Notice to Competitors
2019 U.S. Open First Stage Qualifying
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 - Windber Country Club, Salix, PA
This notice serves as confirmation for the U.S. Open First Stage Qualifying Round on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Windber Country Club in Salix, PA. Qualifying is 18-holes and the field is 21 players. The number of spots the field is playing for is one (1) spot and two (2) alternates. Additional information will be distributed on the starting tees. The locker room and practice facility will open at 7:30 AM the day of the qualifying round.
Format: 18-holes of stroke play. Play is governed by The Rules of Golf and any Local Rules and Conditions distributed prior to play. In the event of a tie for the final qualifying spot or any alternate, a hole-by-hole playoff will take place on holes to be determined by the Committee.
Distance Measuring Devices are not permitted for the qualifying round.
The “One Ball Rule” is in effect for the qualifying round.
Grooves conforming to USGA policy are required for the qualifying round.
Model Local Rule G-9 for Replacement of Club that is Broken or Significantly Damaged will be in effect for the qualifying round. The Local Rule will be included in the Local Rules sheet and provided prior to the start of play.
Model Local Rule E-12 for Ball Played from Outside Relief Area When Taking Back-on-the-Line Relief will be in effect for the qualifying round. The Local Rule will be included in the Local Rules sheet and provided prior to the start of play.
The full text of these MLRs can be viewed at www.usga.org/RulesClarifications.
Tee Markers: All play is from the USGA tee markers. The course will play par 72 at 6,957 yards depending on conditions and is subject to change.
Pace of Play: The maximum allowable time will be four hours and twenty minutes (4:25). A checkpoint system will be in place for the qualifying round.
Practice: Practice rounds are available and must be pre-arranged by contacting the golf shop at 814-266-1416. The Golf Professional is Derek Leech. Practice rounds are available any day after 11:00 AM with the exception of April 27 & May 5. All other pradtice rounds are at the discretion of the golf shop. The fee is $30 if the players chooses to walk, and $55 if the player chooses to ride. Practice round fees are the responsibility of the player. Practice range balls are complimentary the morning of the competition.
Transportation/Caddies: Walking is required. The club does not offer caddies. Players may bring their own caddies. Caddies must walk in performance of their duties during the qualifying round. Players are permitted to use push trolleys for the qualifying round.
Food: The WPGA provides coffee, juices, and whole fruits prior to the round and water on the course. All other food and beverage charges are the responsibility of the player.
Footwear: Metal cleats are prohibited. The penalty is disqualification.
Lodging: Lodging of various price ranges can be found in the Richland and Johnstown areas.
Evacuation Plan: In the event of a suspension of play for a dangerous situation,all players should return immediately to the clubhouse.
Note: A suspension for a dangerous situation will be signaled by one prolonged air horn note. All other types of suspension will be signaled by three consecutive air horn notes, repeated. Resumption of play will be signaled by two short air horn notes, repeated.
Spectator Info: No spectator carts will be permitted for the qualifying round without pre-approved ADA verification. Please contact the WPGA office for ADA guidelines.
Directions to the club can be found on the Windber Country Club website.
In the event a player needs to withdraw, please contact the USGA at Golf House. Also notifying the WPGA is appreciated.