Abstract A survey was developed to identify the level of importance of 12 specific golf tournament characteristics and destination attributes when deciding to book a spectator sporting event vacation. Of the 12 attributes, the field of professional golfers was very important. However, location, fun atmosphere, timing, cost, travel distance, accommodation options, and dining options were slightly important. The attributes could be categorized according to two categories: (1) non tournament destination characteristics, and (2) tourism destination characteristics. Lastly, visitors that played golf during the tournament week viewed certain attributes as more important when compared to non-golfing visitors.