British Open Qualifiers: Everything You Need to Follow

If you love golf, you know the British Open is the crown jewel of the season. But before players get a tee time at the historic courses, most have to earn their spot through the qualifiers. This page breaks down how the qualifiers work, when and where they happen, and what to watch for if you want to stay on top of the action.

How the Qualifiers Work

The British Open uses three routes for entry: exemption categories, World Golf Rankings, and the qualifiers. The qualifiers are split into two parts – local qualifying and final qualifying. Local qualifying is open to anyone with a handicap of 0.4 or lower. Players play 18 holes at a designated course and the top few scores move on to final qualifying.

Final qualifying is tougher. It’s a 36‑hole, two‑day event held at several courses around the UK. Each day, a set number of spots open up for the Open, and the field includes seasoned pros, up‑and‑coming amateurs, and former Tour players trying to make a comeback. The pressure is real because a single bad shot can knock you out of a chance to play at St Andrews, Royal St George’s, or any of the other iconic venues.

Key Dates and Venues

Final qualifying usually kicks off in early June, about a month before the Open starts. In 2025, the schedule looks like this:

• June 5‑7 – Royal Cinque Ports (Kent)
• June 12‑14 – Woburn Golf Club (Bedfordshire)
• June 19‑21 – St Annes Old Links (Lancashire)

Each venue offers a different challenge – from flat, windy links at Royal Cinque Ports to the tree‑lined fairways at Woburn. Knowing the course layout can give you insight into which players might thrive.

Scores are posted online the same day, and many fans follow live streams or watch highlight reels on the official Open website. If you’re new to the qualifiers, start by tracking the top‑10 leaders after each round. Those names often end up on the Open field.

What makes the qualifiers exciting is the mix of unknown talent and seasoned veterans. You’ll see a 25‑year‑old rookie who just turned pro, and a 45‑year‑old former Tour winner looking for a final shot at glory. Their stories add drama to every swing.

For fans who want to attend, tickets are sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis and usually cost less than the main event. Arrive early, bring a rain jacket, and expect a relaxed atmosphere compared to the packed Open days.

Keeping an eye on social media is another good move. Players often post behind‑the‑scenes videos, and commentators share quick analysis of the leaders. A quick search for “British Open qualifiers 2025” will pull up the latest scores, player interviews, and even weather forecasts for each course.

In short, the qualifiers are the gateway to the most prestigious tournament in golf. By understanding the format, following the schedule, and watching the key players, you’ll get a front‑row seat to the drama before the main event even starts. Stay tuned, and you might spot the next big name in golf before the world does.