Every golfer dreams of walking up the 18th at the Home of Golf with the Claret Jug in sight. But how to qualify for the Open Championship is a question with more than one answer. Some players earn a spot through past wins and world ranking. Others fight through a one-day shootout against more than 2,000 rivals.
This guide explains every route in plain English. You will learn the exemption categories, the Open Qualifying Series, Regional and Final Qualifying, and the entry rules for amateurs and professionals.
It also answers popular questions, like whether Rory McIlroy has a lifetime exemption and what happened when Rick Shiels tried to qualify.
The details below follow the R&A’s published pathway for the 155th Open at St Andrews, as listed in late September 2026. Dates and places can still change, so always confirm on theopen.com.
How Do You Qualify to Play in The Open Championship?
There are four main ways into the field.
- Exemption: You earn a place automatically through major wins, rankings, or past Open results.
- Open Qualifying Series (OQS): You finish as the best eligible player at a designated tournament somewhere in the world.
- Regional and Final Qualifying: You play two rounds of qualifying in June against hundreds of golfers.
- Last-Chance Qualifier: A late route, introduced in 2026, for players still chasing a spot just before the Championship.
The field is small. In 2026, only 156 players teed up at Royal Birkdale.
Most of them were exempt. The rest came through qualifying.
- 156 players contested the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.
- 26 places went to the Open Qualifying Series.
- 20 places went to Final Qualifying.
- 10 amateurs made it into the field.
That is why qualifying feels so brutal. Thousands of golfers chase a handful of tee times.
How to Qualify for the Open Championship in 2027?
The 155th Open is heading to the Old Course at St Andrews in July 2027. It will be the 31st time the town hosts the Championship.
Here is how the 2027 qualifying calendar looks.
- 11 October 2026 onward: OQS events around the world start awarding places, beginning with the Open de España.
- 24 May 2027: The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (Week 21) become exempt.
- 21 June 2027: Regional Qualifying takes place at venues across Great Britain and Ireland.
- 27 June 2027: The top-five spots from the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR lists are decided.
- 29 June 2027: Final Qualifying is played. The number of places is still to be confirmed.
- 4 to 11 July 2027: The final OQS events, including the Genesis Scottish Open, award their places.
- 12 July 2027: The Last-Chance Qualifier closes the door on the field.
The R&A also says additional exemptions may be announced later. Keep an eye on theopen.com for updates.
Who Is Exempt from The Open Championship Qualifying?
Exempt players skip qualifying completely. They still need to enter the Championship.
So, who is exempt from winning The Open Championship, or rather, who gets in without playing qualifying? For 2027, the R&A lists these main categories.
- Past Open champions aged 60 or under on 18 July 2027 (winners up to 2023).
- Past Open champions aged 55 or under on 18 July 2027 (winners from 2024).
- Open champions from 2016 to 2026.
- The first 10 players, and ties for 10th, at the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale.
- The top 50 players in the OWGR in Week 21 of 2027.
- The top 25 players in the final 2026 Race to Dubai Rankings.
- The top 30 players on the final 2026 FedExCup points list.
- BMW PGA Championship winners from 2024 to 2026.
- Masters Tournament champions from 2023 to 2027.
- PGA Championship winners from 2023 to 2027.
- US Open champions from 2023 to 2027.
- THE PLAYERS Championship winners from 2025 to 2027.
- The first five DP World Tour members, plus ties, in the top 20 of the Race to Dubai after the 2027 Open d’Italia.
- The first five PGA TOUR members, plus ties, in the top 20 of the FedExCup list after the 2027 Travelers Championship.
- The first four players on the 2027 Federation Ranking List.
- The 2026 Senior Open champion.
- Several leading amateur champions (covered below).
Winning The Open is the strongest exemption of all. Ryan Fox lifted the Claret Jug in 2026, so he is exempt through several routes.
Champions from 2024 onward now keep their place until age 55. The R&A cut that limit from 60, but earlier champions still play until 60.
LIV Golf
Fans of other majors will spot the overlap. Winning the Masters or the PGA Championship also opens the door at The Open. The same goes for the US Open, and you can see past champions in our US Open golf winners list.
One more point matters here. The R&A’s current 2027 list does not show a LIV Golf standings place. It did include one in recent years. Because more exemptions may be added, check the official list before assuming anything. If you want to understand that circuit better, read how LIV Golf scoring works.
Does Rory McIlroy Have a Lifetime Exemption?
Not exactly, but it is close. Rory McIlroy won The Open in 2014. That puts him in the past-champion category, which keeps a player exempt until age 60.
He was born in 1989, so that protection runs until 2049.
He is also exempt for 2027 through other doors.
- He is a Masters champion.
- He is a PLAYERS champion.
- He finished in the top 30 of the final 2026 FedExCup standings.
So there is no real chance he misses St Andrews. Other past winners listed under the same category include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Padraig Harrington.
The takeaway is simple. There is no true “lifetime” exemption, only a long one that ends at a fixed age.
The Open Qualifying Series Explained
The Open Qualifying Series gives golfers around the world a direct path to the Championship.
Here is how it works. The best-placed eligible player at each chosen event, who also makes the cut, earns a place.
Some events award one spot. Others award two or three.
If a winner is already exempt, the place passes to the next best non-exempt player. That rule keeps the spots flowing to new faces.
These are the 2027 OQS events listed so far.
- Open de España: 1 place (11 October 2026).
- Japan Open Golf Championship: 1 place (18 October 2026).
- Hong Kong Open: 1 place (25 October 2026).
- Australian Open: 3 places (6 December 2026).
- New Zealand Open: 1 place (28 February 2027).
- South African Open: 3 places (7 March 2027).
- Arnold Palmer Invitational: 1 place (21 March 2027).
- Singapore Open: 2 places (18 April 2027).
- KOLON Korea Open: 1 place (23 May 2027).
- Mizuno Open: 2 places (30 May 2027).
- Memorial Tournament: 1 place (6 June 2027).
- RBC Canadian Open: 3 places (13 June 2027).
- Irish Open: 1 place (4 July 2027).
- John Deere Classic: 1 place (4 July 2027).
- Genesis Scottish Open: 3 places (11 July 2027).
An Argentina event is also planned, with details to be confirmed. The French Open place has already gone to Angel Hidalgo.
Because these are full tournaments, the results depend on the format. If scoring terms confuse you, our guide on how to score a golf tournament helps.
Can Anyone Enter Open Qualifying?
Open qualifying is open to both amateurs and professionals. But it is not open to everyone.
For the 2026 Championship, any player with a handicap index of 0.4 or better could enter Regional Qualifying. A World Amateur Golf Ranking position between 1st and 2,000th also worked.
The entry fee in 2026 was £200.
The R&A confirms the 2027 criteria and fee closer to the date. Treat the 2026 figures as a strong guide, not a promise.
Here is what you need to enter.
- A handicap index of 0.4 or better, or a high WAGR ranking.
- A paid entry before the deadline.
- Verified amateur or professional status.
- The ability to travel to a venue on the Monday in June.
So, can anyone enter Open qualifying? In theory, yes, if you meet the scratch-level standard. You do not need a tour card.
The turnout shows the appeal. More than 2,000 players took part in Regional Qualifying in 2026, and nearly 1,000 of them were amateurs.
Regional Qualifying: The First Big Hurdle
Regional Qualifying is a single day of 18-hole stroke play. If stroke play is new to you, see our breakdown of golf tournament formats.
In 2026, it was held at 16 venues across Great Britain and Ireland. The R&A even added a new venue, Chart Hills in Kent, because demand was so high.
The odds are tough. Of the 2,057 players who teed off in 2026, only 124 progressed. That is roughly 6 percent.
- Each venue offers a set number of places, based on how many players enter.
- Ties for the final spots are settled by a play-off.
- Successful players move on to Final Qualifying.
- There is no second round at the same stage. One bad day ends the dream.
Regional Open Qualifying Leaderboard: Where to Follow Results
You can follow the Regional Open Qualifying leaderboard live on theopen.com during the day.
Each venue has its own cut line. So a score that qualifies at one course may miss at another.
In 2026, the R&A also streamed Final Qualifying live on its YouTube channel for the first time.
Running a qualifier at your own club? Learn how to make a golf leaderboard and show live scores to your members.
Final Qualifying and the Last-Chance Qualifier
Final Qualifying is the gateway into the Championship.
- It is played over 36 holes in one day.
- In 2026 it took place at four venues, including West Lancashire and Burnham & Berrow.
- The 2027 edition is scheduled for 29 June.
- Twenty places were available in 2026. The 2027 number is still to be confirmed.
The Last-Chance Qualifier is newer. It debuted in 2026 as one more route for players who miss out elsewhere. The R&A lists it for 12 July 2027. Exact details, such as format and entry rules, should appear closer to the date.
Caldy Open Qualifying: A Popular Regional Venue
Caldy Golf Club, on the Wirral, has hosted Open Regional Qualifying in recent years, including 2024 and 2026.
