2024 Exemption Categories

EXEMPT PLAYERS – Players in category A, B, or C are automatically exempt into the starting field providing: (1) they also meet the eligibility requirements posted in the application information ELIGIBILITY section, 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 and application fee seeking a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption prior to the application deadline. D-1 Special Consideration Exemption candidates should also attach a golf resume (maximum of one page) to their application. All players who are awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions will be emailed notification of their acceptance into the starting field by May 10, 2024.

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: 

Western Junior:
A-1. Champions (2019–2023). 
A-2. Posted a 72-hole score (2023). 

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 in the Rolex AJGA or Junior Golf Scoreboard overall rankings between time of entry and May 3, 2024.
B-2. Any player ranked in the top 5 in the class of 2024, 2025, 2026, or 2027 in the Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings between April 29 and May 3, 2024.
B-3. Any player ranked in the top 50 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Junior overall rankings between time of entry and May 3, 2024.
B-4. Rolex Junior All-American First and Second Team members (2023).
B-5. Top 10 finish or round of 16 qualifiers in any AJGA Invitational, U.S. Junior Amateur, Jr Golf World Cup, Junior PGA Championship, and the Junior Invitational (2023-2024). (*Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.)
B-6. Top 5 finish in the Bobby Chapman Junior, Jones Cup Junior Invitational, Junior Orange Bowl, Junior World, North-South Junior, Scott Robertson Memorial, Southern Junior, and The Junior Heritage (2023-2024). (*Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.)
B-7. Winners of the Bubba Conlee, Canadian Junior Championship, Doral Junior Classic, Hudson Junior, Press Thornton Future Masters, and The Gator Invitational (2023-2024). (*Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.) 

B-8. Winners of any AJGA Open tournament between January 1 and May 3, 2024. (*Note: Applies only to the oldest age division.)

C. Exemptions based on national and international amateur events:
C-1. Match Play qualifier in U.S. Amateur (2023).
C-2. Top 20 finish in the Azalea Invitational, Dogwood Invitational, Jones Cup Invitational, Monroe Invitational, Northeast Amateur, Pacific Coast Amateur, South Beach International Amateur, Southern Amateur, Sunnehanna Amateur, and Trans-Miss Amateur (2023).
C-3. Match Play qualifier in The Amateur, North & South Amateur, or PNGA Amateur (2023).

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. If you do not qualify under the exemption categories listed in A, B, or C, please apply for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption online.