Entry applications for this year's U.S. Open at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club and U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash., are now available online. Applications for the 10 amateur competitions conducted by the USGA will also be available soon.

A complete listing of 2010 USGA championships, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, are available at usga.org.

This year, a Condition of Competition is in effect regarding the new grooves rule adopted by the USGA for the three Open championships. At the U.S. Women's Open and the U.S. Senior Open the condition will be in effect at all qualifying sites as well as the championship proper. At the U.S. Open, the condition will not be in effect at Local (first stage) Qualifying, but will be in effect at all Sectional (second stage) Qualifying sites as well as the championship proper.

The condition will not be in effect for any stage of USGA amateur championships in 2010.

JUNIOR GOLF

BIRDIES FOR JUNIORS WILL DONATE $4,500

Last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open was the end of the West Coast Swing and the "Birdies for Juniors" campaign spearheaded by Punahou graduate Parker McLachlin and his longtime sponsor Waikoloa Beach Resort.

McLachlin, who finished 53rd at Phoenix, recorded 11 birdies during the week, increasing his number of birdies for the campaign to 45. As a result, McLachlin and Waikoloa Beach Resort will collectively donate $4,500 to the Hawai'i State Junior Golf Association.

Fans and organizations are still encouraged to join McLachlin and Waikoloa in supporting the HSJGA. Visit hsjga.org/ to donate.

McLachlin will return to action at the Transitions Championship, March 18 to 21, in Palm Harbor, Fla.

WAIEHU ACADEMY BEGINS THIS MONTH

Head golf professional Art Rego is starting the Waiehu Golf Academy and junior program, for youngsters ages 6 to 17, at Waiehu Municipal.

Players will be grouped into three classes — Futures (beginners), Nike (intermediate) and PGA (advanced) — after skills tests March 15 and 16. The program will be run by Rego and former Mākena pro Brian Sasada.

For more information, call Rego at 270-7400.

NOTES

Football great — and great talker — Joe Theismann will be a guest on Emily T Gail Talks Golf and Other Sports Sunday at 6 p.m. on ESPN Radio AM 850 Hilo/ AM790 Kona. Theismann was married on the Big Island 14 years ago and was a frequent visitor after the Pro Bowl. He will share his thoughts about life, his career and golf game, and be joined by former football official Robert "Bob" McElwee, who worked three Super Bowls. McElwee and his wife lived part-time at Mauna Lani for several years.