Anybody eligible to play in a US Open qualifier that opts not to?

[plugged]

I know that typically 7-8K people play in local qualifiers. IIRC, you must have a verifiable HC of 1.4 to be eligible. I'm thinking there must be more players out there with HC's that meet this criteria, but for some reason don't play. I am wondering if this applies to any of you, and if so, why? I would think this would be ultimate goal for an amateur, even if you know w/o a doubt that you almost certainly will not advance to the regional qualifier. Just the opportunity to be part of the whole US Open process as a player I think would be a real thrill. I know for me my ultimate goal is some day to play in a qualifier. At this point in my life, I have concede that this is very unlikely, even though my game is quickly improving. But it is still quite a motivator to get better.

[pittpanther]

I would think that although many people have the required HC, most of those people did not achieve that HC through extensive tournament play. In other words, it's easier to have a 1.4 just playing your local courses with friends, than it is to have a 1.4 where something is on the line. I would assume that most people who play the qualifiers aren't doing it on a "lark" - they really think they can hang with the best, and are used to playing competitively.

I would think those who play a qualifier just for fun, would only do it once.

[Bastid]

I haven't simply because I know I cannot compete on that level, yet. It is one thing to carry a good index at your home course, it's another to bring game to a course that is set up quite difficult.

A few years back, Steve Stricker and Mike Small were paired in sectional qualifying together for the Winged Foot Open. The qualifier was at a course here in my hometown so a friend of mine and I went and watched. Now, I played this same country club in high school and while it was not the most difficult of courses, it certainly was no pushover. Stricker went out and proceeded to shoot 65-64. Mike Small shot 69-66 and MISSED qualifying. Those guys can flat out play...anywhere at anytime.

I don't want to make a fool out of myself until I think I have the ability to compete at that level. I just do not yet, but I'm sure as hell working on i t.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Even if i did, i wouldn't play. There is another level of player in those tournaments that I just cant compete with. You get touring pros and world ranked amateurs in those things. The US amateur i would compete in though if i had the HC. My goal is to qualify for the US Mid Am in the next few years.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I haven't simply because I know I cannot compete on that level, yet. It is one thing to carry a good index at your home course, it's another to bring game to a course that is set up quite difficult.

QFT indeed...

[OCdude12]

"Even if i did, i wouldn't play. There is another level of player in those tournaments that I just cant compete with. You get touring pros and world ranked amateurs in those things."

"I don't want to make a fool out of myself until I think I have the ability to compete at that level."

Sorry, but what kind of attitude is that? Understood some people don't play in them because of scheduling conflicts or they simply are not interested in trying, but to say you wouldn't play because you're scared your game is not at that level or you don't want to make a fool of yourself? Why not just quit the game right now because with with a mindset like these, even if you were to get in a postion to play for something that mattered, you'd be the last guys I would ever put a dime on to play well.

If you're able to play to a scratch, why not give it a try? That's the beautiful thing about golf. Any day you can go out there and play the best round of your life, and as a scratch player, that difference is made by holing putts. Get hot with the putter at the right time and magical things can happen. I get so sick of people that don't challenge themselves in situations that aren't in their favor. How do you expect to ever get better at something if you don't push yourself to the next level? The day my index gets low enough that I can compete in major USGA events you bet your ass I'll be playing cause last I checked, in golf you're playing against you and the course, not other people. The second you start worrying about anything else but your own game, you're done.

To quote Sean Connery from "The Rock" - Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f*** the prom queen!

End Rant

[B Keller]

If I were to ever to get to the point where I could play in the qualifier I would do it just for the experience. At the very least I would learn something.

[Bastid]

"Even if i did, i wouldn't play. There is another level of player in those tournaments that I just cant compete with. You get touring pros and world ranked amateurs in those things."

Well, it's also the kind of attitude that is needed. If you fail to shoot below the course rating, you can / will be denied future entrance in the tourney. So I will do it when I feel comfortable doing it. Trust me, I have plenty of confidence in my game but I also know what it takes to play at that level. I just don't think I'm at that point, I would love to go out and play and yes, if I managed to make it through it would be an absolute dream come true but you have to be realistic as some point.

