Date: August 20, 2023
To: U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying Contestants
From: Brent Whittaker, OGA Senior Director of Tournament Operations
Subject: United States Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying
2024 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying – Molalla, Ore
Arrowhead Golf Club
Molalla, Ore
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Welcome to the 2024 United States Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying!
Enclosed you will find your sides pairing and starting time for the 18-hole competition Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
There are 54 sides at the Molalla, Ore site competing for two (2) spots into the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Philadelphia PA, May 25 - 29, 2024. In the event of a tie for the final qualifying spot or any alternate positions, a hole-by-hole playoff will commence immediately following the return and verification of all scores.
Additional player information:
Starting Times: Click Here
USGA Local Rules and Conditions of Competition: Click Here
Tournament Information and Results: Will all be provided digitally on the OGA’s website or through the USGA Tournament Management App, GGID: 23U4BALLQOR.
Groove Rule: In Sectional Qualifying as well as in the Championship proper, the player’s clubs must conform to the groove and punch mark specifications in the Equipment Rules effective from 1 January 2010. The Local Rule is available for review on the entry application and applies to all fairway woods, hybrids, irons and wedges.
The USGA and The R&A have created a reference resource called the Informational Club Database to assist golfers in determining whether their irons, wedges, hybrids and fairway woods comply with the Equipment Rules effective from 1 January 2010 and are permissible for play under the groove and punch mark Local Rule, which is in effect for all USGA Amateur Championships. For information about and to access the database, please use the following link: http://www.usga.org/InfoClubsDB/intro.html. Additionally, for other information regarding the groove and punch mark Local Rule, please use the following link: http://www.usga.org/grooves/. Finally, for information regarding the conformance status of clubs not listed or for any other questions regarding the Local Rule, please contact the USGA Equipment Standards at (908) 234- 2300.
Player Club Testing is available for all USGA Amateur Championships. Please use the following link: http://www.usga.org/grooves/ for more information.
The USGA strongly suggests that all players verify the conformance of their clubs well in advance of their scheduled qualifying competition. It is the player’s responsibility, not the USGA’s responsibility to ensure that his or her clubs conform. Waiting until the day of the competition is the fault of the player. The Committee is under no obligation to test the club the competitor may play. However, if it is later determined that the club is non-conforming, including after the competition has closed, the player will be disqualified if the player made a stroke with it.
Pace of Play: It is a condition that the player must play without undue delay and within guidelines established by the Committee.
Click Here for pace of play guidelines, also available at the 1st tee.
Footwear: Rule 4.3 is modified in this way: During a round, a player must not wear shoes with traditionally-designed spikes (regardless of composition, i.e., ceramic, plastic, etc.) or spikes, of any design, comprised either entirely or partially of metal (if such metal may come in contact with the course). Penalty for breach of this Local Rule: See Rule 4.3.
Drivers/Golf Balls: The Local Rule for Conforming Driver Heads is in effect, See Model Local Rule G-1. The Local Rule requiring that all golf balls used be on the List of Conforming Golf Balls is in effect. See Model Local Rule G-3. Please check the USGA website, www.usga.org, for a list of approved golf balls and drivers. The “One Ball Rule” is in effect. See Model Local Rule G-4.
One Ball Rule: Model Local Rule G-4 (also known as the One Ball Rule) will NOT be in effect for any USGA qualifying rounds in 2023.
Time of Starting/ Official Time: A player is deemed to be at the starting area when they are within the roped off area. If a site requires different conditions, the starting area will be defined in the Notice to Players. If a player has previously checked in with the starter, he is still required to be at the starting area at the starting time scheduled by the Committee. The Official Time is defined by the clock located at the tee where a player is scheduled to begin the stipulated round.
Scoring Area: A player has deemed to have officially returned his/her score card when he/she leaves the scoring area. The scoring area is defined by ropes, stanchions, a taped off area or in their absence, the outside edge of the scoring tent. If a site requires different conditions, the scoring area will be defined in the Notice to Players.
Practice Round: Players may call the Arrowhead golf shop at 503-829-8080 to make arrangements. Practice rounds can be scheduled on a space available basis Monday – Thursday and after 12:00pm Friday – Sunday. Practice rounds are for contestants only and will not be extended to guests, caddies, or family members.
Practice Range: The driving range will open one hour prior to the first starting time on Tuesday. Range balls will be available complimentary to contestants.
Caddies: Contestants may bring their own caddie.
Qualifying Yardages: Click Here Please note these yardages are subject to change by Committee.
Dress Code: Proper attire must be worn at all times. Proper attire does not include spandex body wear, cutoffs, running shorts, short-shorts, tank tops, tee shirts, or denim of any kind. Neat and clean pants, slacks, cords, or appropriately hemmed, tailored shorts are acceptable, as are sweaters and golf shirts with a collar. Shoes must be worn at all times.
Code of Conduct: As set forth in the USGA application, the code of conduct applies to all USGA Qualifying and Championships.
Food Service: Food service will be available.
Official in Charge
Brent Whittaker
Oregon Golf Association
Senior Director of Tournament Operations
Office: 503.981.4653|Cell Phone: 503.989.0069|Fax: 503.981.7599
2840 Hazelnut Dr., Woodburn, OR 97071
email: bwhittaker@oga.org | Online:www.oga.org
If it becomes necessary to withdraw prior to the date of the competition, please contact Brent Whittaker at 503.981.4653 or bwhittaker@oga.org and the USGA at 908.326.1950 or champs@usga.org
Best of luck to each of you!