Twelve golfers will compete in the R&A’s inaugural Last Chance Qualifier on Monday at Royal Birkdale, with the winner securing a berth in the upcoming Open Championship. The 18-hole event, starting at 7:30 a.m. local time, features players who narrowly missed qualification at various final-qualifying sites, according to R&A records.
Who is competing in the Last Chance Qualifier?
The field consists of 12 players who either lost in playoffs at final qualifying or finished one stroke behind the successful qualifiers. According to the R&A, the field includes:
- Adri Arnaus
- Wesley Bryan
- Joe Dean
- Sam Easterbrook (a)
- John Gough
- Marcus Helligkilde
- Angel Hidalgo
- Charles Huntzinger
- Matt Moloney (a)
- Aldrich Potgieter
- Matti Schmid
- Andrew Wilson
Wesley Bryan earned his place after bogeying his final hole at West Lancashire, which left him one shot outside a playoff. Two other players from that site, Adri Arnaus and Charlie Huntzinger, are also in the field. Sam Easterbrook, a Purdue collegiate golfer, and Matt Moloney, the British Amateur runner-up, represent the two amateurs in the group.
How were the selection criteria determined?
The R&A utilized a specific exemption criteria—Exemption 4—to select the field. This rule grants priority to players who finished one position behind those who secured a spot at Final Qualifying. If the number of players exceeded the field limit, officials applied a two-step process: selecting one player per venue based on “strength of field” rankings, and using the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to break ties.
West Lancashire was designated as the strongest field. An R&A spokesperson told Golf Channel that Brandon Robinson Thompson, who qualified for a spot via his finish at Burnham and Berrow, declined his invitation. His withdrawal allowed an additional spot to be reallocated to the next site in the priority order.
Wesley Bryan’s spot in the field was determined by his OWGR ranking of No. 1,028 on June 29, 2026. He narrowly edged out Giles Evans, who was ranked No. 1,040 at the time.
Why does field strength matter for major championships?
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the Last Chance Qualifier take place?
The event is an 18-hole tournament held on Monday at Royal Birkdale, beginning at 7:30 a.m. local time.
How many players earn a spot from this qualifier?
Only the winner of the 18-hole qualifier earns a berth into the Open Championship.
Are amateurs allowed to compete?
Yes, the field includes two amateurs: Sam Easterbrook and Matt Moloney.
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