Matt McCarty

Matt McCarty is back for his second appearance at The Open following his debut at Royal Portrush last year.

This time around, the 28-year-old will tee off at Royal Birkdale having earned his spot on England’s north-west coast thanks to his world ranking.

Having re-entered the world’s top 50 thanks to a T2 finish in The American Express in January, McCarty has carefully gone about his business thereafter to stay within that exclusive grouping.

The Santa Clara University graduate made his first Open start beside the Antrim Coast in 2025 after 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.

The left-hander’s first Masters appearance in 2025 heralded a T14 finish and he was back around the fairways and greens at Augusta National in April where he came T24.

After three wins in 2024, McCarty topped the Korn Ferry Tour standings 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. He subsequently moved into the world'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.