February 22, 2011 – In a change of policy from 2010, the USGA announced that the condition of competition regarding grooves will now apply to all qualifiers for the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open. The condition, set forth by the USGA and added to the Rules of Golf in 2010, had previously applied only to sectional qualifying for all three Open championships.

The rule will require all competitors attempting to qualify for the U.S. Open and U.S. Senior Open at MGA qualifying sites to use equipment with conforming grooves.

The 2011 USGA Open qualifying rounds conducted by the MGA take place on the following dates:

U.S. Open Local Qualifying Rounds

Wed, May 11 - Glen Head CC, Glen Head, N.Y.
Wed, May 11 - Trump National GC - Colts Neck, Colts Neck, N.J.
Tues., May 17 - Ballyowen GC, Hamburg, N.J.
Tues., May 17 - Brae Burn CC, Purchase, N.Y.

U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Round
Mon., June 6 - Canoe Brook CC, Summit, N.J.

U.S. Senior Open SQR
Thurs., June 23 - Bonnie Briar CC, Larchmont, N.Y.

More information regarding the condition of competition for the new groove rule can be found in this USGA article by clicking here.