How many golfers are in the U.S. Open field?

Last Modified Jun 9, 2024 09:34 GMT
How many golfers are in the U.S. Open field
U.S. Open field(Source: Official Facebook Page of the U.S. Open)

Of the four annual golf majors, the U.S. Open was established by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1895; the organization itself was founded in 1894. The event is usually held in mid-June and has only been cancelled during both World Wars.

The U.S. Open has been played in a 72-hole stroke-play format since 1898. The tournament was initially dominated by seasoned British competitors until 1911 when John J. McDermott became the first American to win the event as a native-born citizen. Soon after, American players started to consistently win, and the event evolved to become one of the four majors.

Read More : Pinehurst Resort Hole List

The U.S. Open Field

The U.S. Open has a field of 156 golfers.

There are 156 players in the field for the U.S. Open, and any professional player can apply to qualify. However, due to a lengthy list of exemptions, the majority of the field is typically occupied by players who are exempt from qualifying. Amateur golfers may also apply if their handicap is no greater than 1.4.

Know More : US Open Field

The U.S. Open Field Exemptions

The field exemptions for the U.S. Open are as follows:

No.Exemptions
1Winners of the U.S. Open for the last ten years
2Winner and runner-up from the previous year's U.S. Amateur (still amateurs)
3Winners of the previous year's U.S. Junior Amateur (still amateurs)
4Winner of the U.S. Mid-Amateur (still amateurs)
5Winner of the U.S. Amateur (may turn professional and retain eligibility)
6Winner of the previous year's Amateur Championship
7Previous year's Mark H. McCormack Medal winner
8Winners of the Masters, Open Championship, and PGA Championship for the last five years
9Winners of the last three Players Championships
10Winner of the current year's BMW PGA Championship
11Winner of the last U.S. Senior Open
12Players who win multiple U.S. PGA Tour events offering 500+ points
13Reigning men's Olympic gold medalist (year after the Olympics)
14Top 10 finishers and ties from the previous year's U.S. Open
15Players who qualified for the previous year's Tour Championship
16Top 60 in the OWGR as of the tournament date
17Top player in the PGA Tour second-tier developmental series points from the previous season (starting in 2023)
17Special exemptions selected by the USGA
18The remaining spots are filled by alternates from qualifying tournaments

Read More : US Open Winners

FAQ's On U.S. Open field

A. The U.S. Open's field is set at 156 players each year. 

A. After 36 holes, the field for the U.S. Open is reduced to the top 60 players and ties.

A. Any professional golfer can apply to qualify for the U.S. Open.

A. In total, 18 LIV golfers will be exempt from at least one major in 2024.

A. Any professional can qualify for the U.S. Open; however, amateurs need a handicap of at least 1.4.

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