The U.S. Open is unique among golf’s four majors. While most elite events are reserved for tour pros and past champions, the U.S. Open stays true to its name - it’s open. That means any golfer with the skill (and a 0.4 handicap or better) can take a shot at earning a spot in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
But don’t be fooled by the word “open.” Qualifying for the U.S. Open is brutally competitive, and the odds of making it - especially for amateurs or unknown professionals - are incredibly slim. Still, every year, a handful of players make the leap from public courses and mini tours to teeing it up alongside Rory, Scottie, and Bryson.
Here’s what it really takes to qualify for the U.S. Open.
The Two-Stage Gauntlet: Local and Final Qualifying
To earn a spot in the U.S. Open field if you're not already exempt, players must survive two rounds of qualifying:
1. Local Qualifying
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18 holes
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Open to professionals and amateurs with a handicap index of 0.4 or better
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Held at nearly 100 sites across the U.S. and Canada from late April through early May
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Around 9,000 players compete in local qualifying each year
Only a small percentage - usually the top 5–10% at each site - advance to the next stage. These are serious tournaments, often filled with mini tour pros, elite college players, and amateurs chasing the dream.
2. Final Qualifying (“Golf’s Longest Day”)
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36 holes in one day
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Held at about a dozen sites in the U.S., plus one in Japan and one in England
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Usually takes place in late May or early June
This is where it gets real. Final qualifying is known as "Golf’s Longest Day" for a reason - 36 holes, travel stress, brutal pressure, and the highest level of competition short of the PGA Tour itself. You’ll often see seasoned pros, PGA Tour winners, Korn Ferry hopefuls, and standout amateurs all vying for just a handful of spots.
In many cases, only 2 to 5 players make it out of a final qualifying site. That means one poor swing - or even a single missed putt - can be the difference between a spot at the U.S. Open and another year of "almost."
How Hard Is It Really?
To put it in perspective:
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Of the 9,000+ golfers who enter local qualifying each year, fewer than 80 typically make it all the way to the U.S. Open.
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That’s less than 1%.
And even among those who make it, most will miss the cut once they get to the tournament. The course setups at the U.S. Open are unforgiving - thick rough, fast greens, tight fairways. It’s one thing to qualify, and another to contend.
For amateurs and unknown pros, the odds are steep. But the dream is real - and sometimes, it actually happens.
Famous Underdog Stories
Michael Block (2023 PGA Championship)
While not a U.S. Open qualifier story, Michael Block captured hearts with a Cinderella run at the 2023 PGA Championship, where he made the cut and even dunked a hole-in-one. His story underscores just how special it is when club pros or little-known players shine on a major stage.
Block has tried U.S. Open qualifying multiple times - and is a perfect example of how hard the path is, even for top-tier club professionals.
Francis Ouimet (1913 U.S. Open)
The original underdog story. At just 20 years old, Ouimet, an amateur and former caddie, stunned the golf world by defeating British greats Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff. His win is credited with sparking America’s love affair with golf.
Beau Hossler (2012 U.S. Open)
At just 17 years old, Hossler not only qualified for the U.S. Open - he was briefly in contention on the weekend. Though he ultimately faded, his performance remains one of the best by a teenager in major championship history.
Matt Fitzpatrick (2013 U.S. Open)
Before he became a major champion, Fitzpatrick played the U.S. Open as an amateur and even won low amateur honors at Merion. His path from qualifier to eventual U.S. Open winner (at Brookline in 2022) shows what’s possible over time.
Why It Matters
The U.S. Open isn’t just about elite golf - it’s about opportunity. It’s about the dreamers, the grinders, the weekend warriors who decide to take a shot at something bigger. Qualifying for the U.S. Open isn’t just a pathway into a major - it’s a validation of years of work, sacrifice, and belief.
That’s what makes this tournament different. It’s not just the world’s best players—it’s the best stories in golf.
Final Thoughts: Chase the Dream
The odds might be long, but the chance to tee it up in the U.S. Open is real - and that’s what makes it so special. Whether you’re a scratch amateur or just a fan watching from home, it’s worth remembering: everyone starts somewhere. If you’re hitting the grind in your own game, remember that how you show up - mentally and physically - makes all the difference.
