U.S. Open Exemptions Announced
The United States Golf Association accepted a record 7,889 qualified entries for the 1999 U.S. Open June 17-20 at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club (No. 2 Course), an increase of 772 over 1998. More than 2,500 arrived on the last three days before the April 28 deadline.
Highlighting the accepted entries are 10 past champions and 64 golfers who are currently fully exempt from qualifying for the upcoming Championship. The number of fully exempt players possibly could increase with the inclusion of the top 10 money leaders on the PGA Tour and the top two money leaders on the European PGA Tour at the end of May. Currently, Steve Pate and David Howell would gain exemption from the PGA Tour and European PGA Tour, respectively.
Local qualifying at more than 90 sites will begin May 12th. Sectional qualifying at 13 sites will be held June 7-8.
In addition to defending champion Lee Janzen (1998,1993), other past winners who are exempt are: Ernie Els (1997,1994), Steve Jones (1996), Corey Pavin (1995), Tom Kite (1992), Payne Stewart (1991), Hale Irwin (1990, 1979,1974), Curtis Strange (1989,1988), Tom Watson (1982) and Jack Nicklaus (1980,1972, 1967,1962).
An Open champion receives a full exemption into the field for 10 years. Watson is exempt for placing among the PGA Tour's top 30 money-winners for 1998, while Nicklaus received a special exemption for three years beginning in 1998.
The Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. Other championships include the U.S. Women's Open, the U.S. Senior Open, and 10 amateur competitions.
Players fully exempt (64) for the 1999 U.S. Open as of 4/29/99
Key to player exemptions
1 Winners of the U.S. Open Championship for the last 10 years.2 Winner of the 1998 U.S. Amateur Championship.
3 Winners of the Masters Tournament the last five years.
4 Winners of the British Open Championship the last five years.
5 Winners of the PGA of America Championship the last five years.
6 Winner of the 1999 Players Championship.
7 Winner of the 1998 U.S. Senior Open Championship.
8 From the 1998 U.S. Open Championship, the 15 lowest scorers and anyone tying for 15th place.
9 From the 1998 final official PGA Tour money list, the top 30 money leaders.
10 From the 1998 final official PGA European Tour, the top 15 money leaders.
11 From the 1999 official PGA Tour money list, the top 10 money leaders through May 30.
12 Any multiple winner of PGA Tour co-sponsored events whose victories are considered official from April 22, 1998, through the close of entries on April 28, 1999.
13 International players not otherwise exempt as selected by the USGA Executive Committee.
14 Special exemptions selected by the USGA Executive Committee.
15 From the 1999 PGA European Tour, the top two money leaders through May 31.
16 From the 1998 final World Rankings list, the top 20 players.
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