R&A: Wednesday, June 22nd
The R&A today announced an extra four Open spots are up for grabs at Final Qualifying on Tuesday.
Traditionally the top three from the four locations – Fairmont St Andrews, Hollinwell, Prince’s and St Annes Old Links – make it through but this year it will be the top four reaching the 150th Open at St Andrews (July 14-17).
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director (Championships) at The R&A, said: “We have flexibility to increase the number of places available at Final Qualifying and have determined that we can offer four at each event this year.
“We already know that there is a strong motivation among golfers to secure a place in the field for The 150th Open at St Andrews and so with more places now on offer for this historic championship, we are looking forward to watching players compete in four exciting events next week.”
A total of 60 amateurs will be bidding to reach The Home of Golf next week (June 28).
British Amateur runner-up Sam Bairstow (Hallowes), who made it through at St Annes last year, returns for another crack at the Lancashire venue. In 2021 he opened with a nine-under 63 and eventually qualified on 12 under.
Those going to St Annes more in hope include Cheshire stalwart Jon Beasley, who went bogey free earlier this week to lead Caldy’s Regional Qualifier and 15-year-old Irish player Seán Keeling, who produced a brilliant performance to finish top at County Louth.
Spanish and England champion John Gough goes for glory at Prince’s in Kent where his England team-mate and British Boys champion Jack Bigham also tees it up.
Some of the more familiar professionals taking part include former Ryder Cup ace David Howell (Prince’s), South African duo Branden Grace and Christiaan Bezuidenhout (both Prince’s), Eddie Pepperell (Fairmont St Andrews), Alex Noren (Fairmont St Andrews), former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel (Fairmont St Andrews), Andy Sullivan (Hollinwell), Robert Rock (Hollinwell), Jamie Donaldson (St Annes) and Marcus Armitage (St Annes)
The draws for each venue can be viewed here .