Final qualifying for the Open Championship 2025 took place on 1 July, offering a last chance for players to join the elite field set to compete at Royal Portrush from 17 to 20 July. With 288 players battling across four historic links venues, only 20 spots were available to complete the 156-player field for golf’s oldest major.

This one-day event is part of the Road to The Open and delivered compelling storylines from past champions, emerging amateurs, and LIV Golf stars, all chasing a shot at this year’s Open in Northern Ireland.

Final Qualifying Venues for Open Championship 2025

Four final qualifying events were held on 1 July 2025 at the following venues:

McDowell, Poulters, Willett Among Star Names Eyeing Entry

Among the featured acts in the field is 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, whose pursuit of a spot at Royal Portrush may be thought of as a very personal matter. A native of Northern Ireland, McDowell gets to chase his dream at a home Open, where the roars of the crowd will mean something a little more powerful. 

One of the more interesting stories has Ian and Luke Poulter open qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports. Ian has enjoyed a career that has made him a Ryder Cup icon hoping for one last chance on the big stage, while son Luke is following in his father’s footsteps, qualifying for his first time in this high-pressure tournament. The emotional element of generational drama adds a fascinating element to the final qualifying drama.

In the mix too are both past Masters champion Danny Willett and Indian rising star Shubhankar Sharma. Both are seasoned players in the world’s biggest events and will be hoping to punch their ticket to Northern Ireland. They will be up against the muscle of 16 Irish players, including amateurs and regional qualifiers , all looking to make a name for themselves.

Final Qualifiers for The Open Championship 

How Final Qualifying Works

Final qualifying is the last stage in the Road to The Open. Players first compete in regional qualifying, and the top performers move on to one of the four final qualifying venues.

Each final qualifier is a one-day, 36-hole stroke play event. Only the top 5 at each site earn their place in the field at Royal Portrush. There are no second chances, making this one of the most dramatic gateways in professional golf.

Royal Portrush: Home of The 153rd Open Championship

The Open Championship 2025 returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, only the third time in the event’s long history. Following Shane Lowry’s emotional win in 2019, the spotlight is once again on Dunluce Links, a par-71 course stretching 7,381 yards.

Fans can expect a stern test with landmarks like Calamity Corner, swirling coastal winds, natural dunes, and fiery links fairways. The setting promises drama for the world’s best golfers.

Why Final Qualifying Captures the Spirit of The Open

The Open is not just for household names. It is where club professionals, young amateurs, and veterans earn a chance at history. Final qualifying is golf’s ultimate merit test, where a single great day can secure a dream tee time.

Stories like Estonian amateur Richard Teder qualifying with an eagle, or Connor Graham making the field at just 17, capture the imagination of fans and show why The Open remains golf’s most inclusive major.

The Full Field for the Open Championship 2025

With 20 qualifiers now confirmed, the full field of 156 players is nearly complete. The rest of the field includes:

• Past Open Champions
• Top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking
• Recent major winners
• Leading players from international tours

Key Dates for The Open Championship 2025

Final Qualifying: 1 July 2025

Open Championship: 17 to 20 July 2025

Venue: Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland

Field: 156 players (20 from final qualifying)

Fans can follow updates, scores and news via The Open App and the official R and A website.

The Final Countdown Begins

As the Open Championship 2025 is nearing, attention turns first to final qualifying.

The Road to The Royal Portrush Open Championship is almost complete. Now, all eyes are on those who will take their shots, maybe at their first or last Open Championship.

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