Open Championship Makes Stunning Qualifying Change to Benefit Fans

Newsweek

8 hours ago

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In sports, it's the fan experience that often turns a game into a memory, whether it is NHL mascots dancing in the aisles or the laid-back charm of a pro-am pairing in golf.
Impressively, the R&A's Chief Executive, Mark Darbon, seems to understand that better than most. And now, in a move that's already stirring excitement across the golf world, The Open Championship is set to deliver something fans have never seen before.
For the first time in its 160+ year history, the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale will feature a "last-chance qualifier." This will give a final playoff chance to Monday players, where up to 12 players will battle over 18 holes for the final spot in the field.
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 21: Shane Lowry of Ireland breaks through the huge crowds on the 18th hole and celebrates with his caddie Brian Martin on his way to completing his victory during the...
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 21: Shane Lowry of Ireland breaks through the huge crowds on the 18th hole and celebrates with his caddie Brian Martin on his way to completing his victory during the final round of the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 21, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by) More
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The idea was born from a fan survey conducted by the R&A, which revealed a clear demand for more live golf, more tradition, and more ways to engage, per Golf.com.
"We have asked [the fans] how we can make their experience of attending The Open even more enjoyable and they have been clear—they want more live golf, more opportunities to engage with the traditions of golf's original championship and more activities onsite to watch, listen and play," Darbon said in a statement.
"As a result, we have introduced new features which we believe will elevate The Open for fans, particularly on the days leading up to the Championship, providing a memorable experience of attending Royal Birkdale with friends and family next year."
The emotion behind the decision is quite understandable. The Open has long been golf's most tradition-rich major, and this move, while modern, is a nod to its roots.
In fact, the last time qualifying was held on-site was in 1962. The return of that format, now reimagined, is a way to let fans witness the rawest form of competition.
Interestingly, Viktor Hovland echoed a similar sentiment just days ago before his withdrawal from the Travelers Championship.
He urged the PGA Tour to "embrace the history and tradition" of the game more deeply—a call that now feels eerily aligned with the R&A's mission.
R&A's Open Championship Decision Hype Up Fans
As the news went viral, golf fans were quick to react. "This is straight up awesome and needs to be televised," one user posted under Golf.com's X post.
Another added, "First good idea this sport has had since I've become a fan, it feels like."
But not everyone is sold. Derrick Arthor on X wrote, "The 'open' concept sounds so cool, and this looks like a good idea, but honestly, why are we adding no names who can't win to fill out the field? Why not just take the best golfers? These guys are all over their head if they make it."
Still, the R&A is betting on their new idea to ignite more thrill into the game and connect with fans.
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