It is organized by the Trans-Mississippi Golf Association and was first played in 1901.
It is played at a different course each year that is located near or west of the Mississippi River.
From 1987 to 2009, the field has been limited to mid-amateurs (age 25 or greater).
Beginning in 2010, it is a 54-hole stroke play tournament, with no age restrictions on entries.
[1] In December 2021, the Trans-Mississippi Amateur joined with six other tournaments to form the Elite Amateur Golf Series.