2023 Exemption Categories

Players in category A, B, or C are automatically exempt into the starting field providing: (1) they also meet the eligibility requirements under the ELIGIBILITY section of this entry form, i.e., age, handicap index, and (2) there are spaces available. 

Non-Exempt Players:

If a player is not exempt under any of the below exemption categories and is eligible, he should submit a completed entry form with application fee seeking a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption prior to the deadline date. D-1 candidates should attach a golf resume (maximum of one page) to their application.  D-1 candidates are also encouraged to submit an exemption request letter to further their case for consideration to Steve Prioletti, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.All players qualifying for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption will be emailed notification of their acceptance into the starting field by May 12, 2023.

SPECIAL NOTE: The field may be limited by the WGA to a maximum of 156 players. Those not originally accepted into the 156-man field may become alternates for exempt players who subsequently withdraw. 


A. Exemptions based on WGA Championships: 
A-1. Posted a 72-hole score in the Western Junior (2020 – 2022). 
A-2. Posted a 72-hole score in the Western Amateur.

B. Exemptions based on National Junior Events:
B-1. Top 15 finish or round of 16 in match play (2022 or 2023) (Note: Applies only to the oldest age division): Simplify Boys Championship, Mayakoba Invitational, Team TaylorMade Invitational, Wyndham Invitational, Polo Golf Junior Classic, Jack Burke Jr Invitational, The Junior PLAYERS Championship, The Ping Invitational, Rolex Tournament of Champions, United States Golf Association Junior Amateur, Jr Golf World Cup, Junior PGA Championship, Junior Invitational.
B-2. Top 10 finish (2022 or 2023) (Note: Applies only to the oldest age division): Bobby Chapman Junior, Junior World, Junior Orange Bowl, Scott Robertson Memorial, Jones Cup Junior Invitational, and The Junior Heritage.
B-3. Champion (2022 or 2023) (Note: Applies only to the oldest age division): Bubba Conlee, Canadian Junior Championship, Doral Publix Junior, Hudson Junior, North-South Junior, Press Thronton Future Masters, Southern Junior, The Gator Invitational and any AJGA Open tournament between January 1 and May 5, 2023.
B-4. Member of the 2022 Rolex Junior All-American First or Second Teams.
B-5. Top 50 ranking in GOLFWEEK/SAGARIN Junior rankings at any point between January 1 and May 5, 2023.
B-6. Top 5 ranking in the class of 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 of the Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings at any point between January 1 and May 5, 2023.
B-7. Top 100 ranking in the overall Rolex AJGA Rankings or Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings at any point between January 1 and May 5, 2023.

C. Exemptions based on National and International Amateur Events:
C-1. Match Play qualifier in U. S. Amateur.
C-2. Match Play qualifier in U. S. Amateur Four Ball.
C-3. Top 30 finish in any of the following stroke play amateur events: Azalea, Dogwood, Jones Cup, Monroe, Northeast, Pacific Coast Amateur, Players, Porter Cup, Sahalee Players, South Beach International Amateur, Southern, Sunnehanna, or Trans-Miss.
C-4. Match Play qualifier in any of the following amateur events: British, North/South or PNGA Amateur.

D. Exemptions based on Special Considerations:
D-1. A limited number of exemptions, based on special considerations and/or written invitation, may be granted by the Committee. Requests for a special consideration exemption may be submitted to the Western Junior Committee by applying online. If you do not qualify under the exemptions listed in A, B, or C please apply for a D-1 “Special Consideration Exemption.”