Qualifiers set out on long journey to Carnoustie

Royal Dublin - first of the regional qualifying courses

  Play is under way today in the first of 16 regional events in the UK and Ireland with the goal a place in Final Qualifying for The Open Championship at Carnoustie later this month.

Local professionals and aspiring, top quality amateurs are in action at Royal Dublin today and at 15 other venues around the UK tomorrow hoping that a handful can make the next step to get within reach of a place alongside Tiger Woods at the famous old Scottish venue from July 19-22.

Other regional venues are: Ashridge, Effingham, Enville, Gog Magog, Minchinhampton, Musselburgh, Notts, Old Fold Manor, Pannal, Pleasington, Prestbury, Rochester & Cobham, Royal ashdown Forest, Silloth on Solway and Trentham.

The leading qualifiers from each venue - and they'll have to be shooting par or better over 18 holes to stand a chance - go through to Final Qualifying on July 9-10 at Downfield, Monifieth, Montrose and Panmure, where three places from 96 starters at each event make it through to The Open at Carnoustie.

There - the pros at least - will be chasing record prize-money of £2.4million with the winner claiming £750,000 - that's £30,000 more than Woods claimed last year at Hoylake.

Carnoustie's famous 13th hole: Unlucky for some?

Paul Lawrie, the winner at Carnoustie in 1999, took away a cheque for £350,000, less than half this year's prize, from a total fund of £2million. In 1975 Tom Watson had to play an extra 18 holes to take the title in a play-off against Jack Newton. His reward was £7,500.

Tell us on the forum if your local pro or one of your club's amateurs is competing for a place in The Open. And if you've played any of regional or final qualifying venues submit a review of how you played the course.