How qualifying works

Some of the world’s best golfers have long secured their spot at The 153rd Open.

But for many others the road to Royal Portrush was an uncertain one, and they had to qualify for the chance to compete for the famous Claret Jug.

There are several different ways to do this, and each year the qualification pathways are reviewed to ensure the best golfers from leading professional tours and amateur championships have the chance to enter the field in golf’s original championship.

Players already exempt

Players who finished in the Top 10, including ties, at The 152nd Open last year are automatically exempt, along with a number of Champion Golfers who secured their place by winning the Claret Jug.

The Top 30 from the final FedExCup points list in 2024, the top 25 in the Final Race to Dubai last year, and the BMW PGA Championship winners from 2022 to 2024 are also automatically entered into the field.

This adds to exemptions for the 2024 Olympic Champion; 2024 US Amateur Champion, 2024 Senior Open Champion; and 2024 Mark H McCormack Medal winner for the leading male in the 2024 World Amateur Golf Rankings.

There are 28 different exemption categories and all of these, along with a list of players already exempt, can be found here.

Open Qualifying Series

The Open Qualifying Series (OQS) offers golfers around the world the opportunity to punch their ticket to The 153rd Open.

The highest-placed finisher at each OQS event, who is not already exempt, automatically qualifies. In total there are 11 OQS events, excluding Regional and Final Qualifying, running between 28 November 2024 and 13 July 2025.

The first OQS event was the ISPS Handa Australian Open in late 2024 – where three places were awarded – and the final OQS event will be the Genesis Scottish Open from 10-13 July where a final three places will be available.

See a full list of OQS events here.

Regional and Final Qualifying

Regional and Final Qualifying events are open to professional and amateur golfers worldwide who meet the entry criteria.

Ahead of The 153rd Open a total of 15 different venues across Great Britain and Ireland hosted Regional Qualifying on 23 June. Here almost 2000 golfers battled to earn a spot at Final Qualifying, consistently one of the most dramatic days on the golfing calendar, with 131 ultimately progressing through.

288 players then teed it up at Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire for their chance to compete at Royal Portrush.

Five places were available at each venue and there was huge drama as the 20 qualifiers - including a former world No1 in Lee Westwood - sealed their spot at golf's original championship.