x
Breaking News
More () »

US Open no longer 'open,' eliminates qualifying for golf major

Qualifying is the hallmark of the U.S. Open. The USGA likes to point out that roughly half of the 156-man field has to go through some form of qualifying.
Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
A grounds crew worker waters the 18th green after the PGA tour canceled the rest of The Players Championship golf tournament as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Friday, March 13, 2020, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

MAMARONECK, N.Y. — The U.S. Open won't have qualifying for the first time since 1924. 

Chalk that up to the COVID-19 pandemic that already has postponed the U.S. Open from June to Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot in New York. 

Qualifying is the hallmark of the U.S. Open. The USGA likes to point out that roughly half of the 156-man field has to go through some form of qualifying. But not this year.

Still to be determined is how the exemptions are created for the rest of the players. 

Among those not already exempt is Phil Mickelson, who has said he won't ask for an invitation.

RELATED: Rory McIlroy delivers the winner as live golf returns to TV

RELATED: CommonGround Golf Course implements touch-free ball retriever

RELATED: PGA Tour plans constant testing, limited access for golf return

Before You Leave, Check This Out