(Reuters) – The U.S Open will continue spreading its international wings with a Canadian course added to this year’s sectional qualifying venues, the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) announced on Monday.
RattleSnake Point near Toronto will host a qualifier on June 3, making it the third venue outside the U.S. at which players have a chance to earn a ticket into the U.S. Open.
Walton Heath in Surrey, England (June 3) and Kuwana Country Club outside Nagoya, Japan (May 27) will also host sectional qualifiers.
The three international courses join nine American sectional qualifying venues where players will have a chance to earn their way into the U.S. Open, to be played for the sixth time at storied Pebble Beach, from June 13-16.
To be eligible for qualifying, a player must either be a professional or have a handicap not exceeding 1.4. Entries close on April 24.
Most tour professionals are exempt from local qualifying.
Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Christian Radnedge