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The Australian Open has been given an enormous boost by being named among a handful of national championships that will award the winner an invitation to the 2026 Masters, after a bombshell announcement by Augusta National and the R&A.
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The winner of the Australian Open, which began in 1904, was carved out among the 2026 Masters’ entry criteria by organiser Augusta National alongside Scottish Open Champion (One year), South African Open Champion (One year), Spanish Open Champion (One year), Japan Open Champion (One year), and the Hong Kong Open Champion (One year).
The R&A, which runs the Open Championship, is also expected to adjust the spots it affords to national opens among its highly successful Open Qualifying Series to align with the criteria adjustment for the Masters. The R&A will announce that in September, the global rules body said.
The Australian Open was already among the international schedule of the Open Qualifying Series – each year sees the top three finishers not already exempt receive a start at the following year’s Open Championship.
It means that this year, the Australian Open will welcome the reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy, as well as Adam Scott, Cam Smith and other stars on the world-renowned Composite course at Royal Melbourne and the winner will get into the Masters and the Open Championship.
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“This approach builds on The R&A’s longstanding and successful Open Qualifying Series and will ensure strong international pathways into both major championships from several professional tours, recognising the global strength of elite professional golf,” a joint statement read.
“The Masters Tournament has long recognised the significance of having international representation among its invitees,” Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, said in a statement. “We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together. Today’s announcement strengthens our organisations’ collective vision of rewarding top talent around the world who rise to the top of historic national open championships. We hope this formal recognition shines a bright light on these players and the events they will represent at the Masters and The Open, beginning next year.”
Added Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland: “We are committed to elevating the status of our national Open, and this announcement is another significant step in that direction,” Sutherland said. “Winning a place in The Masters field is a great honour for any golfer and combined with the chance to qualify for The Open it will be a special bonus for the Australian Open winner.
“With the 2025 Masters Champion, Rory McIlroy, confirmed to play the Australian Open at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in December, there is already huge anticipation ahead of our tournament. This announcement will only fuel greater interest from players, fans and commercial partners.
“This means a lot to Golf Australia and our local Tour, and we sincerely appreciate the significant gesture by the Augusta National Golf Club. We look forward to working with Augusta National and The R&A in supporting the game in our region.”
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said: “For the winner of the Australian Open to now receive an invite into The Masters is a landmark moment. It demonstrates the global standing of the event, and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia which continues to play an important role in world golf.”
