The United States Golf Association (USGA) has officially unveiled the qualifying sites for the eagerly awaited 124th U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Amateur Golf Championships. These prestigious tournaments will be hosted at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, respectively. This announcement marks a significant moment in the golf calendar, setting the stage for some of the most anticipated amateur golf competitions of the year.
Scheduled from August 5-11, the U.S. Women’s Amateur will showcase the talents of top female golfers at Southern Hills Country Club. Following closely, from August 12-18, Hazeltine National Golf Club will be the backdrop for the U.S. Amateur, presenting an opportunity for amateur male golfers to compete at a historic venue.
The qualifying rounds for these championships are set to commence soon, with the U.S. Amateur local qualifying taking place between June 4 and July 3. The final qualifying rounds are scheduled between July 15 and July 31. For the U.S. Women’s Amateur, the qualifying rounds will be held from June 17 to July 18. This period is crucial for aspirants aiming to secure their spot in these prestigious tournaments.
The USGA has seen a record-breaking number of entries
Prospective participants are encouraged to submit their entry applications online, with details and the full list of qualifying sites available at the official USGA website. The deadline for U.S. Amateur entries is May 29 at 5 p.m. EDT, while U.S. Women’s Amateur entries will close on June 12 at 5 p.m. EDT. These deadlines are pivotal for golfers planning to partake in the championships.
The USGA has seen a record-breaking number of entries for both championships in recent years, highlighting the growing interest and competitive spirit within the amateur golf community. The 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur received 1,679 entries, surpassing the previous record, while the U.S. Amateur saw 8,253 hopefuls, setting a new benchmark for participation.
In response to the increasing entries and to maintain the openness and competitive integrity of its championships, the USGA introduced significant changes to the qualifying model last year. For the first time in over two decades, these adjustments aim to enhance the qualification process, ensuring that high-caliber players have ample opportunities to compete.
The most notable change is the transition of the U.S. Amateur from a one-stage, 36-hole qualifying format to a more comprehensive two-stage process. This includes 45 local qualifying sites and 19 final qualifying sites, tailored to accommodate the growing field sizes and diverse player skills. These revisions not only streamline the qualifying process but also open up more avenues for golfers to secure their place in these esteemed championships through expanded exemptions and traditional qualifying methods.
