Local hopes Rod Pampling, Brett Rumford and Greg Chalmers will line up in the British Open next year after qualifying via last week’s 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 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 recovered from three dropped shots in his first four holes and carded five birdies on the back nine for a three-under-par round of 68.
The 45-year-old Queenslander has made seven appearances in The Open with his best finish being tied 27th at Royal Troon in 2004. He has won twice on the PGA TOUR, including the 2006 Bay Hill Invitational.
"It’s fantastic to qualify," said Pampling. "I think it’s an awesome venue and obviously it’s the Home of Golf. I have been there a few times so I am really looking forward to having that experience and getting out there. I love links and I am definitely looking forward to it.”
Rumford got his round going with three consecutive birdies from the fifth hole and, despite dropping shots on the 8th, 11th and 15th holes, the 37-year-old birdied the last to finish with a one-under-par round of 70.
The five-time winner on the European Tour, who hails from Perth, finished tied 16th in The Open at Royal Liverpool in 2006 and will make his fifth appearance next year.
Back to back birdies on the 13th and 14th got Chalmers’ round back on track and he finished with a level par round of 71. The 41-year-old 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.
“I’m really excited for me and my family. I will take everybody over to go to St Andrews. I’m really proud of myself and very pleased to earn this spot in The Open," said Chalmers.
The Open Qualifying Series gives players the opportunity to qualify at events on the PGA TOUR, the European Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, the Japan Golf Tour and the Sunshine Tour. The next event in the Series is this week’s Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club.
Meanwhile, just a week after his comprehensive Emirates Australian Open victory, Speith has romped to success in the Hero World Challenge in Florida.
The 21-year-old was untouchable, leading the 18-man field from the start and strolling to a nine shot triumph.
The only interest was in second place, which went to Henrik Stenson who birdied three of his last six holes to edge Patrick Reed and Keegan Bradley.
There were encouraging signs for Jason Day, who has been sidelined for weeks with injury. Day played consistently to finish in outright fifth spot.
By: Robert Grant