How field will be determined for The Open's new Last-Chance Qualifier

Announced by The R&A earlier this year for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in 2026, eligibility criteria for the first edition of the new event, which will determine the final spot in the field, has now been announced by the St Andrews-based organisation.

The first two players in the 12-man field will be the leading two non-exempt players in the Official World Golf Ranking as published on Monday, 6 July. The next spot will then go to the runner-up in The Amateur Championship, provided they are still an amateur on Monday, 13 July.

Players who missed out having been in a play-off at Final Qualifying will then be added to the field followed by players who finished one position behind those who secured a place at Final Qualifying.

If spots are still up for grabs, they will then go to players who were tied for a qualifying place in various events included as part of The Open Qualifying Series (excluding the Genesis Scottish Open) but did not qualify due to a lower position in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The Last-Chance Qualifier, which will be contested over 18 holes on Monday morning of the last major of the season, is being introduced as part of a series of enhancements intended to “elevate the experience of attending The Open”.

‘Exciting addition’ to The Open programme

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said: “The Last-Chance Qualifier will provide fans with the opportunity to watch high-quality, competitive golf which will generate drama and intrigue as players compete to earn the final place in the championship.

“We have also developed eligibility criteria for the Last-Chance Qualifier which stays true to the traditions of The Open and our qualification process. Every golfer who tees it up at Royal Birkdale will have earned the right to do so and we look forward to seeing which player emerges from the field in the Last-Chance Qualifier to seal their place in the championship.”

Fans heading to Royal Birkdale next summer will also be able to enjoy a special celebration of golf when the inaugural Heroes Classic takes place as a short-format team challenge starting on the 1st hole of Royal Birkdale on the Tuesday afternoon.