The Last Chance Qualifier

When Hogan came to play the Open on the Championship course at Carnoustie in 1953, he was required to play in the 36-hole qualifier on Monday and Tuesday.

The qualifier was conducted on the Burnside and Championship courses of the Carnoustie Golf Links on July 6 & 7, with the Open Championship starting on the 8^t on the Championship.

In 1962, at Royal Troon, the R&A held its last qualifier, with the defending champion, Arnold Palmer, also forced to qualify.

On July 9 & 10, Palmer played the Old Course at Troon Golf Club and the Lochgreen Troon Municipal to qualify.

Palmer would go on and win the 91^st Open that year as well on the Old at Troon.

“We have asked them how we can make their experience of attending The Open even more enjoyable and they have been clear – they want more live golf, more opportunities to engage with the traditions of golf’s original championship and more activities onsite to watch, listen and play,” Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A said in announcing the new qualifier. “As a result, we have introduced new features which we believe will elevate The Open for fans, particularly on the days leading up to the Championship, providing a memorable experience of attending Royal Birkdale with friends and family next year.”

“As a result, we have introduced new features which we believe will elevate The Open for fans, particularly on the days leading up to the Championship, providing a memorable experience of attending Royal Birkdale with friends and family next year.

I don’t question the fans’ interest in seeing more live golf, but can we say it’s not going to be live golf, but compelling golf, with something on the line?

That’s what the fans want.

That is why Tuesday’s final qualifier for the Open is so compelling and why, if you go to Burnam & Berrow, Dundonald, Royal Cinque Ports or West Lancashire, the golf is gripping, because it means something.