Previously, the reigning winners of the US Amateur and US Women’s Amateur received an exemption into the following US Open and US Women’s Open, respectively, only if they maintained their amateur status. Moving forward, the reigning champions will have the option to turn professional while maintaining their exempt place in the field.

“We believe this change gives our champions an important option as they choose whether and when to embark on their professional careers,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA Senior Managing Director, Championships. “Given the significant purses awarded at the US Open and US Women’s Open, we realize how important it is for players to make the most appropriate decision for his or her career, and the positive impact it could have at the outset of their professional careers.”

“We believe this change gives our champions an important option as they choose whether and when to embark on their professional careers.” – John Bodenhamer, USGA Senior Managing Director, Championships

Over the past decade, four of 10 US Amateur and three of 10 US Women’s Amateur champions forewent their exemptions into the following year’s US Open Championships, choosing to turn professional.

“Given the opportunities afforded the US Amateur and US Women’s Amateur champions, we want to make sure they are able to take advantage of as many as possible,” said Bodenhamer. “We feel strongly that our reigning champions have earned their places in the US Open and US Women’s Open, regardless of their amateur status.”

The 119th US Women’s Amateur Championship begins today at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point., Miss., and concludes with Sunday’s 36-hole final. The 119th US Amateur begins Aug. 12 at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort & Country Club and concludes with the 36-hole final on Aug. 18. For more information, click here.

- United States Golf Association