The 152nd Open: Justin Rose progresses from Final Qualifying as 16 punch ticket

Tuesday, 02 July 2024

Justin Rose will make his 21st appearance at The Open later this month after he was the headline name to emerge from Final Qualifying on a day when goals were realised by fellow DP World Tour members.

Justin Rose made his Open debut as an amateur in 1998 at Royal Birkdale

The Englishman, 66th on the Official World Golf Ranking, was one of 16 players to secure their spot in the field for the 152nd edition of golf’s oldest Major Championship, being held this year at Royal Troon from July 18-21.

There were four spots on offer at each 36-hole Final Qualifying venue, with 288 players teeing it up across Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports & West Lancashire on Tuesday.

Rose, a Major champion, Olympic gold medallist and former World Number One, showcased his quality to the hordes of fans at Burnham & Berrow as he followed a bogey-free five-under-par 66 in his opening round with a 68 in his second round at the Somerset-based links course to finish in a tie for the top scorer at eight under.

“The Open’s been a bit of a fairytale and love story for me since I was 14 and I nearly qualified at Scotscraig,” he said.

“Sometimes you take it for granted – you’re exempt, you turn up and play for many years – but as you get older things get a little harder so in some ways it’s good to have to qualify because it makes you appreciate how special it is.”

1998: Advances through the Final Qualifying and then finishes T4 (as a Low Amateur) at Royal Birkdale.
2024: Advances through the Final Qualifying after shooting eight-under at Burnham & Berrow.@JustinRose99 makes it his 21st appearance at @TheOpen 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/9RnTCAwDXe
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 2, 2024

Among the other recognisable names to punch their ticket for the final Major of 2024 was Matthew Southgate, who topped the standings at Royal Cinque Ports on six under to progress from Final Qualifying for the fifth time.

The Englishman, who finished in a tie for 12th the last time Royal Troon staged The Open, is thrilled to continue his special connection with a cherished tournament.

"I've always said I'm more than happy to be involved at The Open Championship," Southgate told the DP World Tour following the completion of his two rounds in Deal.

"It's my favourite golf tournament. I think it's the best tournament in the world.

“Everybody loves The Open so it's a very special event and I can't wait to be part of the field again."

Southgate has struggled for form this season on the DP World Tour and revealed he has benefited from the support of 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson.

"I get on very well with Henrik Stenson, who has tried to help me a little bit recently," he said.

"Things on Tour have been quite difficult for me mentally and Henrik has been right there for me so I really appreciate all the time he has given me.

"As soon as he walked off the back of the 18th green (in 2016), I congratulated him on becoming the Champion Golfer of the Year.

"The first thing he asked me is how I got on and I thought that was absolutely brilliant. It will be lovely to be back there again."

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Daniel Brown of England will make his Major Championship debut later this month at Royal Troon in Ayrshire, while he was joined by fellow DP World Tour member Masahiro Kawamura among the qualifiers from West Lancashire.

At Dundonald Links, England’s Sam Hutsby was another to earn his first start at The Open as the 2009 Walker Cup player, who now plays predominantly on the European Challenge Tour, was the best performer.

Spaniard Angel Hidalgo, another member on the DP World Tour, also qualified from the same Ayrshire venue has he secured his Major debut in dramatic fashion with a hole-out eagle on his final hole of the day.

There were five amateurs to secure their places, with Spaniard Luis Masaveu among those after earning his spot following a three-man play-off at Royal Cinque Ports.