The Open Changes Exemption Category For Past Champions

Announcing its exemption categories for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, The R&A has revealed a change to the status of past champions from this year going forward.

From 2024, players winning The Open only will be exempt until the age of 55. But all golfers currently exempt as past champions will be able to play in The Open until the age of 60, meaning that the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington still have a significant number of years remaining when they will be eligible to compete.

Previously, before 2008, former champions were automatically exempt until the age of 65, which was the age that Jack Nicklaus (2005), Gary Player (2001) and Arnold Palmer (1995) played in their final Opens.

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Elsewhere, a new exemption will offer players competing on the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour the opportunity to qualify through the International Federation Ranking list. The leading five golfers as of the closing date of entries will be awarded places in The Open.

An exemption for the Africa Amateur Champion has also been added. It will be taken up this year by Altin van der Merwe after his victory in the inaugural championship at Leopard Creek last month.

A medical exemption is being granted to Michael Hendry after he was unable to take his place in The 151st Open last year due to serious illness.

Please visit TheOpen.com for the full list of exemption categories for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon.