US Amateur Qualifying

[WillM]

Not sure if this is the right place for this question but nonetheless I will ask here anyway. After reading A Good Walk Spoiled and Open, both by John Feinstein, I have been inspired to qualify for an Amateur in my future but as far as I know they still use USGA handicap CARDS. Do they still use cards or is everything electronic now? I know I have some work to do only being an 8 handicap currently but I am working hard towards becoming a scratch golfer and playing in the US Amateur is one of my many golfing dreams :-)

[David in FL]

I'm not sure I understand the question. In order to apply for a qualifying spot in the U.S. Amateur, you need a maximum handicap index of 2.4. Whichever USGA approved body provides your handicap will be able to provide the documentation necessary to demonstrate that you meet that requirement.

[WillM]

That actually answers my question, I think. So if you were in a local qualifier for the championship USGA would have proof that you had an index of 2.4 or less? You do not need to supply it yourself?

[David in FL]

That actually answers my question, I think. So if you were in a local qualifier for the championship USGA would have proof that you had an index of 2.4 or less? You do not need to supply it yourself?

This link will get you started. https://champs.usga.org/ First step is that 2.4 index though..... ;-)

[jamo]

You might want to try out your state amateur first, or some of your other state tournaments. For example, in MA you only need a 12 handicap to get into the qualifier for the Public Links, a 5.4 to get into the Mid-Am qualifier, and a 4.4 to get into the Amateur qualifier. [quote name="David in FL" url="/t/63913/us-amateur-qualifying/0_30#post_794896"] This link will get you going. https://mediacredentials.usga.org/media/index.aspx First step is that 2.4 index though..... ;-)[/quote] You need media credentials to play in the US Amateur? EDIT: Never mind, you caught that before I finished typing. ;-)

[David in FL]

You might want to try out your state amateur first, or some of your other state tournaments. For example, in MA you only need a 12 handicap to get into the qualifier for the Public Links, a 5.4 to get into the Mid-Am qualifier, and a 4.4 to get into the Amateur qualifier. You need media credentials to play in the US Amateur? EDIT: Never mind, you caught that before I finished typing. ;-)

Fat fingers.... ;-)

[CanuckAaron]

Make sure to play in as many tournaments as you can while you work on lowering your handicap, even if they are small local events. The experience you will gain playing under pressure is one of the most beneficials things you can do for your golf game if you want to play competitive golf.

Having a low index does not necessarily equate to being able to produce under pressure. Shooting even par with your friends on your home course is a completely different game than playing qualifiers at major events with rules officials, starting tee announcers and the pressure of having to perform on a specific day.

[WillM]

Thanks for the support and info guys. Sounds like lower the handicap first and keep playing local tournaments. Thanks!

[wick87]

how do you get your handicap documented ?? i have been playing since i was 12 but have just began getting serouis the past 6 months obviously i do have a lot of work to do being a 12 handicap but i have no idea how to prove my handicap so that i can qualify for tournaments, any suggestions??

[Golfingdad]

how do you get your handicap documented ?? i have been playing since i was 12 but have just began getting serouis the past 6 months obviously i do have a lot of work to do being a 12 handicap but i have no idea how to prove my handicap so that i can qualify for tournaments, any suggestions??

Contact a local golf course and ask them about getting a USGA handicap.  Typically, a public course will have a "mens club" and a "women club" that cost maybe 50 or 60 bucks to join and it includes an official USGA handicap.

Also, there are sometimes online clubs you can join, just try googling for online golf clubs in your area.