NZ Open added as 150th Open qualifying event
The 2022 New Zealand Open is a big winner following the R&A’s confirmation of the tournaments that will offer places for July’s 150th hosting of the Open Championship.
The R&A has advised that a total of 46 players will have the opportunity to earn a tee-time on the Old Course at St. Andrews at 16 events in 11 countries.
Brad Kennedy won the NZ Open when it was last played in February 2020 (Credit: PhotoSport NZ)
Absent from staging an Open qualifier for the second time in as many years, will be the Australian Open with Golf Australia now working to schedule that event for later in 2022.
The R&A awarded the 2022 New Zealand Open with three places, among the leading 10 players who are not otherwise exempt, into the 2022 Open Championship. The New Zealand Open is also a co-sanctioned Australasian and Japan Tour event.
The 102nd New Zealand Open will be played at Millbrook Resort from March 31-April 3, 2022.
As well, next month’s Singapore Open at the Sentosa club from 20th to 23rd January, 2022 will be offering three Open Championship tee times.
Another big winner will be the 2022 Barbarsol Championship on the PGA Tour with one spot up for grabs into The Open. The event will be held the same week (July 7th to 10th) as the DP World Tour’s Genesis Scottish Open, which will again offer three places.
Of course, there will be all the other exemptions in place via the other three majors, WGC winners, along with the various tour money-lists along with premier tour events along with past Open champions.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at the R&A, said: “We have worked closely with our colleagues at the leading professional tours to agree on an exciting schedule of events through which golfers can qualify for the 150th Open at St. Andrews.”
“There is a real desire among players to be part of this historic occasion at the home of golf and this will undoubtedly spur them on to secure a sought-after place in the Championship next year.”
Regional Qualifying events for the 150th Open will take place at venues throughout Great Britain and Ireland on 20 June with four places available at each venue.
