01 September 2011 11:02 GMT

The R&A has announced changes to the Final Qualifying stage of The Open Championship. Four venues have been selected, one in Scotland and three in England covering the North-west, Central and South-coast regions, replacing the courses which are currently selected for their proximity to The Open Championship venue. This is designed to provide a more accessible route into The Open for competitors qualifying from the 16 Regional Qualifying courses around Great Britain and Ireland.

From 2014, the four new courses that have been selected for this Final Qualifying stage are Glasgow — Gailes Links, Hillside, Woburn and Royal Cinque Ports. Competitors will compete for three Championship places, at each venue.

“This alteration to the qualifying make up will offer a more geographically convenient way for competitors seeking to achieve a starting place in The Open Championship,” said Rhodri Price, The R&A’s Assistant Director of Championships.

“The R&A have maintained a very close relationship with all venues associated with the qualifying stages and this is a natural step towards continuing to offer competitors wishing to enter within Great Britain and Ireland a route into The Open Championship”.