It's not like I'm Scott Hoch and refuse to play in the British just because I don't want to. I'd love to make it to the US Open...who wouldn't?

[plugged]

I played The Works in MT two days before the local qualifier this past year. I had no idea the qualifier was being played there, I just happened to be passing through town and thought I would give it a try. Anyway, I got added to a group of three folks, one of whom was actually playing in the qualifier two days later. I don't want to disparage anyone's game, but i wa not at all impressed with the way he played. I think he shot around an 80 that day, and when I checked the results in the paper a few days late, I found out that only a handful out of 30-40 people had shot around par. Its a tough course, but I was expecting much better play from these guys.

[plugged]

If you fail to shoot below the course rating

Are you sure? That implies only scratch players or better should be playing. And since a HC is a player's potential, in order to ensure that all players are beating the course rating, they would need to raise the eligibility criteria to at least "+" players only.

[clubchamp]

I would like to someday but I need to make a few more strides in my game. Those guys have a great game and I would want to show up and at least be competitive. I'm going to try a couple larger tournaments this year and see which way my handicap goes.

[Bastid]

I apologize. The rule is that you must be within 8 shots of the course rating.

You have a point though plugged. I know a 1.4 HC is already low but honestly think about it for a moment. What do you think a group of tour pros would shoot on your home course? They would take it low, really low. The USGA has to keep the qualifiers somewhat competitive. They realize that if you're in a group with some guys that are shooting in the 90s, it's not the nicest thing for your game. I find it damn hard to play my best when someone in the group is taking four or five shots before I even get to my ball. I shoot under par quite a bit but not to the extent of the tour players, well at least not yet :)

[plugged]

ou have a point though plugged. I know a 1.4 HC is already low but honestly think about it for a moment. What do you think a group of tour pros would shoot on your home course? They would take it low, really low. The USGA has to keep the qualifiers somewhat competitive. They realize that if you're in a group with some guys that are shooting in the 90s, it's not the nicest thing for your game. I find it damn hard to play my best when someone in the group is taking four or five shots before I even get to my ball. I shoot under par quite a bit but not to the extent of the tour players, well at least not yet :)

Yes, but most tour pros are exempt until the sectional. My recollection is that only about 8-10% of the local qualifiers make it to the sectional. I don't think the local qualifiers are meant to be solely comprised of world-ranked amateurs and current or aspiring tour pros. I think the USGA intends it to be an opportunity for all very good golfers to participate in the purest of all golf competitions.

[Lefty-Golfer]

I haven't simply because I know I cannot compete on that level, yet. It is one thing to carry a good index at your home course, it's another to bring game to a course that is set up quite difficult.

This is crazy...WTF

[Lefty-Golfer]

Yes, but most tour pros are exempt until the sectional. My recollection is that only about 8-10% of the local qualifiers make it to the sectional.

This...is a good point. someday, if and when i get to 1 or there about I am going to play. It won't be the first or last time i get my head handed to me and would be a great two days.

[Neil]

To play in qualifiers for the British Open you have to be under 0.5 HC. Getting there is my golfing ambition and when I have the handicap there'll be nothing stopping me playing!

As I've mentioned on here before I once caddied for a friend at a US Open qualifier. It was played around Bethpage Black and I have never seen a course set up so tough! My friend shot in the high 80's and only one person in the group shot in the 70's.

[Chief Broom]

If your goal is to play and compete in a US Open regional qualifier I would be active in your state's amature golf association and their events. Similar circumstances - local regional qualifiers which lead to sectionals prior to the final event. This would give you a chance to compete in this format but on a level that isn't as tough. Do well there (move beyond the local regional) and you'll have a much better expectation of how you'll perform under these circumstances. Also state amature events have higher handicap requirements so you can begin to gain experience with the format as you work on your game. While I believe most men's state amature events still require single digit handicaps many only require an 8 or better.

[DavidFehertysBike]

"Even if i did, i wouldn't play. There is another level of player in those tournaments that I just cant compete with. You get touring pros and world ranked amateurs in those things."

I view it as more being realistic about my ability. Its no different than me thinking i can beat an NBA or college b-ball player in a game of one on one..