The Open Championship 2024 Final Qualifiers: Who Made It to Royal Troon?

As the anticipation builds for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, golf fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting to see who will compete. The final qualifying rounds concluded recently, providing a dramatic finish to the last opportunity for players to secure their spots.

With only 16 places available across four venues in Scotland and England, the stakes were high, and the competition fierce.

The Open Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf, is known for its unique qualifying system. Unlike its American counterpart, the U.S. Open, the Open Championship features a smaller scale of open qualifying.

This year, four 36-hole final qualifiers were held at Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports, and West Lancashire. Each venue had four coveted spots up for grabs, allowing a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars to vie for a chance to compete at Royal Troon later this month.

The excitement and drama of the final qualifiers are an integral part of the Open Championship’s tradition. They offer lesser-known players a chance to make a name for themselves and provide a platform for former champions and notable figures to prove their mettle once again.

The 2024 final qualifiers did not disappoint, delivering nail-biting finishes and unexpected outcomes.

An Overview of the Open Championship and Final Qualifiers

West Lancashire: A Tough Battle for Entry

At West Lancashire, the competition was intense. Matthew Dodd-Berry, an amateur, led the qualifiers with a score of 6 under, followed closely by Sam Horsfield, Daniel Brown, and Masahiro Kawamura.

The notable absence of Sergio Garcia, who was attempting to qualify for his 100th major, was a significant talking point. Garcia’s rounds of 71 and 70 left him two shots short of the mark. His frustration was evident during a heated exchange with officials on the 8th hole of his first round, showcasing the high emotions involved in these final qualifiers.

Carlos Ortiz, a LIV Golf winner, and Richard Mansell also failed to make the cut. Ortiz has struggled to make an impact in majors since joining LIV Golf in 2022, and his absence from the Open Championship continues that trend.

Royal Cinque Ports: High Stakes and High Drama

Royal Cinque Ports witnessed Matthew Southgate emerge as the medalist with a score of 6 under. Elvis Smylie and Jamie Montojo Fernandez secured their spots, while amateur Luis Masaveu clinched the final spot in a dramatic 3-for-1 playoff.

Branden Grace, who has not played in any majors this year, fell short in the playoff despite his historic 62 at the Open Championship 2017. Grace’s attempt to qualify underscored the challenges faced by many LIV golfers in making it to major tournaments.

Dundonald Links: Triumph and Heartbreak

Sam Hutsby led the qualifiers at Dundonald Links with an impressive score of 8 under. Angel Hidalgo secured his place with a remarkable shot from 120 yards on the final hole, guaranteeing his spot without the need for a playoff.

Amateur Liam Nolan and Jack McDonald, who advanced through a playoff, rounded out the qualifiers. Peter Uhlein and Robert Rock were among the notables who failed to qualify. Rock, who recently announced his retirement, added a poignant note to the event with his final competitive attempts.

Burnham & Berrow: Rose’s Resurgence

At Burnham & Berrow, Justin Rose demonstrated his enduring skill and determination. Forced to qualify after dropping out of the OWGR top 50, Rose finished as co-medalist with amateur Dominic Clemons, both scoring 8 under.

The remaining spots went to Abraham Ancer and Charlie Lindh, who advanced through a tense playoff. Anirban Lahiri and Justin Harding were notable players who did not make the cut.

Rose’s journey back to the Open Championship highlights the perseverance required to stay competitive at the highest level.

Prominent Players Who Failed to Qualify

The final qualifiers also saw several top players fail in their bid to reach the Open Championship. Besides Sergio Garcia and Branden Grace, other notable absentees include Graeme McDowell, Eugenio Chacarra, and Thomas Detry, who fell short at Royal Cinque Ports. Jinichiro Kozuma was among those who missed out at Burnham & Berrow.

The Open Championship field will consist of 156 players. With 135 spots already filled through exemptions and earlier qualifiers, these final tournaments added 16 more players to the prestigious roster. Only five spots remain, to be awarded at the John Deere Classic, the last PGA Tour event offering qualifiers for this major.

The final qualifiers for the Open Championship 2024 provided a thrilling prelude to one of golf’s most iconic tournaments. The blend of emerging talents and seasoned professionals who earned their places at Royal Troon promises an exciting competition ahead.

As the golfing world turns its attention to Scotland, the stage is set for an unforgettable Open Championship.