There were several changes from the previous year's British PGA circuit schedule, with the inclusion of the Madrid Open, the Dutch Open and the Lancia d'Oro tournament; they joined the five national opens in continental Europe that were included in 1971.

[2] Also added were the John Player Trophy and the Sunbeam Electric Scottish Open, as well as the returning John Player Classic and Sumrie Better-Ball tournaments;[3] lost from the calendar were the Agfa-Gevaert Tournament, the Classic International, the Daks Tournament and the Gallaher Ulster Open.

[4] According to the United Press International, the circuit exceeded $1,000,000 in total prize money for the first time.

[5] The following table lists official events during the 1972 season.

The Order of Merit was based on tournament results during the season, calculated using a points-based system.