Qualifying for the U.S. Amateur has always been a challenge. The rigorous 36-hole day battling for just a few spots was often considered one of the toughest days in golf. Considering the event's prestige, it was worth the stress.
However, the USGA has made changes to the qualifying standards for the U.S. Amateur because the process wasn't just a challenge for the players but also for the courses and the state golf associations that have to host them. A 36-hole qualifier means a course has to close for an entire day, and with golf booming, that request became almost too much to ask.
Starting this year, there will be a few different ways to reach the U.S. Amateur, and none of them will require playing 36 holes in a day.