Masters and The Open align with joint qualification agreement

Organisers of The Masters and The Open have announced new joint qualifying exemptions which will take effect immediately.

A statement released by Augusta National and The R&A confirmed that both majors will offer invites to winners and best finishers in “select national Opens”.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley has long been impressed by the Open Qualifying Series, and its success in attracting a more diverse field to The Masters from all over the globe.

Mr Ridley appears keen to increase the number of international players in the field for the opening major of the year, and selected events on all main professional Tours will now offer places to both The Masters and The Open.

The statement read: “Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A announce jointly plans to align aspects of the qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open, awarding invitations to winners/top finishers of select national opens, beginning immediately.

“This approach builds on The R&A’s longstanding and successful Open Qualifying Series and will ensure strong international pathways into both major championships from several professional tours, recognising the global strength of elite professional golf.”

Mr Ridley added: “The Masters Tournament has long recognised the significance of having international representation among its invitees. We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together.

“This announcement strengthens our organisations’ collective vision of rewarding top talent around the world who rise to the top of historic national open championships.

“We hope this formal recognition shines a bright light on these players and the events they will represent at the Masters and The Open, beginning next year.”

R&A chief executive, Mark Darbon, added: “We take great pride in the range of qualification routes we offer to players around the world through The Open Qualifying Series.

“We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions.

“This creates an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify and we firmly believe this will continue to enrich the quality of the fields in both major championships.”

The schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and the list of exemptions for The 154th Open will be announced in September.