All it takes to enter the 2017 U.S. Open is a 1.4 handicap (or better) and $200. That resulted in a near-record of 9,485 participants entering this year's second major championship at Erin Hills. Of course after that, you have to get through local and sectional qualifying against pros like Steve Stricker, but hey, at least you can say you tried.
Even with the increased $200 fee, the 9,485 entrants is the fifth-most ever. The most came in 2014 when 10,127 people signed up to try and win at Pinehurst. Local qualifying will take place at 113 sites at the beginning of May and sectional qualifying will unfold at 10 U.S. locations and two internationally.
"The number of entries received underscores the worldwide interest in competing in the U.S. Open Championship and on golf's grandest stage," said Stuart Francis, USGA Championship committee chairman, in a release. "We look forward to conducting local and sectional qualifying and to hosting the U.S. Open at both Erin Hills and in Wisconsin for the first time on June 15-18."
Qualifiers will fill around 70 spots when the U.S. Open takes place at Erin Hills in June.
