Gunner Wiebe to follow in father's footsteps as trio qualify for 151st Open

Gunner Wiebe said it was "special" to follow in his father's footsteps after booking his ticket to the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool with a joint-second place finish at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.

American Wiebe produced a memorable 66 on Sunday to earn one of the three qualifying spots available for the final Major Championship of the 2023 season, with tournament winner Daniel Hillier and Englishman Oliver Wilson claiming the other two.

The Qualifying School graduate will now head to Merseyside later this month to play on the same course where his father Mark made his final Major appearance at the 2014 Open. 

Wiebe, who will be making his Open debut, said: "It's the Major that I've adored since I was a kid. It was on at 06.00 when I woke up in the morning.

"I'd watch until 2.30pm when the coverage ended and I'd go and try to hit shots that I saw on TV.

"It's also the last Major that my dad played, in 2014 at the same course. That was his 500th career start and his final Major.

"So I knew what I was playing for this week, for sure. 

"To get to go where he sort of ended his career in a way, it's pretty special."

Hillier capped a memorable week by securing his second Open Championship appearance.

The New Zealander produced a barnstorming finish on Sunday to claim his maiden DP World Tour title, going eagle-birdie-eagle from the 15th to win by two shots.

"I'm over the moon and a bit lost for words," said Hillier after his win.

Wilson, meanwhile, closed his final-round 71 with a birdie to finish alongside Wiebe in a tie for second and punch his ticket to The Open.

He said: "I'm really excited. I wasn't planning on it. I haven't been playing that well, but the way I played this week is very exciting. 

"This is about the best I've hit the ball, maybe ever. I drove it so good, and most people know where I've been with the driver over the years."