All you have to do is beat the next guy behind you in points. The pro doesn't factor into the points equation. Its not like the pro goes to the open because it's easy pickings, they are hard to win. When they blast off the first morning every person has the same opportunity to win. Well, maybe I should say on the first day of practice, by blast off some have already counted themselves out. What I find interesting after following a few guys as they try to qualify is the strategy. It seems like some only search for the 12lb limit and the points and others go to win. Personally, I don't think the strategy of a small limit will get you there. That's not what its about. If I ever did it I may go down in flames but it would be trying to find that special pattern every single day that wins every single day. I'm sure thats what some do and just end up with a 12lb limit but I would so much rather I know I gave it a shot and fell short rather than never tried to begin with. That's me though, and I'm in no position to qualify for anything lol

Opens are considered a pro level event of course its good and fair.

I don't think the Elite guy's win enough of them to make a difference. There's Elite anglers in every open tournament but really and truly they seldom come out on top. All fair and square in my book. Then some of these winners qualify for the Elites where they either do very well or not so much.