The Open Qualifying Series Singapore

Joohyung Kim, Richard T. Lee, Poom Saksansin and Ryosuke Kinoshita qualified for The 149th Open at the SMBC Singapore Open.

The SMBC Singapore Open was played over the Serapong Couse at Sentosa Golf Club and was the third event in The Open Qualifying Series, which gives golfers around the world opportunities to book their place at Royal St George’s from 12-19 July 2020.

With a tournament total of 18-under par 266, Matt Kuchar won the SMBC Singapore Open title by three strokes from Justin Rose. Defending champion Jazz Janewattananond finished outright third and a shot further back on 14-under par 270.

With Kuchar, Rose and Janewattananond already qualified for The 149th Open, 17-year-old Kim of Korea secured the first qualifying position. He finished outright fourth on 13-under par 271 after rounds of 67, 66, 67 and 71.

Last week Kim played the opening two rounds of the Hong Kong Open alongside Champion Golfer of the Year Shane Lowry. Thanks to his excellent play this week he will now make his debut in The Open when he joins the world’s best golfers at Royal St George’s in July.

An even par final round was enough to secure Lee the second qualifying position on offer at the SMBC Singapore Open, after he finished outright fifth on 12-under par 272.

A double bogey at the par-4 13th hole in the final round looked to have derailed the Canadian's chances but birdies on the 15th and 18th holes ensured his place in The 149th Open.

The final two qualifying positions went to Thailand’s Saksansin and Japan’s Kinoshita, who finished tied sixth on 11-under par 273.

Saksansin recorded the lowest round of the final day, a 65, to earn his place at Royal St George’s where he will make his debut in The Open.

Birdies on the closing two holes will provide Kinoshita a birthday present to be remembered when he celebrates his 29th birthday during the first round of The 149th Open.