This SMBC Singapore Open has the distinction of being the second leg on the road to The 146th Open at Royal Birkdale.
Qualification started in November at the Emirates Australian Open – the first of 15 events in 10 countries that make up The Open Qualifying Series for 2017.
The SMBC Singapore Open was one of two news events added to the 2017 schedule along with the Ho Tram Players Championship at The Bluffs in Vietnam.
The leading two non-exempt players, who finish in the top 10 and ties at the SMBC Singapore Open will secure their place in the field at Royal Birkdale from 16 to 23 July, 2017.
“We are delighted to welcome the SMBC Singapore Open to The Open Qualifying Series in 2017,” said Dominic Wall, Director – Asia-Pacific at The R&A. “The addition of two places in The Open will add an exciting new element to this fantastic event in Singapore and gives the players a huge incentive to compete for places in golf’s oldest championship at Royal Birkdale next summer.”
A total of 44 places in The Open are available through the Series, which provides golfers with opportunities to qualify at events around the world on the PGA TOUR, the European Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour and the Sunshine Tour.
Andrew Johnston, General Manager and Director of Agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club, said: “With the inclusion of the event in The Open Qualifying Series, it will continue to gain strength in the region. We are humbled to be in the presence of The R&A and to be connected to one of the greatest championships in golf, The Open.”
This marks the first time Singapore’s national Open has been part of the series.
“This move by The R&A further validates the SMBC Singapore Open as one of Asia’s biggest and most important national Opens. It is also a brilliant reward for players to compete for at Sentosa that will help to contribute to an exciting week of golf. We thank The R&A for making this happen,” said Patrick Feizal Joyce, Vice President – Golf, Asia.
Regional Qualifying and Final Qualifying events will take place at venues throughout Great Britain and Ireland.
The Open Qualifying Series (TOQS) will offer the following qualification places in The 146th Open:
The Open Qualifying
| Series | Event | No of places | Detail |
| TOQS-Australia | Emirates Australian Open 17-20 November 2016 Royal Sydney Golf Club |
3 | Three places to the leading three players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-Singapore | SMBC Singapore Open 19-22 January 2017 Sentosa Golf Club |
2 | Two places to the leading two players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-South Africa | Joburg Open 23-26 February 2017 Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club |
3 | Three places to the leading three players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-Vietnam | Ho Tram Players Championship 13-16 April 2017 The Bluffs |
2 | Two places to the leading two players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-Japan | Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open 25-28 May 2017 JFE Setonaikai Golf Club |
4 | Four places to the leading four players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 12 and ties |
| TOQS-USA | Quicken Loans National 29 June – 2 July 2017 TPC Potomac |
4 | Four places to the leading four players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 12 and ties |
| TOQS-Final Qualifying | 4 July 2017 Gailes Links Hillside Royal Cinque Ports Woburn (Marquess’) |
12 | Three places available at each venue |
| TOQS-France Open de France | Date TBC Le Golf National |
3 | Three places to the leading three players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-Ireland | Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 6-9 July 2017 Portstewart Golf Club |
3 | Three places to the leading three players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-USA | The Greenbrier Classic 6-9 July 2017 The Old White TPC |
4 | Four places to the leading four players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 12 and ties |
| TOQS-Scotland | Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open 13-16 July 2017 Dundonald Links |
3 | Three places to the leading three players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 10 and ties |
| TOQS-USA | John Deere Classic 13-16 July 2017 TPC Deere Run |
1 | One place to the leading player (not otherwise exempt) who finishes in the top five and ties |
Note: Any player who has qualified through The Open Qualifying Series is deemed an exempt player. In the event that that player subsequently fulfils other exemption categories those places in the starting field will be subject to Section F of The Open Entry Form.
The Open
The 146th Open will be played at Royal Birkdale from 16-23 July 2017.
The Open is golf’s oldest championship. Played since 1860 on iconic British and Irish links 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 up to £100 million to its host region, while the Championship’s commercial success supports the development of the game, worldwide.
