Open to the public, too

The USGA begins its championship season next week with local qualifying for the 108th U.S. Open. Though this stage is only the first, it is still one of golf's best kept secrets. Here is a link to a list of the sites that will host an eighteen hole qualifier during the weeks between May 5 and May 19. 

 

Competitive golf has few shoot-outs, and this format has both subtle and noticeable differences from multi-round events. There is more of a match-play feel. If you are not beating your playing partners, chances are you will not get through. Such is the case for all tournament golf, but the shoot-out makes that fact more overt, more palpable. It is worth checking out if time permits.

 

With luck, the host clubs will allow spectators who are not members to follow some of the players. Certain sites may have Nationwide, PGA or European Tour players who are not exempt into the sectional stage. Even if a site does not have any notable names attempting to qualify there, anyone who appreciates golf ought to inquire about going to watch anyway.