Englishman Andrew Murray, a former European Tour winner, was among 40 players who progressed through Senior Open Qualifying at three venues on Monday, sealing their spots in the field at Royal Birkdale.
Murray, who won the European Open in 1989, posted an even par round of 72, the same as American Gary Trivisonno and Japan’s Katsuyoshi Tomori, to head the 14 qualifiers from Hillside.
Another European Tour winner, Stephen Bennett, also sealed his place, finishing a shot further back alongside last year’s Van Lanschot Senior Open winner Massy Kuramoto and Englishman Phil Gresswell.
Three-time Senior Tour champion Jerry Bruner carded a 74 to earn his spot, while seven-time winner Denis O’Sullivan was a shot further back. Englishman Steve Cipa secured the final place, defeating Rick Gibson and Matt Briggs with a birdie on the second play-off hole.
At Formby, American pair Kirk Hanefield and Charlie Bolling tied with Englishman John Gould on one under par 71 to earn their places in the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, which begins on Thursday.
Argentine Luis Carbonetti, a three-time Senior Tour champion, sealed the 13th and final spot from Formby following a play-off after finishing in a ten-way tie on two over par 74.
Finally, Japan’s Seki Okuda and Canadian Keir Smith led the 13 qualifiers at Southport & Ainsdale.
Canadian Ken Tarling, Scotland's Kye Kelsall and Englishman John Harrison, winner of the Senior Tour Qualifying School three years ago, then progressed via a play-off, with former Scottish Senior Open winner Glenn Ralph among the trio of players to miss out.
All 40 of the qualifiers will now take their places in the field for the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, alongside some of golf’s most iconic names such as Tom Watson, debutant Colin Montgomerie and defending champion Fred Couples.
It is the first time The Senior Open Championship has visited Royal Birkdale.
For the full Hillside leaderboard clickhere.
For the full Formby leaderboard clickhere.
For the full Southport & Ainsdale leaderboard clickhere.
