R&A makes big change to champions exemption category ahead of 152nd Open in July

The R&A has confirmed there will be a change to the champions exemption category from this year's 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. 



From 2024, players etching their name on the famous Claret Jug will be exempt until the age of 55.

All golfers currently exempt as past champions will be able to play in The Open until the age of 60.

This year's championship will be contested at Royal Troon in Scotland from 18-21 July. 

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The R&A also confirmed there will be a new exemption for players competing on the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Sunshine Tour. Players on each of these circuits will now have 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, and it will be taken up this year by Altin van der Merwe following his victory in the inaugural championship at Leopard Creek last month.



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

The R&A also confirmed earlier today that the leading player not already exempt who makes the cut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard this week will earn a place in The 152nd Open at Royal Troon.

The 152^nd Open will be played at Royal Troon from 14-21 July 2024

The Open is golf’s original championship.

Played since 1860 on iconic links golf courses, it is the sport’s most international major championship with qualifying events on every continent.

For one week each year, the pursuit of the famous Claret Jug trophy is the focus of the sporting world, followed globally by millions of fans.

Staged by The R&A, The Open delivers an annual economic benefit of around £100 million to its host region, while the Championship’s commercial success supports the development of the game, worldwide.

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

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