JPBlain,
I'm only slightly familiar with the format, but, it may not be as structured or rigid as you suggest.
I think the North-South amateur might have started the three year auto-status.
If you qualified and won your first round match you were exempt from qualifying for three years, which meant a lot to those from up north who didn't get to play much prior to April when the tournament was held. Qualifying was always difficult because they didn't flight the competitors, and it was a single field of 128 golfers, with a good number of exemptions not related to winning the first round match. So there weren't that many qualifying spots
Jay,
I qualified to play in this year's event, which is exciting since it's the tournament's 100th anniversary.
The critical element to playing in The Travis is Mother Nature.
Last year was balmy, but, I've played when it's been 38, raining and windy.
That may be great weather for the right partner at the "No Tell Motel", but not for playing golf on LI in May.
One of the things that sets the Travis apart from other invitational tournaments is the competitors access to the golf course prior to qualifying. From the Sunday afternoon prior to the tournament, competitors are allowed privileges.
In addition, the members are highly supportive of the event, in many ways.
If Mother Nature co-operates it should be a terrific event.