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The Claret Jug trophy sits beside the 1st tee on the opening day of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 17, 2025.
For decades, the field for The Open has been populated largely through a mixture of exemptions, previous champions, top-ranked players, recent big-tournament winners, and a set of international and regional qualifiers, including The Open Qualifying Series and the traditional local and final qualifying events.
But for 2026, the governing body The R&A is adding a new, dramatic final gateway: a one-day “last-chance” qualifier held on the Monday before The Open begins.
On July 13, up to 12 players will tee it up at Royal Birkdale in an 18-hole stroke-play competition; the winner earns the 156th and final entry into The Open at Birkdale starting July 16.
It’s a change clearly meant to inject one more thrilling, high-stakes moment into Open week–a last sprint for hope, for one more shot at the Claret Jug. As the R&A stated, the initiative “will provide fans with … drama and intrigue” while remaining aligned with traditional qualification norms.
Who Gets Into the Last-Chance Qualifier
Not just anyone can sign up. The 12-player field is tightly restricted to those who have already come close via the various existing qualification routes, but just missed out. According to the R&A, eligibility includes:
The top two non-exempt players in the world rankings (OWGR) as of the Monday before the qualifier (July 6).
The runner-up from the most recent amateur championship, provided they remain an amateur at the time of the qualifier.
Competitors who lost in a playoff at Final Qualifying.
Players who finished one spot behind the final qualifying positions at those Final Qualifying sites.
Competitors who were tied for a qualifying place in one of the OQS events (excluding Scotland) but lost out because of a lower ranking on the OWGR.
If less than 12 players accept, alternates will be drawn to fill the field, likely in order of eligibility or ranking.
What the Last-Chance Qualifier Adds
In a field where most spots are locked up months in advance, this last-chance qualifier restores a sense of possibility. For those on the fringe, amateurs knocking on the door, seasoned pros just below the cut-line in final qualifying, it offers one final swing.
It also mirrors the ethos of “open entry” that gave The Open its name–a champion’s field that, in theory, remains open to anyone capable of playing at a high level. By limiting the field to those who already came close, the R&A balances tradition with fairness, ensuring that the final spot goes to a deserving candidate rather than a random wildcard.
“Every golfer who tees it up at Royal Birkdale will have earned the right to do so,” chief championships officer at The R&A, Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, said, “and we look forward to seeing which player emerges from the field in the Last-Chance Qualifier to seal their place in the Championship.”
From a spectacle standpoint, a one-round, winner-take-all showdown the Monday before The Open adds real drama.
For fans arriving early at Royal Birkdale, this could become a must-see event: a last scramble before the big week begins. And for the player who prevails, it’s not just entry; it’s a story.
More Than Just the Qualifier
The qualifier isn’t the only new fan-focused feature; organizers have expanded the pre-championship program to include additional events and improved spectator amenities.
“The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and recognized worldwide for the special atmosphere generated by the tens of thousands of fans who attend the Championship each year,” chief executive of The R&A, Mark Darbon, said.
“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.
“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.”
Following the qualifier, there will be a short-format team event on Tuesday, the Heroes Classic, featuring past champions and special guests.
Beyond the golf itself, on July 12, fans in the spectator village can watch world-class events broadcast live on big screens–including the men’s Wimbledon final and the decisive final round of the Genesis Scottish Open.
The atmosphere continues to build into midweek, culminating on July 15, with The Open Preview Show, offering fans insider perspectives, player interviews, and a final look ahead as anticipation builds toward the opening tee shot on Thursday (July 16) morning.
And the global sports slate doesn’t stop there. With the men’s Soccer World Cup semifinals and final scheduled during the same week, The Open experience is shaping up to be more than a major golf championship; it’s a festival of international sport.
Beyond 2026 – The R&A Is Reshaping Opportunity for Players and Fans
The introduction of the Last-Chance Qualifier for the 2026 Open Championship isn’t happening in isolation; it’s part of a broader strategic shift by The R&A to expand both competitive and spectator access to the sport’s oldest major. That push is already visible in the build-up to the 2027 Open Championship at St Andrews, where fan demand is expected to exceed anything seen in recent years.
To meet that demand, The R&A has launched a Priority Access Pass, giving fans early access to ticket-inclusive packages and hospitality options for the 155th Open on the Old Course. For many, this may become the only realistic pathway given limited accommodations around St Andrews and the historical draw attached to golf’s most sacred venue. While it doesn’t guarantee standard tickets, it offers a structured way for supporters to secure their place. Packages are £99 (about $130 USD) that, according to The Open Experiences, includes:
An exclusive booking window to attend The 155th Open
Access to the widest range of ticket-inclusive packages
Dedicated customer support and peace of mind
Your £99 comes off your final balance and is fully refundable
