TEPaul,
When you analzye many of the amateur ratings you realize the influence exerted by "invitation only" events.
Years ago I wrote to "Golfweek" when they were rating amateur golfers, juniors, seniors, etc., etc..
I proposed that the rankings be based solely on events open to all players, such as regional competitions (GAP and MGA) State competitions, (NY, NJ, etc., etc..) and National competitons (USGA) and any other competitions NOT dependent upon a special invitation.
My reason for making my proposal was that I saw guys ranked ahead of other players who would clean their clock nine times out of ten, but, the lower ranked players weren't in "THE" loop when it came to invitationals.
Dustin doesn't seem to see or understand what happens when everybody pleads their case as to why they're deserving of an exemption, and the impact on the event.
It becomes inbred.
I was on the USGA Mid-Amateur committee from the inception and fought against increasing the number of exemptions and extending the number of qualifying rounds. My efforts included a letter to the Executive Committee, stating my position, which I believe was well received.
Just think, back in 1966 or 1967 had there been more exemptions, Lee Trevino might never had made his mark.
He played his way into the U.S. Open and the History Books.
Eternal vigilance is the price of greatness.
Play your way in.
That's one of the great features of golf, we're all equal on the first tee.
But, increased exemptions leave fewer spaces for qualifiers.
Someone NOT in the loop shouldn't have their chances of making it to the big dance diminished because special interest groups prevailed.
Tee it up, post your score and await your fate.
And then, live with it like a man.
No WHINING ALLOWED.