2026 Exemption Categories
EXEMPT PLAYERS – Players in categories A, B, or C are automatically exempt into the starting field, provided they:
- Meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the ELIGIBILITY section, and
- There are available spaces in the field.
NON-EXEMPT PLAYERS – Players who are not exempt under any of the categories listed below but are otherwise eligible should submit a completed entry form and application fee to request a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption before the application deadline. Candidates for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption should also include a golf resume (maximum one page) with their application. All players awarded a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption will be notified via email of their acceptance into the starting field by May 8, 2026.
The field may be limited by the WGA to a maximum of 156 players. Those not initially accepted into the 156-player field may be placed on an alternate list for exempt players who subsequently withdraw.
A. Exemptions Based on WGA Championships:
Western Junior:
A-1. Champions (2021–2025).
A-2. Made the 36-hole cut (2025).
Western Amateur:
A-3. Posted a 72-hole score.
B. Exemptions Based on Ranking Systems, Teams, & National Junior Events:
B-1. Any player ranked in the top 100 of the Rolex AJGA or Junior Golf Scoreboard overall rankings at any time between the date of entry and May 1, 2026.
B-2. Any player ranked in the top 5 of the Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings for the Class of 2026, 2027, 2028, or 2029 between April 20 and May 1, 2026.
B-3. Rolex Junior All-American First and Second Team members (2025).
B-4. Top 10 finishers or Round of 16 qualifiers at any AJGA Invitational, U.S. Junior Amateur, Junior Golf World Cup, Junior PGA Championship, Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, or USWING Junior World (2025–2026). Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.
B-5. Top 5 finishers at the Canadian Junior Championship, Dustin Johnson World Junior, Jones Cup Junior Invitational, Junior Orange Bowl, North & South Junior, Scott Robertson Memorial, or Southern Junior (2025–2026). Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.
B-6. Winners of the Bobby Chapman Junior, Bubba Conlee, Doral Junior Classic, Gator Invitational, Hudson Junior, Pete & Alice Dye Junior Invitational, Press Thornton Future Masters, or Sea Pines Junior Heritage (2025–2026). Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.
B-7. Winners of any AJGA Open tournament held between January 1 and May 1, 2026.
Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.
C. Exemptions Based on National and International Amateur Events:
C-1. Match Play qualifier at the U.S. Amateur (2025).
C-2. Top 20 finishers at the Azalea Invitational, Dogwood Invitational, Jones Cup Invitational, Monroe Invitational, Northeast Amateur, Pacific Coast Amateur, South Beach International Amateur, Southern Amateur, Sunnehanna Amateur, or Trans-Miss Amateur (2025).
C-3. Match Play qualifier at The Amateur, North & South Amateur, or PNGA Amateur (2025).
D. Exemptions Based on Special Considerations or Invitations:
D-1. A limited number of D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions and/or written invitations may be granted by the Committee. Players who do not qualify under categories A, B, or C may apply for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption.