Golf Tip
Qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur – USGA Facts, Locations, and History
Each year, top junior golfers from across the globe come together for the U.S. Junior Amateur, the famed junior championship hosted by the USGA. This is a comprehensive summary of all of the information you should know if you (your junior golfer) are hoping to qualify.
Background
The U.S. Junior Amateur is widely considered the most prestigious junior golf championship in the world. A tournament over 100 years old, the USGA hosts this event as a collective test for the world’s best young golfers. Tiger Woods, the tournament’s most decorated participant, won three consecutive years between his 15th and 18th birthdays. Other notable winners include Jordan Spieth (2x), David Duval, Hunter Mahan, and Johnny Miller.
2020 Location – Hazeltine National Golf Club
The 2020 U.S. Junior Amateur is set for the famed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Hazeltine National is a private club located southwest of Minneapolis. It has played host to many important tournaments including four majors, U.S. Open Championship and PGA Championship (each twice), NCAA Division I Men’s Championship, and is one of only two American golf clubs to be chosen for two Ryder Cups. The Chaska Town Course will play host to the stroke play rounds of the tournament, as it has for other large tournaments.
Qualifying
In 2020, the main event field is expanding from 156 to 264 competitors. Official information on cut lines and structure has not yet been released so it is unclear how this will affect the tournament structure. However, below is the traditional play and qualifier structure.
The tournament is open to any golfer who has not reached his 19th birthday and whose Handicap Index does not exceed 4.4. All participants must have an active, registered Handicap Index with the USGA. Local qualifiers are hosted at 56 locations across the U.S.
Play Schedule
Day 1: Stroke Play
Day 2: Stroke Play
*Low scoring players from the stroke play round advance to match play.
Day 3: Round of 64, Match Play
Day 4: Round of 32/Round of 16, Match Play
Day 5: Quarterfinals/Semi-Finals, Match Play
Day 6: Championship Match, 36-Hole Match Play
Winners – The U.S. Open Championship Exemption
New in 2017, winners of the U.S. Junior Amateur are awarded an exemption for the U.S. Open Championship. This means the winner is awarded the opportunity to compete against the world’s best professionals in a major championship.