While the North & South certainly didn't need extra cache, the field will receive a boost this year with the tournament’s inclusion into the Elite Amateur Golf Series, which is comprised of seven historic amateur championships across the country where golfers can compete in a points-based Elite Amateur Cup.
After the conclusion of the series, the top finishers, based on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points earned while competing in the seven events, could receive an exemption into USGA and Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour events.
“All the amateur tournaments in there are really top-notch,” Pinehurst tournament director Matt Nunez told The Pilot. “The fact that we were able to strengthen our field year over year in recent history really played a part in joining the Elite Amateur Series.”
Last year, Australian Louis Dobbelaar held off hometown favorite Jackson Van Paris (Pinehurst, N.C.) with a sudden-death victory on the first playoff hole.
North & South Amateur Schedule
Tuesday, June 28 -- Stroke Play First Round (No. 2 & No. 4)
Wednesday, June 29 -- Stroke Play Second Round (No. 2 & No. 4)
Thursday, June 30 -- Match Play Round of 32 (No. 2)
Friday, July 1 -- Match Play Round of 16 (No. 2)
Saturday, July 2 - Match Play Quarterfinals (No. 2)
Sunday, July 3 -- Semifinals and Championship Matches (No. 2)