The R&A has added two new venues for Regional Qualifying after being overwhelmed with entries from golfers aiming to earn a place in The 150th Open at St Andrews.
The Buckinghamshire Golf Club and Lindrick Golf Club will stage qualifying events June 20 in addition to those being played at Alwoodley, Burhill, Caldy, County Louth, Fairhaven, Frilford Heath, Goswick, Kedleston Park, Minchinhampton, Moor Park, Northamptonshire County, Panmure and Rochester & Cobham Park.
The draw for each qualifying event can now be viewed on The Open.com. Golfers will play an 18-hole stroke play competition with successful qualifiers advancing to Final Qualifying being held on June 28 at Fairmont St Andrews, Hollinwell, Prince’s and St Annes Old Links.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “The desire among golfers to secure a place in The 150th Open at St Andrews has led to an exceptional number of entries into qualifying this year. We would like to thank The Buckinghamshire and Lindrick for agreeing to host the additional Regional Qualifying events and look forward to seeing who emerges from each venue to take their place in Final Qualifying.”
The Buckinghamshire is also hosting Pre-Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open this year and was a past venue for Regional Qualifying from 2011-2015. It has previously held the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters on the Ladies’ European Tour.