Aussies Anthony Quayle and Brad Kennedy book starts at the 150th Open Championship

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Anthony Quayle and Brad Kennedy – along with Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Justin De Los Santos from the Philippines – have secured their places in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews after qualifying through the Mizuno Open on the Japan Golf Tour.

Played at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club, the Mizuno Open was the fifth event in the Open Qualifying Series, which gives golfers around the world opportunities to book their place for the historic occasion at St Andrews from 14-17 July.

The Japan Tour event was won by Vincent with a par on the second playoff hole after he recorded a final-round 65 to finish regulation play tied on 12-under par 276 alongside Quayle. 

Vincent, now a three time champion on the Japan Tour, will make his debut in The Open at St Andrews this year. 

Quayle, who held a four-shot lead at the start of the day, recorded an even-par 72 in the final round to join Vincent in the playoff. His runner-up finish ensures he will also make his Major debut at the 150th Open.

“The 150th Open at St Andrews is probably about as exciting and historic as it gets and as good as it gets for your first Major. I am pretty excited,” Quayle said.

“To experience the atmosphere and vibe around the championship, to see some of the players I have idolised my whole life will be really exciting.” 

Kennedy claimed the third available qualifying place by finishing in third place with a 10-under par total of 278. The Queenslander will make his fourth appearance in The Open and his first at St Andrews.

“This is two years in a row that I have qualified now and The 150th Open will be my fourth time playing in the championship,” Kennedy said.

“Playing The Open on the Old Course at St Andrews  is one of those golfing moments you always dream about. It’s going to be exciting, the crowd is going to be unbelievable.” 

De Los Santos also booked his place at St Andrews after finishing in fourth place with a nine-under par total of 279. He recorded a four-under 68 on Sunday, his best round of the week.

Birdies on the 71st and 72nd holes sealed his qualification for the 150th Open, which will be his first appearance in the championship and first time travelling to Europe. 

The next event in the Open Qualifying Series is the Dutch Open which is being played at Bernardus Golf and will finish later tonight.