Several updates have been made to the USGA’s Performance Policy, which will take effect in 2024. The USGA’s performance policy is designed to ensure that only those players truly capable of competing at a national championship level are participating in qualifying. The goal of USGA qualifying is to provide a pathway for players to earn a spot and compete for a national championship. Players who are not yet capable of competing at a national championship level are encouraged to play in their local, state and regional events prior to competing in a USGA qualifier.
The performance policy has been modified so that players may fully understand how they may be cleared following a violation. Scores from the past two years and the current calendar year will also be accepted as proof of a player’s ability to compete at the national championship level.
The USGA understands that a “bad day” is part of playing the game, and even the best players in the world have an occasional high round. The updates to this process will make it easier for players who violate the performance policy to clear it, and there are no additional repercussions for subsequent violations.