Far Hills, NJ (Sports Network) - The United States Golf Association announced local qualifying sites for the 2013 U.S. Open Championship on Tuesday.
Local qualifying will be conducted over 18 holes at 111 sites from May 3-16 in 43 states. Players who succeed in local qualifiers will advance to sectional qualifying, which will take place over 36 holes at 11 U.S. sites on June 3. International qualifying is scheduled for May 27, with Japan and England both hosting for the ninth consecutive year.
"The U.S. Open's local and sectional qualifying process exemplifies a tremendous commitment by the state and regional associations and we are grateful for their support," said USGA vice president and Championship Committee chairman Thomas J. O'Toole Jr. "U.S. Open qualifying remains unique and democratic in that every amateur golfer who meets the Handicap Index requirement can compete. Local qualifying is where the quest to play in our National Championship begins."
The Club at Admirals Cove's East Course in Jupiter, Florida, will host the first local qualifying event on May 3. In all, the Sunshine State is set to host 16 local qualifying tournaments, while California is scheduled for 14.
Six clubs will host a U.S. Open local qualifying event for at least the 10th straight year. Illini Country Club, in Springfield, Illinois, has held a local qualifier since the late 1940s, while Maketewah Country Club, in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been a host for over four decades.
Last year, eight players made the cut at the U.S. Open after advancing through local and sectional qualifying -- the most since 1997. Scott Langley and amateur Beau Hossler tied for 29th at The Olympic Club after locally qualifying at The Legacy Golf and Tennis Club, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Oakmont Country Club, in Glendale, California, respectively. Both clubs are again hosting local qualifiers this year.
The 2013 U.S. Open will be held for the fifth time at Merion Golf Club, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, from June 13-16.
