Course Reviews
Why Northern Ireland is a Must for Golfers
Explore 33,000+ golf courses in 180 countries.
Follow the latest news and trends in golf.
Connect with like-minded golfers.
Find everything you need for your golf equipment and gear needs.
Travel, golf resorts, lifestyle, gear, tour highlights and technology.
All Square
Suggestions
Course Reviews
Why Northern Ireland is a Must for Golfers
Majors
Tiger Woods’ Greatest Shots: Moments That Defined a Legend
Clubs
Who Is the Best Wedge Player on Tour So Far This Season?
Clubs
The Best Drivers and Fairway Woods on the Market
Course Reviews
Terras da Comporta: Portugal’s New Golf Destination
Course Reviews
The New Wave of Short Courses
Clubs
Tommy Fleetwood’s WITB at the 2025 DP World India Championship
Course Reviews
Mission Hills, China: The World’s Largest Golf Resort
Amateur Golf
How to Build Strength for Golf
Course Reviews
The Best Mountain Golf Courses in Europe
Clubs
Marco Penge WITB 2025: Victory at the Open de España
Course Reviews
The Gleneagles Experience: A Highland Dream on the Fairways
Community
Top Golf Books Every Player Should Read
Clubs
Robert MacIntyre WITB: Scottish Triumph at the Alfred Dunhill Links
Clubs
Top Putters on the Market in 2025
Course Reviews
Rovos Rail Experience
Course Reviews
The Els Club Vilamoura: Golfing Grandeur in the Algarve
Course Reviews
Where to Travel for Golf in Europe This Spring: Top 5 Destinations
Course Reviews
Why Estonia as a Golf Destination
All Square
Top 10 Golf Courses in the Middle East for 2025: All Square Rankings
Course Reviews
Luxury Golf Trips to Fiji and the South Pacific

The U.S. Amateur is one of the most prestigious events in amateur golf, bringing together the best golfers from around the world to compete on some of the most iconic courses. Whether you’re a seasoned amateur or a rising star in the golf world, qualifying for this tournament is no small feat. It requires dedication, skill, and a clear understanding of the qualification process.

The U.S. Amateur, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), is open to amateur golfers who meet specific criteria. It has been held annually since 1895 and is considered one of the most prestigious events in the world of amateur golf. The tournament offers a unique format: a 36-hole stroke play qualification followed by a match play competition, culminating in a 36-hole final match.
The winner of the U.S. Amateur often earns an invitation to play in the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and other major professional events, which makes this competition even more coveted.

Before diving into the qualifying process, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements for the U.S. Amateur. To participate, golfers must meet the following conditions:
Unlike some other USGA tournaments, there is no age restriction to enter the U.S. Amateur. Players of any age may attempt to qualify, provided they meet the amateur and handicap criteria.

The path to the U.S. Amateur begins with local qualifying tournaments, held across the country at various golf courses. These qualifiers are the first step in a multi-stage process. Here’s how it works:
The number of players who qualify from each sectional varies depending on the number of entrants and the quality of the field. Sectional qualifying events are held in locations all across the country, and in some cases, international golfers may participate in designated overseas events.

After sectional qualifying, the field for the U.S. Amateur is set. Typically, about 312 golfers will compete in the championship, which includes both stroke play and match play components. The tournament field is divided into two segments:

Qualifying for the U.S. Amateur is no small achievement, but it’s only the first step. Once you’ve qualified, the real challenge begins. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for this prestigious event:

To give you an idea of the caliber of players that have made their mark in the U.S. Amateur, here are a few past champions:

The U.S. Amateur is not just a competition; it’s an experience. From the tradition and history of the event to the incredible venues that host the tournament, qualifying for and participating in the U.S. Amateur is an achievement in itself. It’s an opportunity to showcase your skills against the best amateurs in the world, with the chance to earn an invitation to some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.