If you’ve ever watched The Open unfold on TV and thought, “How do these players actually get in?” – you’re asking a great question. The Open (sometimes called the British Open) is one of golf’s oldest and most prestigious majors, but qualifying for it isn’t as straightforward as simply being on tour.
Let’s break down exactly who can qualify, how they get in, and what it takes to tee it up at Royal Portrush in 2025.
How big is The Open field?
Typically, The Open Championship field is 156 players. This number includes a mix of exempt players and qualifiers. It’s the same size as most PGA Tour events, ensuring a full field with a cut after two rounds.
Who qualifies automatically for The Open?
The R&A grants exemptions to dozens of categories of players, meaning they don’t need to go through final qualifying. Here are the main automatic qualification categories:
- Past Open Champions (usually up to age 60, but specifics vary; special invitations can extend this in rare cases)
- Recent major champions (Masters, US Open, PGA) within the past five years
- Top finishers from last year’s Open (Top 10 and ties)
- Top-ranked players in the Official World Golf Ranking (Top 50 as of a set cutoff date)
- Winners of select global tournaments with designated exemptions (certain DP World Tour, PGA Tour and Asian Tour events)
- Leading money leaders or Order of Merit finishers from specified tours (Japan, Sunshine, Australasian, Asian Tours)
- Winners of major amateur championships, including:
- The Amateur Championship
- US Amateur
- European Amateur Championship
- Mark H. McCormack Medal winner (top-ranked amateur at season end), if they remain amateur
- The Amateur Championship
- Special exemptions granted at the R&A’s discretion
What is the Open Qualifying Series (OQS)?
The Open Qualifying Series (OQS) is a pathway where designated tournaments worldwide offer direct spots into The Open for top finishers who aren’t already exempt.
How it works:
The R&A selects tournaments across different tours each year as part of the OQS. A set number of spots (usually 1–3) are awarded to the highest finishers not already exempt. Examples include events on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and Sunshine Tour.
For instance, a top-three finish at the Scottish Open by a non-exempt player could earn them a direct ticket to The Open the following week.
What about local and final qualifying?
For golfers not exempt or earning a spot through the OQS, there is qualifying open to all eligible professionals and amateurs with a low enough handicap index.
1. Regional (Local) Qualifying
- Held at multiple courses across the UK
- Open to professionals and elite amateurs (handicap index of 0.4 or better)
- 18-hole qualifier, with a portion advancing to Final Qualifying
2. Final Qualifying
- Takes place at four select venues in the UK
- 36 holes in one day
- The top finishers at each site (usually 3 per venue, ~12 total) earn a spot in The Open
Can amateurs qualify for The Open?
Absolutely. Many amateurs make it into The Open each year through:
- Winning The Amateur Championship
- Winning the US Amateur
- Winning the European Amateur Championship
- Being the Mark H. McCormack Medal winner (if still amateur)
- Qualifying through Regional and Final Qualifying if they meet the handicap requirement
Amateurs who qualify and play in The Open are competing against the world’s best, often as a stepping stone into professional golf.
What does it take to qualify?
In short:
- World-class golf skill
- Playing well in designated OQS tournaments or grinding through tough Final Qualifying
- Maintaining a handicap index of 0.4 or better
- For amateurs, winning major amateur championships can grant exemptions
How many qualify through Final Qualifying?
Typically, 12 spots are awarded across the four Final Qualifying sites (around 3 per course). The exact number can vary year to year based on R&A decisions and field makeup.
Why is qualifying for The Open so tough?
You’re competing against seasoned professionals and elite amateurs, often in windy links conditions. Only a small handful of spots are available through each pathway. Courses are set up to test every part of your game, from driving accuracy to short game creativity.
FAQ: The Open qualification
Q: Can any golfer sign up to try qualifying for The Open?
A: Any professional or amateur with a handicap index of 0.4 or better can enter Regional Qualifying. From there, you must advance to Final Qualifying to earn a spot.
Q: How many amateurs usually play in The Open?
A: It varies, but generally 5–10 amateurs qualify each year, combining exemptions and successful Final Qualifying attempts.
Q: Do past Open champions get to play forever?
A: No. Past champions are exempt up to age 60, though special invitations can be granted beyond this at the R&A’s discretion.
Q: How does the Open Qualifying Series differ from Final Qualifying?
A: OQS awards spots through professional tournaments worldwide, while Final Qualifying is a standalone 36-hole event for those not otherwise exempt.
Q: How many players make the cut at The Open?
A: After two rounds (36 holes), the top 70 players and ties make the cut to play the weekend.
Final thoughts
Qualifying for The Open is one of golf’s greatest challenges and achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned tour pro, a rising amateur star, or a local club professional grinding through qualifying, earning a tee time at Royal Portrush in 2025 is a dream come true. Next time you watch, you’ll know exactly what it took for each player to stand on that first tee, ready to tackle the windswept links of golfing history.
Have you ever tried to qualify for The Open or considered it? Share your story below – we’d love to hear about your journey.