Exempt Players

I am exempt. How do I apply to play?

On June 26, the USGA’s Championship Administration Team will contact each exempt player directly with instructions on how to file an entry. If an exempt player is unsure whether the USGA has his/her contact information, he/she should complete the Preliminary Application located at champs.usga.org and wait for a follow-up email.
 

I am exempt but cannot currently enter the United States of America. How should I proceed?

The USGA understands that some travel restrictions are in place that may affect a player’s ability to enter the United States.  As players file their entry to compete, the USGA will share the latest information on international travel to the United States. Individuals will have to closely follow updates to those restrictions and determine his/her ability to travel. . 
 

Does the USGA plan to implement COVID-19 testing on-site at the championship?

The USGA believes the safest way to proceed with its championships is to introduce testing protocols for all players in the field to minimize the risk of infection. More information on testing protocols will be available when entries open on June 26, but players should expect testing to be a part of the process.
 

Will I be allowed to have someone travel with me? Will they be allowed on-site at the championship?  Will they be expected to undergo the same testing procedures?

A player in the championship may be accompanied by up to two individuals when traveling to the championship. The maximum of two individuals is to include parents, guardians, siblings and caddies.  Those traveling with a player must undergo all the same testing protocols that will be established for competitors.
 

I am exempt. Should I book travel to Maryland or Oregon at this point?

Once a player completes his/her entry application, he/she will be contacted by the USGA to assist with all travel and transportation arrangements. Because there will be specific guidelines in place for travel, please wait until the USGA contacts you before proceeding with travel arrangements.
 

I am exempt. Can I book accommodations at this point?

Once a player completes his/her entry application, they will be contacted by the USGA to assist with accommodations for the championship. Because there will be specific guidelines in place for accommodations, players must book accommodations through the USGA.
 

What other safety guidelines will be in effect at the championships?

The USGA is working with local, county and state health/wellness officials to provide the safest environment possible for players. All individuals traveling to the championship can expect COVID-19 testing as well as many other safety guidelines, including social distancing, frequent hand cleaning and use of personal protective equipment. Guidelines will be provided closer to the championship and are subject to change to stay up to date with local, state and national guidelines.
 

Non-Exempt Players

I am not exempt but would like to be considered for an alternate position. How should I proceed?

All players who would like to be considered for an alternate position should complete the Preliminary Application located at champs.usga.org beginning Friday, June 26. Once submitted, all further communication will be received directly from the USGA. If a player does not complete the Preliminary Application prior to the close of entries on July 8, 2020 at 5 p.m. EDT, they will not be considered for an alternate position. The USGA encourages any player who is ranked within the World Amateur Golf Rankings to complete the Preliminary Application.
 

Miscellaneous

How best can I determine whether or not I am able to travel to the United States to play in the championship?

The USGA understands that travel restrictions are in place that may affect a player’s ability to enter the United States. When entries open on June 26, the USGA will provide links to the latest travel restrictions. Individuals will have to closely follow updates to those restrictions to determine his/her ability to travel.
 

Will fans be allowed to attend both championships?

Unfortunately, both championships will be conducted without fans.

Will caddies be permitted at both championships?

Players will be allowed to utilize a caddie during the championships. A player’s caddie will be counted within his/her maximum of two individuals who can accompany a player to the championship. A player may also elect to carry his/her golf bag or use a pull-cart/golf trolly. 
 

Why is the WAGR cutoff for the championships on June 24, which seems early for August events? 

Due to the uncertain times, using the most current WAGR prior to the release of entries permits players to begin the process of preparing for a national championship as soon as possible. Additionally, this will allow players ample time to review all safety protocols set forth prior to committing to play in the championship. It also allows players who are not exempt, but near the WAGR cutoff, to know their status as a potential alternate when entries open.

Are there any opportunities for players to play their way into the championship since there is no qualifying this year?

There are several opportunities for players to play their way into the championship. For the U.S. Amateur, the winners and runners-up of the 2020 North & South Amateur and Western Amateur Championship, and winners and runners-up (including ties) of the 2020 Southern Amateur and Sunnehanna Amateur Championships will all earn a spot in the field. For the U.S. Women’s Amateur, the winners and runners-up of the 2020 North & South Women’s Amateur and Women’s Western Amateur, and winner and runner-up (including ties) of the 2020 Ladies National Golf Association Championship will all earn a spot in the field.
 

Why did the USGA make the decision to reduce the overall field size for both championships?

 In collaboration with the states of Maryland and Oregon, each championship will be implementing a number of safety guidelines, including some that affect the competition itself.  A small reduction in each field gives us the best opportunity to conduct the championship safely.
 

Does the USGA envision keeping some of the 2020 exemption categories for future USGA amateur championships?

Exemptions for all USGA championships are evaluated on a yearly basis. With the anticipated return of qualifying in 2021, the exemption criteria for the 2021 U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur likely will resemble championships conducted in 2019 and prior years.