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U.S. Women's Open Local Qualifying

47 recent qualifying sites

About U.S. Women's Open Local Qualifying

U.S. Women's Open local qualifying represents the most accessible entry point into the USGA's premier women's championship. Held annually at dozens of sites across the United States and select international locations, these 18-hole stroke play qualifiers give amateurs and professionals alike a chance to advance toward golf's oldest women's major. The 2026 local qualifying slate includes 47 sites spanning from Honolulu Country Club in Hawaii to The Buckinghamshire in England, with events scheduled primarily in early-to-mid May. Advancing players earn spots in sectional qualifying, where the final field for the U.S. Women's Open is determined.

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Inside U.S. Women's Open Local Qualifying

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The Path to the Championship

Local qualifying serves as the first of two qualifying stages for players without exemptions into the U.S. Women's Open. The USGA schedules these one-day events at courses representing a broad geographic and competitive spectrum—from resort destinations like Streamsong Golf Resort in Florida to historic private clubs such as

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Frequently asked questions

How many players advance from each U.S. Women's Open local qualifying site?

The number of advancing spots varies by site based on field size and the USGA's sectional qualifying needs. Typically, between two and five players per local qualifier advance to sectional qualifying. The USGA publishes specific advancement numbers for each site in the weeks leading up to the event.

Can I enter multiple U.S. Women's Open local qualifiers?

Yes, USGA rules permit players to enter multiple local qualifying sites, provided the dates don't conflict and they meet eligibility requirements. Many competitive amateurs strategically enter two or three qualifiers to maximize their chances of advancing. Players must pay separate entry fees for each site.

What is the typical format for local qualifying?

All U.S. Women's Open local qualifiers use an 18-hole stroke play format completed in a single day. In the event of ties for the final advancing spot(s), the USGA conducts a hole-by-hole playoff immediately following the round. There are no amateur vs. professional divisions—all players compete in one combined field.

Do I need a USGA Handicap Index to enter local qualifying?

Yes, the USGA requires amateur players to carry an active Handicap Index, and historically that index must not exceed 4.4 for U.S. Women's Open qualifying. Professional players do not need a handicap. All entrants must meet the USGA's eligibility requirements, which include age minimums and good standing with amateur status rules if applicable.

When do U.S. Women's Open local qualifiers typically take place?

Local qualifying is concentrated in a roughly two-week window during early-to-mid May, approximately one month before sectional qualifying. The 2026 schedule shows sites running from May 7 (Honolulu) through May 12 (multiple locations including Cross Timbers, Texas and Bermuda Dunes, California). Exact dates vary slightly by region and site availability.

What happens if I advance from local qualifying?

Players who advance from local qualifying earn a spot in sectional qualifying, a 36-hole event typically held in late May or early June. Sectional qualifiers determine the final field for the U.S. Women's Open itself. The USGA assigns advancing players to specific sectional sites based on geography and field balance, though players can sometimes request alternate locations.