The R&A has announced a comprehensive suite of qualification pathways for The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s premier golfing championships. This year’s announcement introduces an innovative new exemption alongside established routes, ensuring that golfers from every corner of the globe have an opportunity to compete for the famed Claret Jug.
In a major development, a new category will allow players competing in LIV Golf to earn a spot at The Open. The leading non-exempt player in the Top 5 of the 2025 Individual Season Standings—following the completion of LIV Golf Dallas—will secure a coveted place in the championship. This new route joins established qualification methods through the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour, and the International Federation Ranking for players active on tours such as the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, and the Sunshine Tour.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A, commented, “The Open is a global championship for the best men’s golfers. Each year, we review our exemptions to ensure pathways into the Championship are based on performances from the leading professional tours. We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities to qualify globally and look forward to seeing which golfers will emerge to take their place at Royal Portrush in July.”
Complementing the exemption categories, The R&A has also released the schedule for the 2025 Open Qualifying Series, featuring 15 events in 11 countries. These events underscore the truly global nature of the tournament by offering numerous routes to qualify.
Australasia & New Zealand: With three players already securing places via the ISPS HANDA Australian Open last December, the 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport at Millbrook Golf Resort in Queenstown (February 27 – March 2) will be the first opportunity this year for players to earn a starting berth at The Open.
PGA Tour & DP World Tour: Qualification opportunities will be available at marquee events including the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, the RBC Canadian Open, and the Genesis Scottish Open (co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour). Additional DP World Tour routes are provided by the Investec South African Open Championship (co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour) and the Italian Open.
Asia: In Asia, the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, the Mizuno Open and the Kolon Korea Open will all provide opportunities for golfers aiming to book their place at Royal Portrush. Notably, the International Series Macau (March 20–23) marks its debut in the Open Qualifying Series, while the Kolon Korea Open—returning as a familiar feature since 2018—will see its leading non-exempt player qualify for The Open (May 22–25 at Dunes Course, La Vie Est Belle, Chuncheon, Korea).
Additionally, Regional and Final Qualifying events will be held at venues across Great Britain and Ireland in June and July, providing further opportunities for both professional and amateur golfers worldwide.
The Asian Tour, an affiliate member of The R&A, enjoys a strong presence in the Open Qualifying Series with three events on its schedule. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, remarked, “We thank The R&A for our continued involvement with the Open Qualifying Series. This partnership gives our members a fantastic chance to compete in The Open, fulfilling the ambition of every professional golfer. The series not only highlights the talent and diversity of our tour but also contributes significantly to our growing stature in the global golf community.”
With these extensive qualification pathways and a robust global series of events, The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush is set to welcome the world’s elite golfers. The Championship will take place from July 17-20, promising a spectacle of world-class talent and fierce competition on one of golf’s most storied stages.
