2026 Exemption Categories
EXEMPT PLAYERS - Players in categories A, B, C, or E are automatically exempt into the starting field, provided they:
1. Meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the ELIGIBILITY section, and
2. 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 June 26, 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. Non-exempt players and those not awarded D-1 Special Consideration Exemptions will have the opportunity to register for the qualifier starting June 26, 2026. A separate sign-up link will be sent via email for registration.
A. Exemptions Based on WGA Championships:
Western Amateur:
A-1. Champions (2016-2025).
A-2. “Sweet Sixteen” - match-play qualifier (2021-2025).
A-3. Made the 36-hole cut (2024-2025).
Western Junior:
A-4. Champions (2024-2026).
A-5. Top three finishers & ties (2026).
B. Exemptions Based on Ranking Systems, Teams, & Amateur Events:
B-1. Any player ranked in the top 175 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (see wagr.com) at any time between the date of entry and June 19, 2026.
B-2. Top 20 players from the Elite Amateur Golf Series Final Standings — “Elite Amateur Cup” (2025).
B-3. Playing members of the United States and Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup Teams. Four-year exemption from the date of appointment.
B-4. Rolex Junior All-American First Team members (2025).
B-5. Winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship (2023-2025).
B-6. Runner-up of the U.S. Amateur Championship (2025).
B-7. Winner and runner-up of the Amateur Championship conducted by the R&A (2025).
B-8. Winner and runner-up of the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship (2025).
B-9. Winners of the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship (2026).
B-10. Winners of the Asia Pacific Amateur (2025), European Amateur (2025), and Latin American Amateur (2026).
C. Exemptions Based on Collegiate Ranking Systems, Teams, & Collegiate Events:
C-1. Any player ranked in the top 50 of the SCOREBOARD Powered by Clippd Rankings between June 4 and June 19, 2026.
C-2. GCAA Division I First-Team All-Americans (2025-2026).
C-3. Winners of the NCAA (Div. I, II, or III) or NAIA championships – individual champions (2026).
C-4. Winners of the NCAA Division I Regionals – individual champions (2026).
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, C, or E may apply for a D-1 Special Consideration Exemption.
E. Exemptions Based on Professional Events:
E-1. Players who posted a 72-hole score in a PGA TOUR, DP World Tour, or Korn Ferry Tour event (2025-2026).
E-2. Players who posted a 36-hole score in The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, or The Open Championship (2025-2026).