ard Green and Matthew Jones retained two of The Open Qualifying positions and were joined by Max McCardle after the third round of the Emirates Australian Open today.
Three players who finish in the top ten and ties at the conclusion of play on Sunday will qualify for the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) from 13-20 July 2014.
Australian Richard Green is looking to return to The Open after a three year absence. He finished tied fourth with Ernie Els at Carnoustie in 2007 and has made 11 appearances in the Championship. The three-time European Tour winner posted a one over par 73 to finish on eight under par.
Matthew Jones finished on the same mark after a level par 72. Jones finished tied 31st in the recent OHL Classic at Mayakoba on the PGA Tour and played in the PGA Championship at Oak Hill where he finished tied 40th. He would be making his debut in The Open if he qualifies.
The third qualifying position is held by Australian Max McCardle who is ranked 50th in the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. McCardle eagled the seventh and carded two birdies and a bogey on the way to a three under par 69 to also sit on eight under par for the championship.
The Emirates Australian Open is the first event in the new Open Qualifying Series which will take in 14 events in nine countries on five continents. A detailed breakdown of the qualifying places is set out below.