U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying is the last gate before the championship. Held at sites across the country in mid-July, each is a single 18-hole stroke-play round contested by the players who came through Local Qualifying in June, along with certain exempt entrants. The spots are scarce — usually two to four per site — so only the lowest scorers punch their ticket to the 2026 U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club, August 10–16. Success demands tournament-caliber ball-striking and the nerve to peak in a single, decisive round.
About U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying
Recent qualifying sites
34- Jul 22, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Aurora Country ClubAurora, IL
- Jul 22, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - The Clubs of KingwoodKingwood, TX
- Jul 22, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Columbine Country ClubLittleton, CO
- Jul 22, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Dutchman's Pipe ClubWest Palm Beach , FL
- Jul 21, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Dallas National Golf ClubAlpharetta, GA
- Jul 20, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Country Club of LandfallWilmington, NC
- Jul 20, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Rivermont Golf ClubAlpharetta, GA
- Jul 20, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Sara Bay Country ClubSarasota, FL
- Jul 20, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Llanerch Country ClubHavertown, PA
- Jul 20, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Boston Golf ClubHingham, MA
- Jul 16, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Moon Valley Country ClubPhoenix, AZ
- Jul 15, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Old Hickory Golf ClubSaint Charles, MO
- Jul 15, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Ohio State University Golf ClubColumbus, OH
- Jul 14, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Emerald Valley Golf ClubCreswell, OR
- Jul 13, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Brooklawn Country ClubFairfield, CT
- Jul 13, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Dacotah Ridge Golf ClubMorton, MN
- Jul 13, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Ruby Hill Golf ClubPleasanton, CA
- Jul 13, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - The Country ClubSalt Lake City, UT
- Jul 13, 2026U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Mission ViejoMission Viejo, CA
- Jul 30, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Chambers BayUniversity Place, WA
- Jul 28, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Rockwall Golf & Athletic ClubRockwall, TX
- Jul 28, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Wellesley Country ClubWellesley Hills, MA
- Jul 23, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Aldeen Golf ClubRockford, IL
- Jul 21, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Milburn Country ClubOverland Park, KS
- Jul 21, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Standard ClubJohns Creek, GA
- Jul 21, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - The Country Club at DC RanchScottsdale, AZ
- Jul 17, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - The Club at P.B. DyeIjamsville, MD
- Jul 17, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Glen Oaks Golf ClubWest Des Moines, IA
- Jul 14 — 31, 2025U.S. Amateur Final QualifyingVarious sites
- Jul 14, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Whippoorwill ClubArmonk, NY
- Jul 14, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Eagle Point Golf ClubWilmington, NC
- Jul 14, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Rancho Santa Fe Golf ClubRancho Santa Fe, CA
- Jul 14, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Lake Nona Country ClubOrlando, FL
- Jul 14, 2025U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying - Braeburn Country ClubHouston, TX
Inside U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying
MembersThe toughest day in amateur golf
Final Qualifying is the narrow end of the funnel. About 19 sites are played from July 13–22, with fields of roughly 78 to 84 — every one of them already a Local Qualifying survivor or an exempt player. Most sites award only two to four berths, so somewhere around 50 to 60 championship places are decided he
Members-only analysis
The venues, the field, and how to play your way through — plus full coverage of U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying.
Join to read the full breakdownFrequently asked questions
How many players advance from each U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying site?
Usually two to four per site, depending on field size and USGA allocation. The lowest scorers advance; ties for the final qualifying position are decided by a playoff.
Do I need to qualify locally before playing in Final Qualifying?
Yes. Players must advance through Local Qualifying — or hold an exemption based on national ranking or past performance — to earn a place in a Final Qualifying site.
Is Final Qualifying one day or two?
Final Qualifying is a single 18-hole round played in one day. The USGA moved away from the old 36-hole qualifier as part of its 2024 format changes.
Can I choose which Final Qualifying site to enter?
Players typically list site preferences when they enter, and the USGA assigns them based on availability, proximity and field balance. Exempt players may have more flexibility.
What happens if weather disrupts Final Qualifying?
The USGA has contingency plans for each site. If the round cannot be completed as scheduled, play may be reduced, settled by playoff, or extended to a second day where the calendar allows.
Where does Final Qualifying lead?
Straight to the championship. Players who advance earn a spot in the 312-player field at the 2026 U.S. Amateur, contested at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, August 10–16.