In golf, what is an opposite field event?

Question

In golf, what is an opposite field event?

Answer 1

Opposite field events are held concurrently with special events on the PGA Tour. Each is its own tournament held at a different location. These events allow golfers that don't qualify for the special events opportunities to earn prize money, FedExCup points, World Ranking points, Ryder Cup points, President's Cup points and a pension point. With respect to the GolfBlog's answer above, his/her details are incorrect. Here are the opposite field events on this year's schedule:

Mayakoba Golf Classic (held opposite the WGC-Match Play); February 21-24; Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

Puerto Rico Open (held opposite the WGC-CA Championship); March 20-23; Rio Grande, PR

U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee (held opposite the British Open); July 17-20; Milwaukee, WI

Reno-Tahoe Open (held opposite the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational); July 31-August 3; Reno, NV

EXCEPTION: Viking Classic (held simultaneously as the Ryder Cup, which is not an official event); September 18-21; Madison, MS (NOTE: although the Ryder Cup isn't official, it does contribute towards the tournament count for PGA Tour members, which is significant since they need to play in a minimum of 15 events to retain membership)

For the full schedule, click on the link below.

Answer 2

It's one that's played the same week as a Major, or an invitational. A good many players will not get into the Masters, for example, so another event is held the same week. The BC Open in the US used to be held opposite the British Open.

Under the new FedEx Cup points system these are worth half the points of the event they play opposite of.