2024 Exemption Categories
EXEMPT PLAYERS – Players in category A, B, C, or E are automatically exempt into the starting field providing: they also meet the eligibility requirements posted in the application information ELIGIBILITY section, and (2) there are spaces available.
NON-EXEMPT PLAYERS – If a player is not exempt under any of the below exemption categories and is eligible, he should submit a completed entry form and application fee seeking a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption prior to the application deadline. D-1 Special Consideration Exemption candidates should also attach a golf resume (maximum of one page) to their application. All players who are awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions will be emailed notification of their acceptance into the starting field by June 28, 2024.
The field may be limited by the WGA to a maximum of 156 players. Those not originally accepted into the 156-man field may become alternates for exempt players who subsequently withdraw. Non-exempt players and those who are not awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions can gain entry into the Championship via the Western Amateur Qualifier on July 28th.
A. Exemptions based on WGA Championships:
Western Amateur:
A-1. Champions (2014–2023).
A-2. “Sweet Sixteen” – match-play qualifier (2019–2023).
A-3. Posted 72-hole score (2022–2023).
Western Junior:
A-4. Champions (2022–2024).
A-5. Top three finishers & ties (2024).
B. Exemptions based on ranking systems, teams, & amateur events:
B-1. Any player ranked within the top 175 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking system (see wagr.com) between time of entry and June 21, 2024.
B-2. The top 20 ranked players from the Elite Amateur Golf Series Final Standings – “Elite Amateur Cup” (2023).
B-3. Playing Members of the United States & Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup Teams, four-year exemption once appointed to the team.
B-4. Rolex Junior All-American First Team members (2023).
B-5. Winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship (2021-2023).
B-6. Runner-up of the U.S. Amateur Championship (2023).
B-7. Winner and runner-up of the Amateur Championship conducted by the R&A (2023).
B-8. Winner and runner-up of the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship (2023).
B-9. Winners of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship (2024).
B-10. Winners of the Asia Pacific Amateur (2023), European Amateur (2023), and Latin American Amateur (2024).
C. Exemptions based on collegiate ranking systems, teams, & collegiate events:
C-1. Any player ranked within the top 25 in the Division-1 SPIKEMARK Ranking system between June 3 and June 21, 2024.
C-2. GCAA Division I First Team All-Americans (2023-2024).
C-3. Winners of the NCAA (Div. I, II or III) or NAIA championships – individual champions (2024).
C-4. Winners of the NCAA Division I Regionals – individual champions (2024).
D. Exemptions based on special considerations or invitations:
D-1. A limited number of D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions and/or written invitations may be granted by the Committee. If you do not qualify under the exemption categories listed in A, B, C or E, please apply for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption online.
E. Exemptions based on professional events:
E-1. Posted 72-hole score in a PGA TOUR event, DP World Tour event, or Korn Ferry Tour event (2023–2024).
E-2. Posted a 36-hole score in The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, or The Open Championship (2023–2024).