U.S. Open Local Qualifying is the first competitive step toward golf's most demanding major championship. Held each May at over 100 sites across the United States, local qualifying gives amateur and professional golfers a chance to advance through an 18-hole stroke-play test to sectional qualifying and, ultimately, the U.S. Open. Sites range from Alaska to Florida, with fields typically including club professionals, top amateurs, and former Tour players. Most qualifiers award 3–6 spots depending on field size. Success requires sharp course management, consistent ball-striking, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations in a single-day format.
About U.S. Open Local Qualifying
Recent qualifying sites
60- May 18, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Palmer, AlaskaPalmer, AK
- May 13, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Mallard, LouisianaLake Charles, LA
- May 13, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at CasaBlanca, NevadaMesquite, NV
- May 13, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Warm Springs, IdahoBoise, ID
- May 13, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Kensington, FloridaNaples, FL
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Weymouth, OhioMedina, OH
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Ironwood, CaliforniaPalm Desert, CA
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Keswick, VirginiaKeswick, VA
- May 12, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Meadow Springs, WashingtonRichland, WA
- May 12, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Missoula, MontanaMissoula, MT
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at The Cardinal, N.C.Greensboro, NC
- May 12, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Hackberry Creek, TexasIrving, TX
- May 12, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Kirkbrae, Rhode IslandLincoln, RI
- May 12, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Arroyo Trabuco, CaliforniaMission Viejo, CA
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Berkshire Hills, MassachusettsPittsfield, MA
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at St. Thomas, CanadaSt. Thomas, Ontario, CAN
- May 10, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Battle Creek, MichiganBattle Creek, MI
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Mendakota, MinnesotaMendota Heights, MN
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at The Club at Greystone, N.Y.Walworth, NY
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Canongate on White Oak, GeorgiaNewnan, GA
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Shingle Creek, FloridaOrlando, FL
- May 10, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Creekside , OregonSalem, OR
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at The Club at Vineyards, FloridaNaples, FL
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at The Club at P.B. Dye, MarylandIjamsville, MD
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Fairview, ConnecticutGreenwich, CT
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Scioto Reserve, OhioPowell, OH
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Phoenix, ArizonaPhoenix, AZ
- May 10, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Papago, ArizonaPhoenix, AZ
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at The Club at Sonterra, TexasSan Antonio, TX
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Flossmoor, IllinoisFlossmoor, IL
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Hallbrook, KansasLeawood, KS
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Willow Creek, UtahSandy, UT
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Classic Club, CaliforniaPalm Desert, CA
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Duke University, N.C.Durham, NC
- May 10, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Marsh Creek, FloridaSaint Augustine, FL
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Nashville, TennesseeBrentwood, TN
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Metropolis, N.Y.White Plains, NY
- May 10, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Elmhurst, PennsylvaniaMoscow, PA
- May 11, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Shaker Ridge, New YorkLoudonville, NY
- May 6, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Silver Lakes, AlabamaGlencoe, AL
- May 7, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Rancho La Quinta, CaliforniaLa Quinta, CA
- May 7, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Riverton, WyomingRiverton, WY
- May 7, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Thorncreek, ColoradoThornton, CO
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Turf Valley, MarylandEllicott City, MD
- May 6, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Plantation Bay, FloridaOrmond Beach, FL
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Moorings, FloridaVero Beach, FL
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Pasatiempo, CaliforniaSanta Cruz, CA
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at River Landing, N.C.Wallace, NC
- May 6, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Omaha, NebraskaOmaha, NE
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at The Country Club, TennesseeMorristown, TN
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Great River, ConnecticutMilford, CT
- May 4, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Andalusia, CaliforniaLa Quinta, CA
- May 4, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Collindale, ColoradoFort Collins, CO
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Ruby Hill, CaliforniaPleasanton, CA
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Walnut Creek, ColoradoWestminster, CO
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at WingHaven, MissouriO'Fallon, MO
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Hot Springs, ArkansasHot Springs, AR
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at North Shore, WisconsinMequon, WI
- May 5, 2026U.S. Open Local Qualifying at Red Hawk, New MexicoLas Cruces, NM
Inside U.S. Open Local Qualifying
MembersThe Gateway to Golf's Toughest Test
U.S. Open Local Qualifying represents the most democratic pathway in championship golf. Each May, the USGA conducts local qualifiers at courses in nearly every state, creating opportunities for golfers who might otherwise never compete on the national stage. The 2026 calendar includes sites as geographically diverse as
Members-only analysis
The venues, the field, and how to play your way through — plus full coverage of U.S. Open Local Qualifying.
Join to read the full breakdownFrequently asked questions
How many spots does each U.S. Open local qualifying site award?
The number varies by site and field size, typically ranging from 3 to 6 qualifying spots. The USGA determines allocations based on expected participation and regional representation. Ties for the final spot(s) are resolved by playoff.
Who is eligible to enter U.S. Open local qualifying?
Any male golfer with a Handicap Index not exceeding 1.4 may enter. Both amateurs and professionals are eligible. Players submit entries through the USGA, selecting their preferred site on a first-come basis until fields are full.
When do U.S. Open local qualifiers take place?
Local qualifying is held in early to mid-May, typically across a one-week window. Most 2026 sites are scheduled between May 11 and May 17, approximately one month before sectional qualifying.
What happens if I advance from local qualifying?
Qualifiers advance to sectional qualifying, held at approximately a dozen sites in early June. Sectional qualifiers play 36 holes in one day, with the top finishers earning spots in the U.S. Open field.
Can I choose which local qualifying site to enter?
Yes. When entering, you select your preferred site from the available locations. Sites fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so early entry is advantageous, especially for popular or conveniently located venues.
What is the format for U.S. Open local qualifying?
All local qualifiers are 18-hole stroke-play events conducted in a single day. There are no practice rounds guaranteed, and the format demands immediate course management and execution under tournament conditions.