Sergio Garcia does not qualify (x)
As anticipation builds for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, golf fans around the world are anxiously waiting to see who will compete. The final qualifying rounds have just finished, bringing a dramatic end to players’ last chance to secure their spot.
With only 16 places available across four locations in Scotland and England, interest was high and competition fierce.
One of golf’s most prestigious tournaments is the Open Championship, known for its unique qualifying system. Unlike its American counterpart, the U.S. Open, open championships include smaller-scale open qualifiers.
Four 36-hole qualifiers were played this year at Burnham and Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire. With four coveted spots reserved at each venue, seasoned pros and rising stars alike could compete for the chance to compete for the Royal Throne later this month.
The excitement and drama of the final qualifiers is an important part of the traditions of the Open Championship. They offer lesser-known players a chance to make a name for themselves and provide a platform for former champions and celebrities to prove their mettle once again.
The final qualifiers for 2024 did not disappoint with heartwarming finishes and unexpected results.
Overview of the Open Championship and Finals
West Lancashire: Tough battle for qualification
West Lancashire saw tough competition. Amateur Matthew Dodd-Berry led qualifying 6th down, closely followed by Sam Horsfield, Daniel Brown and Masahiro Kawamura.
The main talking point was the notable absence of Sergio Garcia, who was trying to reach his 100th major. Garcia’s rounds of 71 and 70 left him two strokes behind. His frustration was evident in a heated exchange with officials on the 8th hole of his first round that showed the high emotions of recent qualifiers.
LIV Golf winner Carlos Ortiz and Richard Mansell also failed. Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, Ortiz has struggled to make an impact in the majors, and his absence from the Open Championship continues that trend.
Royal Cinque Ports: High Stakes and High Drama
Royal Cinque Ports saw Matthew Southgate medal at 6 years old. Elvis Smylie and Jamie Montojo Fernandez secured their spots, while amateur Luis Masaveu grabbed the final spot in a dramatic 3-1 elimination game.
Branden Grace, who hasn’t played a big game this year, missed the finals despite a historic 62 at the 2017 Open Championship. Grace’s quest to qualify highlighted the challenges many LIV golfers face in reaching the majors.
Dundonald Links: Triumph and Heartbreak
Sam Hutsby led Dundonald Links qualifying to an impressive 8 under. Angel Hidalgo secured his place with a remarkable putt from 120 yards to the final hole, securing his place without needing a playoff.
Amateur Liam Nolan and Jack McDonald, who qualified for the finals, completed the qualification. Peter Uhlein and Robert Rock were among the celebrities who qualified. Rock, who recently announced his retirement, added a poignant note to the event with his latest competitive attempts.
Burnham and Berrow: Rose Revival
In Burnham and Berrow, Justin Rose showed his continued skill and determination. Rose had to settle after falling out of the top 50 at the OWGR and shared medalist honors with amateur Dominic Clemons, both at 8 under.
Abraham Ancer and Charlie Lindh went to the remaining places that advanced in a tight final. Anirban Lahiri and Justin Harding were the notable players who didn’t make the cut.
Rose’s journey back to the Open Championship highlights the toughness required to remain competitive at the highest level.
Notable Players Who Didn’t Qualify
In the last qualifier, several top players failed in their quest to qualify for the Open Championship. In addition to Sergio Garcia and Branden Grace, other notable absentees include Graeme McDowell, Eugenio Chacarra and Thomas Detry, who missed out at Royal Cinque Ports. Jinichiro Kozuma was one of those who missed Burnham and Berrow.
The Open Championship field has 156 players. These playoffs added 16 players to the prestigious roster as 135 spots were already filled with waivers and previous qualifiers. Only five spots remain, and they are up for grabs at the John Deere Classic, the last PGA Tour event to offer qualification for this major.
The final qualifiers for the 2024 Open Championship have provided an exciting start to one of golf’s most famous tournaments. A mix of rising talent and seasoned professionals who have earned their place on the Royal Throne promises to be an exciting competition.
As the golfing world turns its attention to Scotland, the stage is set for an unforgettable Open Championship.
