Aussies qualify for The Open

Rod Pampling, Brett Rumford and Greg Chalmers all qualified for The Open Championship after the final round of the Emirates Australian Open. Pampling finished on a seven-under-par total of 277 in second place, six shots behind the winner America’s Jordan Spieth, to qualify for the 144th Open at St Andrews next July. He was joined by fellow Australians Rumford and Chalmers, who finished on six-under-par and five-under-par respectively.

The Emirates Australian Open is the first event in the Open Qualifying Series and Pampling, Rumford and Chalmers played steady golf in blustery afternoon conditions at the Australian Golf Club to secure the three qualifying places available.

Pampling from Queensland has made seven appearances in The Open with his best finish being tied 27th at Royal Troon in 2004 and again at Carnoustie in 2007. He has won twice on the US PGA Tour, including the 2006 Bay Hill Invitational. Chalmers will make his third appearance at The Open. His best finish was tied 45th at Royal Lytham in 2012. The two-time Australian Open champion is also a former winner of the Australian PGA Championship.

Rumford, who is a five-time winner on the European Tour, finished tied 16th in The Open at Royal Liverpool in 2006 and will make his fifth appearance next year. He commented, “It’s been a tremendous week and this is real positive to take out of the week. It’s of huge significance that it’s at St Andrews. I think it’s every five years on the rotation it goes back to St Andrews so I’m really looking forward to getting back there. I know St Andrews well through the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship but obviously an Open there is a little bit different.”

The Open Qualifying Series continues at the Thailand Golf Championship from 11 to 14 December 2014. The 144th Open will be played from 16 to 19 July 2014 at St Andrews.