Christo Lamprecht gives up U.S. Open exemption to turn pro, heads to qualifier in Georgia: Reports

South African amateur golfer Christo Lamprecht is reportedly giving up his US Open exemption to turn professional. The 23-year-old won The Amateur Championship in 2023 and earned exemptions to compete in the Masters and the US Open in 2024.

He did compete at the Masters 2024 but failed to make the cut. However, according to a recent report by golf journalist Doug Ferguson, Lamprecht is starting his professional journey and will try to qualify for the Major by competing in Monday's final qualifying round.

It is important to note that winning The Amateur Championship only allows golfers to compete in men's Major events if they remain amateurs ahead of the tournaments. However, if Lamprecht starts his professional journey, he would lose his exemptions for the 2024 US Open and have to play in qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the tournament.

Ferguson shared the news about Christo Lamprecht on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing:

"British Amateur champ Christo Lamprecht is giving up spot in US Open to turn pro. Now heads to qualifier in Georgia on Monday."

The US Open is the third Major of the year. It is scheduled to take place next month at Pinehurst No.2 Golf Course. The final qualifying for the Major will take place on Monday, June 3, in the USA and Canada.

Here are the venues hosting the 2024 US Open final qualifying on June 3:

• Cherry Hill Club, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
• Lake Merced Golf Club, Daly City, Calif.
• The Bear’s Club, Jupiter, Fla.
• The Golf Club of Georgia, Alpharetta, Ga.
• Woodmont C.C. (North Course), Rockville, Md.
• Canoe Brook Country Club (North & South Courses), Summit, N.J.
• Duke University Golf Club, Durham, N.C.
• Ohio State University Golf Club (Scarlet Course), Columbus, Ohio
• Springfield C.C., Springfield, Ohio
• Pronghorn Resort (Nicklaus Course), Bend, Ore.

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Christo Lamprecht earns Korn Ferry Tour membership

Christo Lamprecht secured the second spot in the PGA Tour University ranking, which allows him to compete on the Korn Ferry Tour for the 2024 season if he starts his professional career. Lamprecht was a strong contender to top the PGA Tour University ranking and earn the PGA Tour card. However, he withdrew from the NCAA Men's Individual Golf Championship due to an injury.

Michael Thorbjornsen secured the top position in the PGA Tour University ranking, earning the Tour card and becoming the second golfer in history to achieve this via the University ranking program. Last year, Ludvig Aberg topped the ranking and earned the PGA Tour card.

Although Lamprecht did not earn the PGA Tour card, he can still compete on the circuit of sponsor exemption. Additionally, he has an exemption to compete in the final stage of the PGA Tour Q-School qualification in 2024.