Understanding The Groupings

Ever wonder how we do the cut and groupings? I can easily explain the cut, but ask me about the groupings if we use both the first and 10^th tees and I’m scratching my head. For that information, since we’ll have to use it to get play completed in a timely manner, I defer to fellow USGA staffer and on-site Unisys liaison, Kevin O’Connor.

Let’s talk about the cut. At the U.S. Women’s Open, the low 60 players, ties and anyone within 10 strokes of the lead makes the cut. Simple, right? You can read it for yourself on the U.S. Women's Open Entry Form.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of the pairings/groupings. I know I won’t explain it well. In fact, I’m not going to even try. I’m going to quote straight from an O’Connor memo:

Rounds Three And Four

The preferred method is to play in groups of two, based on cumulative score through the previous round. If there is a tie between players in the same group, the player who had the honor in that group at the start of the round is given a higher ranking, as that person is considered to have finished before other players in the group.

Once all of the competitors are ranked, from best to worst, they are completely reversed to determine groupings and the order of play. The player with the No. 1 ranking or best score will be the last player to play from the tee in the final group; the player with the worst ranking will be the first player to play in the first group. The general practice is often referred to as "first in, last out."

If in either round three or four it is determined that both No. 1 and No. 10 are to be used for starting, the "better half" of the field will tee off on No. 1. As an example, if sixty players are participating the first player off No. 1 would be the player ranked No. 30, the last player off No. 1 would be the player ranked No. 1. The first player off No. 10 would be the player ranked No. 31 and the last player off No. 10 would be the player ranked No. 60.

If No. 1 and No. 10 are used, and the number of groups to play is an odd number, a greater number of groups will begin play from the No. 10. If the number of players results in all groups not being of equal size, (Example: 62 players, 20 groups of three and one group of two) the small or odd-sized group is the first group off No. 10. If there are two small groups, one is the first group off of No. 1 and the other group is the first group off No. 10. The ranking and complete reversal pairing method is kept intact and not affected by these odd-sized groups.

If at any time a pairing group would be a "group of one," the USGA will contact the player involved and ask whether that player would like a "playing" marker. If the player accepts the idea of a playing marker, the USGA will find a marker that is acceptable to the player.

Did everyone understand that? There will be a quiz later today.

Wendy Uzelac

USGA Director of Regional Affairs, Midwest Region