Words: Release
Photo: Mark Wilson – Golfplus Media.
| The spoils of victory for the Australian Open champion from here forward will include more than a winner’s cheque and the Stonehaven Cup, with Masters and Open Championship invitations now assured following the announcement by the Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A that they will align aspects of the qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open. This year’s winner at Royal Melbourne in December can also start making their Masters plans for next April, as will the winners of other historic national championships including the Spanish Open, Scottish Open, South African Open, Hong Kong Open and Japan Open. This approach builds on The R&A’s longstanding and successful Open Qualifying Series and will ensure strong international pathways into both major championships from several professional tours, recognising the global strength of elite professional golf. “The Masters Tournament has long recognised the significance of having international representation among its invitees,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together. Today’s announcement strengthens our organisations’ collective vision of rewarding top talent around the world who rise to the top of historic national open championships. We hope this formal recognition shines a bright light on these players and the events they will represent at the Masters and The Open, beginning next year.” The Open Qualifying Series has been in operation since 2013 and offers players entry into The Open through prestigious Tour events across the world. Beginning later this year players can qualify for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale through 15 events in 13 countries. Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A said, “We take great pride in the range of qualification routes we offer to players around the world through The Open Qualifying Series. We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions.” “This creates an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify and we firmly believe this will continue to enrich the quality of the fields in both major championships.” The schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and the list of exemptions for The 154th Open will be announced in September. The 2026 Masters will be the 90th playing of the Masters Tournament and is scheduled for April 6 – 12. The 154th Open is scheduled for July 12 – 19 at Royal Birkdale. |
