Swing with Hawaii's best golfers for the chance to qualify for the US Open. The Waikoloa Beach & Golf Resort is hosting the 2006 US Open Local Qualifier at the Beach Course on May 22, 2006. Competition for the U.S. Open will be in three stages, at stroke play. Local Qualifying events will play 18 holes. Successful qualifiers and exempt golfers at the local level will move on to a Sectional Qualifying, 36-hole event. From there, it's onwards to the 72-hole 106th US Open Championship, which takes place June 15-18, 2006 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.

Entries to the U.S. Open are open to professional golfers and amateur golfers with an up-to-date USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 1.4 under the Men's USGA Handicap System. All players, including those exempt, must apply on USGA forms. Players may register for the tournament on-line at www.usga.org or forms may be obtained from the USGA office or website. Entry applications must be received by USGA no later than 5pm E.D.T. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006.

WHEN:
Qualifier Event, Monday, May 22, 2006
Practice rounds, Sunday, May 21, 2006
Entry Applications due Wednesday, April 26, 2006

WHERE:
Beach Course
Waikoloa Beach & Golf Resort
600 Waikoloa Beach Dr.
Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738

INFO:
For more information, call Tim Murphy at the Beach Course, (808) 886-6060.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharla Montvel-Cohen or
Erin Guernsey
Becker Communications
808-533-4165