Description
Michael Hollick (left), Adam Scott and Si Woo Kim after qualifying for The 154th Open: Image Credit - Sunshine Tour

MICHAEL Hollick is set to make his Open debut after qualifying for next year’s 154th championship through the Crown Australian Open, which concluded on Sunday at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia.

The South African professional claimed one of the three spots available at Royal Melbourne to players not already exempt, as part of The Open Qualifying Series. He finished fourth in Australia.

Si Woo Kim and Adam Scott also qualified. Hollick carded 12-under-par 272, finishing just three strokes behind the winner, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who was already exempt for The Open. He opened the tournament with a two-under-par 69, which included an eagle, three birdies and three bogeys. He then posted another 69 in the second round, picking up two birdies without dropping a shot. On moving day, Hollick recorded yet another 69 with five birdies and a triple bogey. He closed with a brilliant six-under-par 65, collecting seven birdies and just one bogey. The 154th Open will be played at Royal Birkdale in England from July 12-19 2026. The Open is golf’s original championship. Played since 1860 on iconic links golf courses, it is the sport’s most international major championship with qualifying events on every continent. For one week each year, the pursuit of the famous Claret Jug trophy is the focus of the sporting world, followed globally by millions of fans.

Staged by The R&A, The Open delivers an annual economic benefit of over £150 million to its host region, while the Championship’s commercial success supports the development of the game, worldwide.