Matt McCarty

Joint 14th on his Masters debut in April, left-hander Matt McCarty now makes his first appearance in The Open thanks to a joint fourth place finish at the RBC Canadian Open.

As part of The Open Qualifying Series three Royal Portrush places were there for the taking - and fourth was good enough for McCarty since play-off pair Sam Burns and Ryan Fox were already exempt.

After three wins last season he topped the Korn Ferry Tour and was their Player of the Year.

Then, having gained promotion as a result, he wasted little time becoming a PGA Tour winner as well. On only his second start as a member and third overall he began the Black Desert Championship in October with a nine under par 62 and finished 23-under to beat Stephan Jaeger by three and with it moved into the game’s top 50.

Only Garrick Higgo, who won on his second start, and Jim Benepe - the only player to triumph in his first tournament - have managed victory in fewer starts.