The road to Royal glory isn’t just for the pros…

Every July, the world’s top players step onto hallowed turf at the Open Championship, with the eyes of millions following their every shot. It’s the oldest major in golf, steeped in tradition, history, and drama. But have you ever wondered how someone actually qualifies for The Open?

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a serious amateur, or just curious, here’s a down-to-earth look at what it really takes to earn a tee time at one of golf’s most iconic events.

Automatic Qualification: The Elite Path

Let’s start with the obvious: many of the game’s biggest names don’t need to qualify at all.

Players automatically get into The Open if they:

• Are past Open champions aged 60 or younger 
• Have a high enough world ranking (typically top 50) 
• Finished in top spots in recent majors 
• Won key international tournaments or Order of Merit titles 

It’s the golf world’s version of a fast pass—but only a small percentage of the field is made up of these players.

The Open Qualifying Series: Global Opportunities

For many players, The Open Qualifying Series is their best shot. This involves a group of selected pro tournaments around the world where top finishers (who aren’t already exempt) earn a spot in The Open.

So you might be grinding it out in the Australian Open, the Joburg Open, or the Arnold Palmer Invitational—and suddenly, a strong finish could book your ticket to links golf royalty.

Final Qualifying: The Real Test of Grit

Here’s where things get truly exciting.

Final Qualifying takes place at a handful of challenging UK venues just a few weeks before The Open. You’ll typically find experienced pros, elite amateurs, and rising stars battling it out over 36 holes in one day, with only a few golden spots available at each site.

It’s nerve-racking, high-stakes golf. A birdie putt on the 36th could change a career. A double bogey could end a dream. And yes—every year, someone you’ve never heard of qualifies and earns their chance on the grand stage.

Can Amateurs Make It?

Absolutely.

Amateurs can qualify through both the Open Qualifying Series and Final Qualifying, as long as they meet the required handicap (typically 0.4 or better). Many of them also earn places through events like:

• The Amateur Championship 
• The European Amateur 
• The US Amateur 
• Or via the Mark H. McCormack Medal 

Several amateurs have even gone on to make the cut—or better—proving that the dream is very much alive.

More Than Just Golf

Qualifying for The Open isn’t just about bombing drives or holing clutch putts. It’s about resilience, patience, and embracing pressure when everything’s on the line.

It’s about believing that a club golfer, a teaching pro, or an amateur with a day job can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Rorys and Rahms of the world—if only for a week.

And that’s the beauty of The Open: it’s not a closed shop. It truly is open.

Want to Play on the Same Courses?

We might not be able to get you into The Open field (unless you’re that good!), but we can get you onto the courses that host it.

Contact us via email at [email protected], give us a call at +44 28 7032 6707, or let’s get on a Zoom Call to discuss it further by clicking HERE.

Let’s start planning your next golf adventure—maybe even one that follows in the footsteps of champions.