State Amateur Tournaments

Has anyone played in one of these? And if so what was your experience, the quality of the players, quality of the golf course, etc?  I'm going to play in the SC Amateur this summer, my first real big tournament you could say, and I'm trying to piece together what it takes to even make it past qualifying and so on.  Thanks!

Here is a link to last years results and qualifying results as well.

http://scamateur.com/

I've already researched that, just wondering if others have played in any to see what the quality of the fields are like or other experiences

State amateurs have the best amateur players in the state competing, whether they be students, college players, club champions or seniors. Expect the scores to be under par on difficult course setups. Many states have minimum handicap requirements, depending on the number of entries.

It's usually a very serious event with very low single digit handicaps and some + handicaps. Around par or better is what typically wins and the course is set up to be difficult.

I tried to qualify for the Florida State Amateur a couple of times. Best I did was a 78 in the Qualifier which was 2 shots too many. My game's more suited for (read: I ain't that good) County Amateur level. State-level is serious competition.

And no offense, but if you're a 10, you don't have much of a chance to get thru qualifying. Check out City of County-level tournaments. Here in Florida they have the FSGA & they hold one-day competitions at very reasonable entry fees...maybe they have something similar in SC. Good events to cut your teeth on cuz I'll tell you right now - if you haven't played competitively, that 10 handicap is gonna turn into a 15 under pressure. Breaking 85 would be a good goal.

I'm not really a 10, i'm a 5.3 I just don't post on here much, haven't changed the clubs in my signature in a while either

The State Amateur is your States' most prestegious Amateur tournament.  The best of the best play in it, ranging in ages from 14-65...and you need a 3-5 handicap just to enter.  To qualify you have to shoot 75 or better usually.  Each state has about 3 qualifing sites.  The event itself is at a great venue.  I've played in many over the past 10 years, and made the cut in most..( cut after 36 holes)..Never came close to winning.  But it's exciting to play at that level with the greats of your area.  The NJ State Am this year is at Balttusrol GC....Winners usually shoot 4 rounds of around even par...sometimes under par...I'm happy if I can shoot 295-304 for 4 rounds

As a 10 you would be playing just for the experience.  A 5 could be a little more competitive but still will get blown away by the scratch and + golfers over several days of play.

There's nothing like the experience of playing in something that's so serious however - it can help make you tournament tough - but you'll have to play in many high end events to get the full benefit.  If you can afford the time and money - go for it!

I could have never competed back home in CA, but we moved to WV last year (small state without year round golf = less competition) and I placed 4th in the Women's State Senior, and 12th in the State Championship.  I aim to win the Senior this year and place higher in State.  I think the top end events are extremely valuable in learning the "vibe" - one should also hopefully win a lot in regional events and club events to help learn how to close while moving up the ladder.