Register now for 2026 U.S. Senior Challenge
The 2026 U.S. Challenge
Individual and Team Championship
Presented By
The Sun Country Amateur Golf Association & USA Today Sports/Golfweek
Hosted By
French Lick Resort - The Donald Ross Course
French Lick, Indiana
May 31 - June 3, 2026
1200 Points
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You're invited to the 2026 U.S. Senior Challenge, May 31-June 3, 2026, at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. With a historic player's roster that looks like a "who's who" of national senior players, the WAGR power ranking is sure to rival the top senior amateur tournaments in the world.
Now in its 41st year, The U.S. Senior Challenge was the nation's first senior amateur championship to feature four-player state teams competing against one another. Modeled after the college golf format, the tournament crowns both team and individual champions, creating a true "tournament within a tournament."
FORMAT:
- Players may register either as an individual or four-man team.
- Individuals compete in a standard 54-hole stroke play championship.
- State teams play a 54-hole team competition using the best three of four scores each round, while all players also compete individually.
- Teams may include players from different divisions, and individuals from contiguous states may be combined to form a team.
- Team champions and individual winners will be crowned in each division.
"The U.S. Senior Challenge gives an elite senior golfer the rare opportunity to represent their state while also competing in a college-style format," said Cory Armstrong, Executive Director of Sun Country Amateur Golf Association. "The tournament continues to grow stronger every year."
"We're looking for more captains to step up and assemble competitive state teams," added Mike Quinlan, Executive Director of the U.S. Senior Challenge. "Much like the former USGA State Team Championship, we believe it's important to have an event where the best players represent their state."
"We're excited to partner with the U.S. Senior Challenge and The Sun Country Golf Association," said Armand Cimaroli, Director of Events for USA Today Sports/Golfweek. "Their commitment to Senior Amateur golf aligns perfectly with our mission, and this partnership will continue to grow."
ABOUT THE DONALD ROSS COURSE AT FRENCH LICK:
Built in 1917 by one of golf's most influential designers, The Ross has been restored to preserve the integrity of the original design, keeping many of the features that make Ross courses timeless. The Donald Ross course at French Lick Resort stands out as a must-play for golfers who appreciate history, strategy, and timeless layout design.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The U.S. Senior Challenge is certified by The USGA and R&A as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) counting tournament leading to 25+ exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur to be held at Baltimore Country Club (East Course) in Lutherville, MD.
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Tournament Facts:
Eligibility:
- Senior Golfers, must be 55 years old by May 31, 2025
Tees:
-The Senior Division (age 55-64) will play 6300 - 6700 yards
-The Super Senior Division (age 65-69) will play 6000 - 6300 yards
-The Legends Division (age 70-74) will play 5700 - 6000 yards
-The Super Legend Division (age 75+) will play 5400 - 5700 yards
-The yardage will be determined by course conditions and will vary from day to day.
-This is a riding event, and caddies are NOT allowed.
Conditions of Play:
USGA Rules of Golf shall be in effect.
Tournament registration of $899.00 includes four rounds of tournament golf on the Donald Ross Course:
- Sunday, May 31, registration starts 8:00 AM
- Sunday, May 31, Practice round - 10:00 AM shotgun start
- Sunday, May 31, 6 PM, The Challenge Man of the Year Dinner - Included in player registration. There is a guest charge of $100 per person payable at registration. Come as you are - Country Club Casual - Attendance is STRONGLY encouraged.
- Monday through Wednesday, June 1-3, three (3) tournament rounds - with cart, 8:00 AM start.
- Range - Practice range on tournament days opens 1 hour prior to first tee time
- Tee favor
- $75 per player prize fund paid out to the top 1/3 of the starters in each division.
Practice Rounds: Other than May 31 are available at the prevailing club rate by calling the Donald Ross pro-shop at French Lick and identifying yourself as a Senior Challenge participant.
Accommodations: May 31 - June 3, 2026, we have a limited number of discounted rooms available at French Lick for $219 per night plus applicable tax and fee. They are on a first come basis, so please take note on the registration form.
Schedule of Events:
Sunday, May 31
Breakfast available for purchase at French Lick
Practice Round: 10:00 AM Shotgun start.
6 PM Challenge Man of the Year Dinner, included in fee. Guest charge of $100.00 - (You are strongly encouraged to attend)
Monday, June 1
Breakfast available for purchase at French Lick
8:00 AM: Shotgun Start
Lunch available for purchase.
Tuesday, June 2
Breakfast available for purchase at French Lick
8:00 AM: Round 2 - One tee start on #1.
Lunch available for purchase.
Wednesday, June 3
Breakfast available for purchase at French Lick
8:00 AM: Shotgun Start.
1:30 PM: Included awards luncheon.
Individual and Team trophy presentation
Departures
Helpful Links:
Sun Country Amateur Golf Association HERE
French Lick Resort HERE
Golfweek Senior Nation HERE
Contact Us:
Ron Gaines, Golfweek Senior Tournament Director: rgaines@golfweek.com
Mike Quinlan, President/Executive Director of the U.S. Senior Challenge: mjquinl@yahoo.com
Cancellation Policy:
Deadline to register: Monday, May 24, 2026, or until the field is full
Prior to April 10, 2026: 100% refund minus $100 cancellation fee.
April 10 - April 30, 2026: 50% refund.
After April 30, 2026: No Refund
These dates coincide with payments made to French Lick Resort so NO Exceptions
Note: All cancellations/withdrawals from the tournament must go through Ron Gaines, rgaines@golfweek.com in order to receive a refund (if applicable). Do not withdraw yourself using the Golf Genius application as we are not notified, and you are cleared from the tournament portal with no way to process a refund. Thank you.
