Open qualifying hit by withdrawals
An astonishing 53 players failed to take up the chance to win a place in the Open championship at the international qualifying competition in America today.
What was supposed to be a field of 120 competing for 15 spots at Royal Troon became just 67 – and that will inevitably lead to a review of the new system designed to make it easier for United States-based players to qualify.
Those who pulled out will also be asked to explain themselves by the Royal and Ancient Club and if they do not come up with a satisfactory reason they could be refused entry to next year’s championship.
David Hill, the R&A’s Director of Championships, said: “It is disappointing and we will have to analyse who has withdrawn and why they have done so.
“Anybody who withdraws has to have a good reason and if not the championship committee can take whatever action they feel appropriate.
“One of the reasons for hosting international final qualifying was to give young players in particular in America the opportunity to qualify there and save them the expense of having to come over here to do it.”
A total of 46 players scratched over the weekend and the other seven simply did not show up for their tee-off times this morning at the Congressional club in Washington.
England’s Kenneth Ferrie, who was taking part in the international qualifier at Sunningdale, commented: “This should make the R&A realise that we care about the Open as much as we do and they should give us more spots in future.”
There were 17 places available at Sunningdale, but that had a full field of 120 battling for them.