The course attracts big fields and a few famous faces.
- Players get a true test in the coastal wind.
- Spectators can follow groups easily.
- Local golfers get a rare chance to see a major qualifier up close.
Venues rotate, though. Do not assume Caldy will return for 2027 until the R&A publishes its list.
Rick Shiels Open Qualifying: What Happened?
Rick Shiels is one of golf’s best-known YouTube creators. He has tried Open Regional Qualifying at Caldy.
- In 2024, he shot a nine-over 81 and finished tied for 100th.
- In 2026, he went round in 76.
- Neither score was close to a Final Qualifying place.
His attempts showed how hard it is. Even skilled club golfers can struggle under pressure on a single-round stage.
Not everyone enjoyed the YouTube attempts. Tour pro Eddie Pepperell criticised them in 2024. Yet many fans loved the honest look at the process.
The lesson is useful for every hopeful. Qualifying rewards calm, steady golf more than flashy shots.
How Amateurs Can Qualify for the Open
Amateurs have several special exemptions. These are the titles that earn a place.
- The Amateur Championship winner for 2027.
- The US Amateur champion for 2026.
- The Mark H. McCormack Medal winner for 2026.
- The Asia-Pacific Amateur champion for 2026.
- The Latin America Amateur champion for 2027.
- The Africa Amateur champion for 2027.
- The European Amateur champion for 2027.
- The Open Amateur Series winner for 2027.
The Open Amateur Series started in 2023. It rewards the amateur who collects the most ranking points across key events.
There is one catch. The player must still be an amateur on 18 July 2027. Turning pro means taking another route or giving up the spot.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances
Qualifying is hard, but smart preparation helps.
- Lower your handicap early. Aim for scratch or better, and keep a verified scoring record.
- Play stroke-play events. Qualifying has no match play and no gimmes.
- Practise in links conditions. Learn the low punch shot, the bump-and-run, and how to handle deep bunkers.
- Know your numbers. Learn how to read a golf scorecard so you can plan each hole before the round.
- Plan your travel. Book a practice round and arrive the day before.
- Avoid big numbers. One double bogey can end a qualifying run.
- Target the OQS if you are a pro. Finish as the top non-exempt player and make the cut.
- Watch for R&A updates. Entry dates, venues, and fees can change each year.
Organising a practice event with friends? Our guide on how to organize a golf tournament gives a simple plan.
How to Watch the Open Championship and Qualifying
Once the field is set, millions will tune in to watch St Andrews.
Final Qualifying coverage was available on the R&A’s YouTube channel in 2026. Check the same channel for future updates.
For the main event, many fans compare their golf streaming options before the first tee shot. Pick a legal, reliable service in your region.
If you love team golf as well, see our guide to the Presidents Cup 2026.
Conclusion
Learning how to qualify for the Open Championship comes down to knowing the routes.
You can be exempt through wins and rankings. You can earn a place at an OQS event. Or you can take the hardest road through Regional and Final Qualifying.
For 2027, the stage is the Old Course at St Andrews. The calendar is already moving.
Rory McIlroy has no worries, with an exemption that lasts until 2049. For everyone else, the plan is clear.
Get to scratch, stay sharp, and watch the R&A pathway page for changes. The dream is hard, but it is real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to qualify for the Open golf?
You can qualify by exemption, through the Open Qualifying Series, or by playing Regional and Final Qualifying. Amateurs have extra routes through major amateur titles.
Can anyone enter Open qualifying?
Not anyone. For 2026, players needed a handicap index of 0.4 or better, or a WAGR ranking inside the top 2,000. The 2027 rules will be confirmed by the R&A.
Does Rory McIlroy have a lifetime exemption?
He has a very long one. His 2014 Open win keeps him exempt until he turns 60. He is also exempt for 2027 through other categories.
Who is exempt from winning The Open Championship?
Past champions are the best-protected group. Winners up to 2023 can play until 60, and winners from 2024 can play until 55. Recent champions also fall under the 2016 to 2026 category.
How many players qualified through Regional Qualifying in 2026?
A total of 124 players progressed from 2,057 who teed off. That is about 6 percent.
How much does it cost to enter?
The 2026 entry fee for Regional Qualifying was £200. Check the R&A for the 2027 fee.
Where is the 2027 Open Championship?
It will be played at the Old Course at St Andrews in July 2027.
When is Final Qualifying in 2027?
It is scheduled for 29 June 2027, after Regional Qualifying on 21 June.
