I just got this email from the USGA. They're lowering the handicap limit.



TO: Entrants in the 2006 & 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship

FROM: USGA

SUBJECT: Handicap Index for Eligibility

As a participant in sectional qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Public
Links Championship, it is important for you to be aware that the USGA has
announced a new Handicap Index limit for eligibility for U.S. Amateur
Public Links Championship.

The USGA Championship Committee has approved a reduction in the maximum
Handicap Index allowed for eligibility for the U.S. Amateur Public
Links Championship. Beginning with the 2008 APL Championship the new
maximum Handicap Index limit for eligibility will be 4.4.

The previous maximum Handicap Index allowed was 8.4.

I think it's because they have experienced a huge increase in applicants in recent years. Just my .02

I think they're having trouble managing it.

Last year at my local qualifier there was a rain delay, they had to finish the next day and half of the people withdrew.

If conditions aren't perfect it's hard to get 70 people around a course twice in tournament conditions.

When do qualifyers start? Yes, I'm too lazy to look it up...

Fine with me, I think it is a good thing.

Second week of March for applications.

BP

Sucks for me. I could make 8.4 today, but getting to a 4 is pretty tough in my situation.

But, I'll try.

Pace of play and the high number of entries must be the reason for lowering the handicap requirement. No offense to any of you 8 handicappers, but there is no way and 8 could win that tournament. I highly doubt they could even qualify. The last and only time I played in the Pub Links qualifier, I think it took 2 or 3 under for 36 holes.