The selection marks the first time that the Amateur Public Links qualifier will be held at a Richmond-based public course and the first USGA qualifier at Independence Golf Club, which opened last fall.

“We are very pleased with the selection of Independence as the site of the qualifiers,” said VSGA Executive Director David Norman. “We believe the course will provide a stern test to players who ultimately advance to the national championships.”

The United States Amateur Public Links qualifier is open to amateur golfers who, since January 1, 2002, have been bona fide public course players and have not held the privileges of any course that does not extend playing privileges to the general public, or privileges of any private club maintaining its own course. Qualifiers must also hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 8.4. Entries close on Wednesday, May 29.

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Meanwhile, for the United States Senior Amateur Championship, entrants must be 55 or older on or before September 28, 2002 and hold a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 7.4. Entries close on Wednesday, August 14.

Independence Golf Club is the culmination of 15 years of planning and is the first state golf association owned facility on the East Coast. In addition to hosting championships, the facility is dedicated to educational programs and the preservation of golf history and tradition, with a significant focus on junior golf. The club, designed by renowned designer Tom Fazio, is owned by the VSGA Foundation and operated by KemperSports Management.

The 2002 United States Amateur Public Links will be contested July 15-20 at The Orchards Golf Club in Washington, Mich., while the United States Senior Amateur Championship takes place September 28-October 3 at Timaquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla.

The winner of the Amateur Public Links Championship earns an invitation to the 2003 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga.