA Tour’s players and followers, the action doesn’t stop once the final putt drops at Augusta. In fact, the weeks and months that follow The Masters are filled with exciting tournaments, strategic positioning in the FedExCup standings, and a thrilling journey toward the end of the PGA Tour season. If you’ve ever wondered what happens next on the PGA Tour after The Masters ends, here’s a complete walkthrough of the schedule progression, key events, and why every part of the season matters.
How the PGA Tour Season Continues After The Masters
While The Masters is one of golf’s four major championships and often feels like a season high point, the PGA Tour regular season continues for several more months. The Tour’s calendar is designed to maintain momentum, with a balanced mix of signature events, full‑field tournaments, and majors stretching from April into the summer and beyond. Players accumulate FedExCup points throughout, which ultimately determine their eligibility for the season‑ending playoffs and their status for the following year.
Fundamentally, after The Masters, the Tour shifts gears from the early spring competitions into a post‑major season that includes both regular and special events — all of which impact player rankings, world standings, and storylines that build toward the conclusion of the season.
Why the Post‑Masters Stretch Matters
Golf fans often think of The Masters as the big climax of spring, but for PGA Tour pros, it’s really the start of a critical stretch. Every tournament afterward offers players a chance to:
Earn crucial FedExCup points toward playoffs qualification.
Build confidence and form heading into other major championships like the PGA Championship or U.S. Open.
Improve Official World Golf Ranking positions for invitations to global events and Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup eligibility.
Whether it’s a seasoned major champion or a rising talent seeking his first victory, each week after The Masters presents meaningful opportunities.
Key PGA Tour Events Immediately After the Masters
Right after the excitement of the Masters, the PGA Tour keeps the action rolling with several high-profile events. These tournaments are crucial for players looking to maintain momentum, improve their rankings, and prepare for the rest of the season. Fans get to witness intense competition as golfers transition from Augusta to new challenges across the tour.
RBC Heritage – A Signature Start
Just one week after The Masters, the PGA Tour heads to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links — a tournament known for its strategic, shot‑making challenges and picturesque finish by a red‑and‑white lighthouse.
As a Signature Event with elevated FedExCup points, it attracts a competitive field eager to keep their momentum going from Augusta. Though some stars occasionally skip this event in favor of rest or schedule management, it consistently remains a highlight of spring golf due to its rich history and coastal setting.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans – Team Format Fun
The week after Hilton Head brings something different: the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA Tour’s only official team event. Played in a two‑player team format with alternate shot and better ball, this tournament is a breath of fresh air for both players and fans.
TPC Louisiana’s lively environment and unique pairing formats mean players often compete with friends or strategic partners, creating storylines and camaraderie rarely seen in traditional stroke play.
Mid‑May Signature Events & the PGA Championship
Soon after Zurich comes a series of May tournaments that mix excitement with high stakes:
Truist Championship: Another signature stop on the schedule offering abundant FedExCup points.
PGA Championship: The second major of the year usually follows in mid‑May and draws the world’s top competitors with major championship prestige.
The PGA Championship not only tests a player’s skill but also becomes a critical piece in the season’s narrative, often reshaping leaderboard talks and player confidence heading into the summer.
After May: Mid‑Season and Major Run
From late May through July, the PGA Tour continues with a mix of highly competitive events — both signature and full‑field — leading golfers through the remaining majors:
Memorial Tournament: A prestigious Jack Nicklaus‑hosted Signature Event attracting deep fields.
U.S. Open: The third major championship tests every facet of a player’s skill against the toughest setups.
The Open Championship: Golf’s oldest major, held over links courses in the United Kingdom, rounds out the summer blockbuster stretch of majors.
This stretch not only crowns another legend in major championship competition but also solidifies players’ positions in the FedExCup standings based on their performances.
The FedExCup Race & Playoffs
One of the unique elements of the PGA Tour is its season‑long competition culminating in the FedExCup Playoffs — a series of three tournaments that decide the overall champion.
What Is the FedExCup and Why It Matters?
From the start of the season through the regular stretch, players earn FedExCup points in every eligible event. These points determine who qualifies for the playoffs, a three‑stage postseason typically consisting of:
FedEx St. Jude Championship – Top 70 players qualify.
BMW Championship – Top 50 advance.
Tour Championship – Top 30 face off for the FedExCup crown.
Performances in these playoff events are high drama, offering both prestige and a massive financial bonus for the overall champion at the TOUR Championship.
Player Strategy After The Masters
Not every player competes every week following The Masters — and that’s intentional. Many top players choose their schedules carefully, balancing rest with opportunities to earn points, safeguard health, or prepare for major championships. This strategy becomes especially important for managing peak performance throughout a long season where fatigue and travel can affect form.
The FedExCup Fall Series — Extending the Season
Once the FedExCup Playoffs conclude with the TOUR Championship, the season isn’t entirely over for everyone. The FedExCup Fall Series (running through September and November) offers additional events where players ranked outside the playoff threshold can secure or improve their PGA Tour status for the following season.
Fall events may not garner as much global attention as spring or playoffs, but they remain crucial for players fighting to retain full playing privileges or break into Signature Event eligibility next year.
What This Means for Fans and Players
For golf enthusiasts, understanding the PGA Tour calendar after The Masters ensures you never miss another compelling week of golf. Whether you’re tuning in for dramatic playoffs, following your favorite star’s journey through the majors, or tracking the rising talents carving their path to glory, there’s always a reason to stay engaged.
From the relaxed charm of team play at the Zurich Classic to the heavyweight battles of the FedExCup Playoffs, the PGA Tour’s post‑Masters stretch is a thrilling odyssey that spans continents and storylines.
Conclusion
The PGA Tour doesn’t stop for anything — not even after The Masters’ iconic conclusion. The weeks that follow are a rich tapestry of signature events like RBC Heritage, team competitions, major showdowns, and the all‑important FedExCup race. For fans and players alike, this part of the season is where narratives deepen, contenders rise, and new legends are born. So the next time someone asks what happens on the PGA Tour after The Masters ends, you’ll know it’s not just more golf — it’s a journey shaped by competition, strategy, and unforgettable moments.
