Golf Tournament Photography Tips & Highlights: My Three-Year Adventure
- Marcus McPhee
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Capturing the Thrill of Golf Tournaments: My Experience Covering Three Incredible Events
For the past three years, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing an exciting annual golf tournament held at three breathtaking locations: Legacy Ridge Golf Club, Stone Tree - Golf Fitness and Banquets, and Cobble Beach Resort. Each year brought a new level of excitement and unique challenges, making it one of my favourite events to cover.
Three Years, Three Stunning Courses
My journey began at Legacy Ridge Golf Club, a course known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere. The following year, the tournament moved to Stone Tree - Golf, Fitness and Banquets, where the combination of excellent facilities and natural beauty made for another incredible experience. The most recent tournament took place at Cobble Beach Resort, offering some of the most stunning lookout points I’ve ever photographed, especially near the end on one of the last holes.
Each course provided its own character and charm, and for me as a photographer, the thrill of capturing these beautiful settings while documenting the event was a highlight of the job. The fact that the tournament was held at a new location each year added to the enjoyment for everyone involved—both the participants and myself.
My Perspective as a Photographer
Being a photographer at these tournaments meant navigating expansive courses, planning the best angles, and working with the natural light throughout the day. Each year, I learned more about the sport and how to better capture the energy and spirit of the event. Golf tournaments are unique because they blend action photography with scenic landscapes, and finding the right balance is key.
Some of the most memorable shots came from Cobble Beach Resort’s incredible lookout points, which made perfect backdrops for team photos. These breathtaking views also served as an excellent opportunity to showcase the beauty of the location along with the excitement of the tournament.
I even vlogged my experience photographing the tournament at Cobble Beach Resort. You can check out the video here.
Tips for Photographing Golf Tournaments
Over the years, I’ve gathered some valuable tips for photographing golf tournaments:
Scout the Course Early: Knowing the layout helps you find the best angles and vantage points.
Respect the Players’ Focus: Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disrupting the game.
Capture Candid Moments: From celebration shots to relaxed moments between players, these images often tell the best stories.
Make Use of Scenic Backdrops: Incorporating the beauty of the course adds dimension and appeal to the photos.
Reflection & Growth
Photographing this tournament each year has been an incredible learning experience. The excitement of discovering a new course every time, paired with the challenge of capturing the perfect shot, has pushed me to grow as a photographer. I can’t wait to see where the next tournament will be held and what new opportunities it will bring.
Let’s Work Together!
If you’re looking for someone to capture your golf tournament or other special events, feel free to reach out. You can check out my portfolio here and contact me directly to discuss your photography needs.
Stay tuned for more photography stories and tips as I continue to share my journey!
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