Perth’s Connor McKinney held his nerve to qualify for the 151st Open Championship in a three-man playoff at Dundonald Links in Scotland.
McKinney, the 21-year-old Joondalup golfer and former WA state player, shot three under par over 36 holes at Dundonald to finish T3rd overall.
With four qualifying spots available, a three-man playoff was held to eliminate one player with McKinney birdieing the second extra hole to secure his place in the field at Royal Liverpool later this month.
It will be McKinney’s first major appearance and the Scottish-born Aussie national can’t wait to have a crack at the Claret Jug.
“To play in golf’s oldest championship as your first major, and having grown up watching The Open, is pretty special,” he said. “It’s something I have always dreamed of. You have to envision it but it’s a pretty surreal feeling to be sure.”
Connor McKinney came through a playoff to earn his place at Hoylake
McKinney becomes the 10th Australian to secure their place in the field for The Open. He will line up alongside Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Haydn Barron, Harrison Crowe, David Micheluzzi, Jason Day, Lucas Herbert, Travis Smyth and defending champion Cam Smith.
The 151st Open Championship takes place at Royal Liverpool from July 20-23.
A version of this article first appeared on the Golf Australia website.
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