Horizon Irish Open

John Catlin, Fabrizio Zanotti and David Law qualified for The 150th Open at St Andrews as they tied for fourth place in the Horizon Irish Open.

The DP World Tour event at Mount Juliet was won in spectacular fashion by Poland’s Adrian Meronk, who went birdie, birdie, eagle from the 15th to the 17th en route to a closing 66, an aggregate score of 20-under-par and victory by three shots.

However, Meronk, runner-up Ryan Fox (-17) and the third-placed Thriston Lawrence (-16) were already exempt having earned their spots at St Andrews at previous Open Qualifying Series events.

As a result, 15-under-par-totals were enough for Catlin, Zanotti and Law to secure their places in this month’s landmark Championship at the home of golf, with the latter benefiting from Jorge Campillo’s bogey at the last.

Had Campillo finished with a par he would have ended the week on 15-under and qualified at Law’s expense due to the Spaniard’s superior world ranking.

Instead, Law’s final-round 67, which featured six birdies and a solitary bogey at the 17th, ensured the Scot can look forward to a major debut in his home country.

“It’s a dream come true," said Law. "I chose not to go to Final Qualifying last week so I could focus on this event and so now that getting a place has happened, I’m over the moon.

“I knew what was on the line for the putt on 18. I had a good look at the leaderboard and knew I was in with a chance as the other players ahead of me were exempt.

“Playing in front of those crowds is going to be amazing. I’ve never played a major before so do it at St Andrews for the first time will be unbelievable.”

Catlin, whose first Open appearance came last year at Royal St George’s, carded a closing 69 to book his spot at St Andrews, while Zanotti is set to play in his third Open – and first since 2018 at Carnoustie – after a two-under 70 that featured crucial birdies on each of the last two holes.

"When I found out I was in The Open, it was a lot of weight off my shoulders," said Catlin. “I can’t wait to play. I said last year after playing in The Open that I really wanted to get back there

"It’s such an amazing atmosphere, the fans are second to none. You could have thousands of fans surrounding a tee, don’t hear a thing but when you hit a good shot they just erupt. I’m looking forward to that for sure."

Zanotti added: "I'm really happy that I’m going to The Open at St Andrews. I knew that I needed a birdie on 18 to get there so it made it all the more special when I holed it. I just needed to hit it well and I did.

“Playing in The Open at St Andrews is something every player dreams of so I’m so happy that I’ve made it.”

Jack Senior had been tied for second heading into the final round, one behind overnight leader Meronk, but a closing 79 saw the Englishman slip down the leaderboard.