USGA Publinx Eligibility

[Yuck]

What is the requirement as far a eligiblity for entry to the USGA Publinks. I thought it was for golfers without access to private golf facilities. I understand college players, employees of clubs and military can still enter, but what about a high school kid with a wealthy family who plays out of a private country club? It seems that is contrary to the purpose of the championship, but it seems there are several examples in recent Publinks competion, at least on the womens side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am likely mistaken. One should never make an assumption.

[PingEye2]

They shouldn't be eligibile if you are correct....

[osu67]

The wealthy private club kid can't play. That's why it's called the public links. If you have access through your school or are employed by a club and can only play on Monday's then you are eligible.

[uclaith]

[quote name='yuck' timestamp='1309644866' post='3359844']
It seems that is contrary to the purpose of the championship, but it seems there are several examples in recent Publinks competion, at least on the womens side. [/quote]


hmm... maybe the get around it by having parents get individual memberships to the club and not a 'family' membership, giving the kid access but 'on the books' it seems hunky dory

worth looking into, but like you said, never good to make assumptions

[502 to Right]

Here are the rules from the USGA:

[quote]ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THE U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship?

Eligibility Rule: Entries are open to amateur golfers who since January 1 of the current year have been bona fide public course players with an up to date men's Handicap Index™ not exceeding 4.4 under the "USGA Handicap System" and have not held privileges of any course which does not extend playing privileges to the general public.

Exceptions: A bona fide public player may hold incidental privileges of a course not open to the public when such privileges are provided by:

An educational institution at which he is a student; this includes members of a golf team when privileges are awarded at private facilities to the entire team on an equal basis, and are only available during the traditional school year/competitive golf season (including post season play which may include Conference, State and National Championships); or
A federal armed service of which he is a member or retired member; or
An industry by which he is employed or from which he is retired and said private course is owned by the employer.
[/quote]

[Sixcat]

I was about to post this question myself until I did a search. A member of my club has qualified for the Virginia State Public Links for the second consecutive year. He won it last year by the way. I am confussed by how he is able to play in such an event being a member of a country club. He is a super nice guy and I like him, I just disagree with him being allowed to compete in a publinks event while holding a membership at a club.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='archer32' timestamp='1311777606' post='3428327']
I was about to post this question myself until I did a search. A member of my club has qualified for the Virginia State Public Links for the second consecutive year. He won it last year by the way. I am confussed by how he is able to play in such an event being a member of a country club. He is a super nice guy and I like him, I just disagree with him being allowed to compete in a publinks event while holding a membership at a club.
[/quote]

You would think that would be outside the scope of the intention of a PubLinks.

Makes you wonder if the entry form has any sort of affidavit to acknowledge that one is not a member at a private club? If that is the case, would make it hard to excuse with "I didn't know."

[#1Ballin]

if anybody is getting in, they are lying or Publinks does not know, or there is some lame loophole.

[Mward2002]

I think if the club is semi-private, you have a loophole since anyone can play at that course on any given day.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='Mward2002' timestamp='1311786329' post='3428764']
I think if the club is semi-private, you have a loophole since anyone can play at that course on any given day.
[/quote]

True dat!

[Sixcat]

[quote name='Mward2002' timestamp='1311786329' post='3428764']
I think if the club is semi-private, you have a loophole since anyone can play at that course on any given day.
[/quote]


That would make sense. It does not explain how a very good junior player from our club was denied access to the USGA Publinks a few years back due to his families membership in our club. Maybe state golf associations have different rules.

[Mward2002]

[quote name='archer32' timestamp='1311789060' post='3428946']
[quote name='Mward2002' timestamp='1311786329' post='3428764']
I think if the club is semi-private, you have a loophole since anyone can play at that course on any given day.
[/quote]


That would make sense. It does not explain how a very good junior player from our club was denied access to the USGA Publinks a few years back due to his families membership in our club. Maybe state golf associations have different rules.
[/quote]

It's possible, but I would think state level would follow suit with USGA. The junior player falls into guilt by association since his family has access to a private club. Even if he doesn't use it, he has the opportunity to. In the USGA or state's eyes, there's no proof that he's not over there 0-7x a week.