Augusta National and The R&A just made a significant announcement for 2027
The two organisations have confirmed an important development ahead of next year’s Masters and The Open.
Augusta National and The R&A have confirmed a major boost for international golfers, with selected national open winners and leading finishers continuing to gain pathways into The Masters and The Open.
The two governing bodies announced today that they will maintain their alignment on aspects of the qualification criteria for the 2027 Masters and The Open, building on a system introduced for this year’s championships.
The move further strengthens the international pathways available to players competing outside the traditional routes into golf’s biggest tournaments.
The initiative builds on The R&A’s Open Qualifying Series, which has been running since 2013 and gives players opportunities to qualify for The Open through established professional events around the world.
For the 2027 championship, the series will feature 19 events across 15 countries, with players able to earn their place in the field at the 155th Open at St Andrews.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said the agreement underlined the Masters’ commitment to showcasing golf’s international reach.
“The Masters Tournament has a longstanding history of assembling an international field, so we embrace this opportunity to highlight the global nature of the game of golf,” Ridley said.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our shared commitment with The R&A to offer pathways for players from around the world to earn their place in the Masters and The Open.”
The R&A chief executive Mark Darbon also highlighted the importance of national opens, which have played a significant role in golf's history.
“National opens have a proud history in the sport and their inclusion in The Open Qualifying Series builds upon the Championship’s tradition of being open to the best players from around the world,” Darbon said.
The full 2027 Open Qualifying Series schedule and list of exemptions for The 155th Open will be announced by The R&A tomorrow.
The 2027 Masters, the 91st edition of the tournament, will take place at Augusta National from 5-11 April, while the 155th Open returns to the Old Course at St Andrews from 11-18 July.
The latest announcement ensures national opens will continue to provide an important route towards two of golf’s biggest prizes.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
