Behind the Scenes of a Mini Golf Tour: A Glimpse into the Life of Professional Dream Chasers

When most people think about professional golf, images of the PGA Tour and world-renowned players like Rory McIlroy or Tiger Woods may come to mind. However, beneath the glitz and glamour of these high-profile events lies the lesser-known world of mini tours, where aspiring professional golfers hone their skills, chase their dreams, and endure the grind of the sport at its most grassroots level. One such arena is the Minor League Golf Tour (MLGT), which operates out of South Florida and serves as a proving ground for golfers striving to make it to the big leagues.

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of what it’s like to run and participate in a mini golf tour, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and unique elements of a world that rarely receives the spotlight.

The Lifeblood of Professional Golf

As Scott Turner, the owner and operator of the Minor League Golf Tour, explains, mini tours like his play a crucial role in professional golf. “The PGA Tour is the pinnacle,” Turner shared in a recent podcast interview , “but to get there, players need a place to develop their game, stay competitive, and prepare for the next level. That’s what the Minor League Golf Tour provides.” For many, it’s the stepping stone between amateur competitions and major tours like the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours.

But life on a mini tour is far from glamorous. Turner describes it as a constant grind for both players and the organizers behind the scenes. With over 100 tournaments hosted annually, MLGT offers players the opportunity to stay sharp and compete regularly, but it also means a relentless schedule of planning, managing venues, and handling the logistics of professional events—albeit on a smaller scale.

Day in the Life of a Tournament Director

While players are focused on their swings and scores, Turner and his team are working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. From securing venues to managing the financial aspects of the tournaments, running a mini tour is no small feat. “A lot of people think I just show up at events and that’s it,” Turner joked, “but there’s so much that goes into each tournament.” 

Every event involves meticulous planning. Turner shared that venues aren’t always easy to secure. Unlike larger tours, which bring in TV cameras and big names, mini tours have to hustle to get golf clubs to host their events. “For every one ‘yes,’ we probably get 10 or 15 ‘no’s,’” he revealed . Once a venue is secured, the work doesn’t stop. Turner and his assistant director, Steve, arrive days in advance to prepare the course, setting up tee placements, marking hazards, and coordinating with grounds crews to ensure the course is in prime condition for competition.

The Players: Chasing the Dream

For the players on these mini tours, life is a mix of hope, hard work, and humility. Most golfers who compete on the Minor League Golf Tour have the same goal in mind: to make it to the PGA Tour. But the road is tough. Golfers must not only play well but also handle the financial strain of tournament fees, travel, and accommodations.

Turner understands this all too well. As a former player, he recalls the challenges of playing professionally without major sponsorships. “When I graduated college, I didn’t have a lot of money to travel the country playing tournaments,” Turner said. “I was lucky to have a local tour like the MLGT where I could compete and chase my dreams.” 

These players are in it for the long haul, and they know that the path to the PGA Tour is steep. Even with the best preparation, success is far from guaranteed. But for many, just having the opportunity to compete is a victory in itself. “You have to be a little reckless to make it in professional golf,” Turner noted. “It’s a lifestyle commitment, and every player out here is chasing that dream.” 

The Pressure Cooker

One of the unique aspects of playing on the Minor League Golf Tour is the constant pressure to perform. With limited financial backing, every shot counts, and the margin for error is small. Turner and his team aim to create an environment where players can simulate the pressure of bigger tournaments. They update leaderboards every hole and capture key moments on camera, allowing players to experience a taste of what it’s like to play under the spotlight.

“During my first Monday qualifier, I remember seeing my name on a leaderboard for the first time, and I completely lost it,” Turner recalled . “We want to prepare our players for those moments so when they do get to the next level, they’re ready.”

Turner’s efforts have paid off. Over 80 players who have competed on the MLGT have gone on to earn status on the Korn Ferry or PGA Tour . Players like Eric Cole, now a rising star on the PGA Tour, have used the MLGT as a springboard to bigger opportunities.

Humility on the Greens

An important lesson that Turner stresses to his players is humility—both on and off the course. Many of the venues that host MLGT events do so as a favor, offering their courses for a fraction of what they might charge the general public. Turner emphasizes the importance of respecting these partnerships. “Players don’t realize how quickly a club could shut its doors to us because of one bad experience,” he said. “All it takes is one player damaging a golf cart or being disrespectful, and that relationship is ruined.” 

Players are encouraged to thank the staff and treat the course as if it were their own. For Turner, these are not just lessons in good behavior but also in the larger value of humility in professional sports—a trait that he believes all successful golfers possess.

Looking Ahead

As for the future of the Minor League Golf Tour, Turner is optimistic. While he doesn’t expect the tour to compete with the PGA or Korn Ferry Tours in terms of prize money, he’s committed to improving the player experience and growing the tour. His goal is to continue providing a platform for aspiring golfers to compete and prepare for the next level. “We’re always looking for ways to make the tour better, whether that’s through better venues, more sponsorships, or enhanced player experiences,” he shared .

The Minor League Golf Tour may not have the glitz and glamour of the PGA Tour, but for the players and organizers, it represents something much more profound: the opportunity to pursue a dream.

Ready to Follow the Journey?

The Minor League Golf Tour offers a unique glimpse into the heart of professional golf’s development pipeline. Want to see more? Follow the tour on Instagram to watch the players in action, or visit their website to stay updated on upcoming events. And don’t forget to tune into our podcast for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of golf.