The R&A has issued the exemption categories for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, and they include several key changes to previous years.
A change has been made to the champions’ exemption category. From 2024, players winning The Open 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.
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.
For the full list of exemption categories for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon visit TheOpen.com.