In June 1977, Commissioner Deane Beman announced the addition of sectional and regional components to qualifying school.
[1] In addition, former All-Americans from Oklahoma State University–Stillwater, Tom Jones and Jaime Gonzalez, were also "expected to succeed.
"[4] In the first round Rick Beck of Geneva, Alabama shot a 68 (−4) to take a one-stroke lead over a number of players.
[2] Skeeter Heath was in fourth place at this point, three back, tied with Jeff Hewes and Parker Moore.
[1] Among the players from Oklahoma State, Jones failed to earn playing privileges but Gonzalez was successful.