126TH U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP LOCAL QUALIFYING

QUALIFYING INFORMATION

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, & GUIDELINES:

Before participating, participants should review the SCGA’s Policies & Procedures.

 

FORMAT:

  • All players will participate in an 18-hole stroke-play qualifier.
  • Qualifiers will advance to U.S. Open Final Qualifying between May 18 – June 8.
  • The 126th U.S. Open Championship will take place June 12 - 15, 2026 at Shinnecock Hills GC in Southampton, NY.
  • The Committee will announce the final number of qualifying spots at each site on the day of play.
  • In the event of a tie for the last qualifying place or an alternate’s position, there will be a hole-by-hole playoff immediately following the conclusion of regular play.

 

STARTING TIMES & PAIRINGS:

  • Starting times and pairings will be emailed to players and posted online at scga.org one week before the qualifier.
  • There will not be a player registration process on the morning of the qualifier.
  • Lead groups should plan to be at their assigned tee 10 minutes before their starting time. Subsequent groups are encouraged to arrive once the preceding group has teed off. Players arriving late will be penalized under Rule 5.3a of the Rules of Golf. For example, the 9:00 a.m. starting time is defined as 9:00:00, and players arriving after that time are considered late.

   

DRIVING RANGE:

The driving range at each site will be available one hour before the first starting time unless otherwise noted in the qualifying site-specific information. Range balls will be provided.

 

PRACTICE ROUNDS:

  • Practice rounds are a privilege, not a right. The SCGA works with a variety of facilities throughout the year, all of which have unique policies and procedures when it comes to practice rounds. These opportunities will be provided at the sole discretion of the host facility.
  • We are guests and must follow all facility policies and guidelines when on property. Behavior during practice rounds will be subject to the SCGA Code of Conduct.

 

 

QUALIFYING SITE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

 

Rams Hill GC, Borrego Springs (Monday, April 27):

  • Practice Rounds: Standard rates before 4/26. Discounted rate of $150 on 4/26 after 12 pm. Book by calling the pro shop (760) 767-3500. A limited number of packages are also available to include the practice round on 4/26 and a night at the Borrego Springs resort for $330 (all taxes and fees included). This and other potential stay and play packages can be arranged by contacting stay@ramshill.com or call Robert Reid, Director of Sales, at (760) 531-2507.
  • Tee Markers & Yardages: Play will be from the USGA tee markers. Please click here for hole-by-hole yardages.
  • Food Service & Purchases: The Restaurant will be available by 7 a.m. Ram Shack will be open as well starting at 9 a.m. Cash and major credit cards will be accepted.
  • StrackaLine Booklet: The SCGA and StrackaLine have teamed up to allow our participants the opportunity to purchase StrackaLine Yardage & Green booklets at a discounted price. Please click here to purchase your StrackaLine Booklet. All booklets conform to the Rules of Golf and may be used in tournament play.

 

 

RULES OF PLAY

 

RULES OF PLAY:

  • The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA and The R&A Rules Limited govern play.
  • Local Rules and Terms of the Competition can be found on the USGA Hard Card and the Notice to Players that will be distributed on-site.
  • Distance-Measure Devices: Permitted during qualifying rounds but not at the championship proper.
  • Groove and Punch Mark Specifications: Local Rule as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect, except as modified by the applicable championship Entry Application. Model Local Rule G-2.
  • Prohibiting Use of Certain Types of Shoes: During a round, a player must not wear shoes with spikes of any design that are entirely or partially made of metal if such metal may come into contact with the course. Model Local Rule G-7.
  • Information on Green-Reading Materials can be found here.
  • Click here to review the SCGA Pace of Play Policy.

 

GOLF CARTS & PULL/PUSH CARTS:

  • During a round, a player and/or caddie must not ride on any form of motorized transportation except as authorized or later approved by the Committee. Model Local Rule G-6.
  • Players seeking to use a golf cart due to a medical or ADA-related reason must contact the USGA in advance of the qualifier.
  • Pull or push carts (including motorized pull or push carts) are allowed.

 

CADDIES & SPECTATORS:

  • Players may provide their own caddie.
  • Spectators are permitted but are not allowed in carts. Spectators must adhere to all policies set forth by the facility.
  • Please see site-specific qualifying information for any restrictions on caddies and/or spectators.

 

DRESS CODE:

Appropriate golf attire must be worn, including adhering to any club-specific policies.

 

CANCELATIONS & REFUNDS:

  • To withdraw before the start of the qualifier, a player must contact both the: