The Open Championship format and qualification

The Open Championship qualification was first introduced in 1907, and is the process that a player goes through to qualify for The Open Championship. The Open Championship is the oldest golf competition in the world, and generally regarded as one of the most prestigious. The qualifying structure is designed to reduce more than 2,500 entrants on five continents, to a field size of 156 competing in the tournament.
In the modern era, the main way players qualify is by an exemption due to their performance in major golf tours, major tournaments, or their position in the official world golf rankings. For those who are not exempt, they can qualify by performing well in the Open Qualifying Series of international sanctioned tournaments, or via local qualifying in the UK.
The format of the final tournament was originally 36 holes played on a single day, but has evolved to the current format of four days of 18 holes, with the lowest scoring golfers cut after the first 36 holes.

Current qualifying process

Players can qualify one of four ways, an exemption, via the Open Qualifying Series, via local qualifying, or if the field size has not reached 156, being one of the highest rated players in the official golf rankings that is not already qualified.

Exemption qualifiers

Around 65% of the field is exempt from qualifying. Not all those eligible for entry will compete.
The current criteria for an exemption is governed by the following rules:

Open Qualifying Series

Around 22% of the field qualify via the Open Qualifying Series. It was introduced in 2014 and replaced international qualifying events run by the Open. Qualifying is available to the leading players who finish in the top n and ties, in around twelve events run by several international golf tours. The Open Series Qualifying events since 2019 are:
''Note: 2021 tournament criteria affected by COVID-19''

Local and Final qualifying

Currently 12 players qualify through final qualifying in the United Kingdom.

Local Qualifying

Local qualifying begins with 15 events, of 18 holes occurring on a single day just over three weeks before the Open Championship. It is open to those who meet any of the following criteria:

Male professional golfer.
Male amateur golfer whose playing handicap does not exceed 0.4.
Male amateur golfer who has been within World Amateur Golf Ranking listing 1–2,000 during the current calendar year.

A week later, the best performers then progress to final qualifying, where there are four events of 36 holes occurring on a single day, with three qualifiers from each event.

Final Qualifying

In addition to the best performers at local qualifying, players who meet the following criteria are able to compete in final qualifying:

Past champions of The Open who have exceeded the age limit.
Any competitor with an Official World Golf Ranking in the top 1,000 and ties on the date of entry.
Past champions of the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.
Anyone who played in previous edition of the Open.
First 10 and anyone tying for 10th place in the Titleist and FootJoy PGA Professional Championship.
First 10 and anyone tying for 10th place in the PGA of America Professional Championship.
Past playing members of Ryder and Presidents Cup Teams.
Playing members of the 5 leading teams and ties in the Eisenhower Trophy.
Playing members in the last St Andrews Trophy.
The Amateur champions in the last 6 years.
The U.S. Amateur champions in the last 6 years.
The European Amateur champions in the last 6 years.
The current English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh Amateur champions, from the respective closed Amateur Championships.
The current runners-up in each of the Amateur Championship and European Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur.
The leading 10 World Amateur Golf Ranking players, not otherwise exempt as at calendar week 21.
The current Boys Amateur champion.
The current Latin America Amateur champion and runner-up.
The current Asia-Pacific Amateur runners-up. This is only applicable if the entrant has not played in the OQS Singapore.

''Note: Any qualifier via an amateur performance must still have amateur status''

[Monday qualifier]

On 2 December 2025, a Monday qualifier, the Last Chance Qualifier, was announced by The R&A. This Monday qualifier, held at the venue of The Open that ensuing Thursday, will determine the 156th position in The Open Championship. The following procedures will be used in determining who participates in the one-round match. Only the winner advances, and if necessary, a playoff will be held.

The top two players in the Official World Golf Ranking who have not qualified as of the week before the qualifier.
The runner-up in The Amateur Championship, provided the player is an amateur as of the qualifying tournament.
Players in Final Qualifying who made a playoff, but were eliminated.
Players in Final Qualifying who finished one position behind the final qualifier.
Players who were tied for a qualifying place in various events included as part of The Open Qualifying Series, but did not qualify due to a lower position in the Official World Golf Ranking

The first 12 players to accept, based on such criteria, will participate. Further alternates will be added should the two Official World Golf Ranking players who have not qualified are moved into the field by that Monday.

Alternates

If the field size has not reached 156, then the highest ranked players not already qualified are offered a spot in the Open. The two highest OWGR ranked golfers, followed by the results of the Monday qualifier will determine initial slots in the alternate list.

Current format

Field: 156 players
Basic format: 72 hole stroke play. Play 18 holes a day over four days, weather permitting.
Date of tournament: Starts on the day before the third Friday in July.
Tournament days: Thursday to Sunday.
Tee off times: Each player has one morning and one afternoon tee time in first two days in groups of three, which are mostly randomised. Groupings of two on the last two days with last place going off first and leaders going out last.
Cut: After 36 holes, only top 70 and ties play the final 36 holes.
Playoff: If there is a tie for the lead after 72 holes, a four-hole aggregate playoff is held; followed by sudden death if the lead is still tied.
History of qualification and format

Qualifying was first introduced from 1907, except 1910–1911, where a 36 hole cut was made instead. 1926 was the first year where there was both a cut and qualifying, and this has been the situation ever since. Qualifying generally happened the day before or shortly before the Open, and everyone was required to qualify until 1962. In 1963 exemptions from qualification began, mainly for past champions, but this has now expanded to cover a multitude of achievements and most of the field now qualify by exemption. In the 1980s, the R&A was concerned that its process was not adequately allowing for players which played on multiple tours, and so actively brought about what is now known as the Official World Golf Ranking to use as part of the exemption process.
In 2004 international qualifying was introduced, which meant that players did not have to travel to the UK to participate in qualifying. This was replaced in 2014 by the Open Qualifying Series, which gave qualifying spots to the best performers in existing global golf events.
The biggest change to the format of the tournament was in 1892 when the tournament was expanded from 36 holes to 72 holes. Another notable change in the rules was making it mandatory to use the 1.68 inch diameter ball in 1974 instead of the 1.62 inch diameter ball, which was entirely eliminated by the 1990 revision to the Rules of Golf.

Year	Edition	Field size	Entry	Format	Cut	Playoff
2023	151th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Three-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2022	150th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Three-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2021	149th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Three-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2020	–	–	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Three-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2019	148th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Three-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2018	147th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2017	146th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2016	145th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2015	144th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2014	143rd	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. Open Qualifying Series. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2013	142nd	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2012	141st	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2011	140th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2010	139th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2009	138th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2008	137th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 60 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2007	136th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2006	135th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2005	134th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2004	133rd	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. International Qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2003	132nd	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2002	131st	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2001	130th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
2000	129th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1999	128th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1998	127th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1997	126th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1996	125th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1995	124th	159	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions aged 65 and under. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1994	123rd	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1993	122nd	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1992	121st	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1991	120th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1990	119th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1989	118th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 156 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1988	117th	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 153 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1987	116th	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 153 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1986	115th	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 153 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	Four-hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1985	114th	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 153 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1984	113th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions under 65. Local qualifying. Total of 153 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1983	112th	151	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1982	111th	150	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1981	110th	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1980	109th	151	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Thursday to Sunday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1979	108th	152	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1978	107th	155	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties. Those within 10 shots of the leader not cut.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1977	106th	156	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1976	105th	155	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1975	104th	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1974	103rd	154	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1973	102nd	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Play in groups of 3 in first 2 days. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1972	101st	153	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1971	100th	150	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 150 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 60 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1970	99th	134	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Total of 130 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 80 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 55 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1969	98th	130	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 130 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 45 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1968	97th	130	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including all previous Open champions. Local qualifying. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 130 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 70 and ties. Cut after 54 holes, top 45 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1967	96th	130	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including past 10 Open champions. Local qualifying. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 130 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 55 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1966	95th	130	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including past 10 Open champions. Local qualifying. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 130 qualify.	72 holes over 4 days. 18 holes a day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Saturday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 55 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1965	94th	130	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including past 10 Open champions. Local qualifying. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 130 qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 45 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1964	93rd	120	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including past 10 Open champions. Local qualifying in two separate competition. Two courses near the Open venue are used but not the Open venue itself. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 120 qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 45 and ties.	18 hole playoff followed by sudden death.
1963	92nd	120	Exemption from qualifying for the leading players including past 10 Open champions. Local qualifying in two separate competition. Two courses near the Open venue are used but not the Open venue itself. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 120 qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, top 45 and ties.	36 hole playoff.
1962	91st	119	Local qualifying. Maximum of 120 players qualify. Ties for 120th place did not qualify	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1961	90th	108	Local qualifying. Maximum of 120 players qualify. Ties for 120th place did not qualify	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1960	89th	74	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1959	88th	90	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1958	87th	96	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1957	86th	96	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday. Leaders go off last after 36 holes.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1956	85th	96	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1955	84th	94	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1954	83rd	97	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1953	82nd	91	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1952	81st	96	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1951	80th	98	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1950	79th	93	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes., maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1949	78th	96	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes., maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1948	77th	97	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes., maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1947	76th	100	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes., maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1946	75th	100	Local qualifying. Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes., maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1945	–	–	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1944	–	–	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1943	–	–	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1942	–	–	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1941	–	–	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1940	–	–	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1939	74th	129	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1938	73rd	120	Local qualifying. Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place do not make the cut.	36 hole playoff.
1937	72nd	141	Local qualifying. Top 140 and ties qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, top 40 and ties.	36 hole playoff.
1936	71st	107	Local qualifying. Top 100 and ties qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, top 60 and ties.	36 hole playoff.
1935	70th	109	Local qualifying. Top 100 and ties qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, top 60 and ties.	36 hole playoff.
1934	69th	101	Local qualifying. Top 100 and ties qualify.	72 holes over 3 days. 18 holes on the first 2 days, 36 on the 3rd day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday.	Cut after 36 holes, top 60 and ties.	36 hole playoff