The winners of six national opens – four of which are on the DP World Tour schedule – will receive an invitation to the Masters Tournament and The Open as part of a change to qualification criteria.
In a joint announcement by Augusta National and The R&A, the champions at the Genesis Scottish Open, Open de España presented by Madrid, ISPS HANDA Australian Open and Investec South African Open Championship will now earn entry to the two Major Championships.
As a result, Chris Gotterup will make his Masters debut next April after winning the Scottish Open – co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR – last month.
The winners of the Japan Open and Hong Kong Open will also receive one-year exemptions.
“The Masters Tournament has long recognised the significance of having international representation among its invitees,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.
“We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together.”
The move builds on The Open Qualifying Series, which has been in operation since 2013. Beginning later this year players can qualify for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale through 15 events in 13 countries.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A said, “We take great pride in the range of qualification routes we offer to players around the world through The Open Qualifying Series.
“We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions.
“This creates an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify and we firmly believe this will continue to enrich the quality of the fields in both Major Championships.”
Rory McIlroy won the Masters earlier this year to complete the career Grand Slam, while Scottie Scheffler won his second Major of the season at The Open.
The schedule for The Open Qualifying Series for The 154th Open will be announced in September.
The 2026 Masters will be the 90th playing of the Masters Tournament and is scheduled for April 6 – 12. The 154th Open is scheduled for July 12 – 19 at Royal Birkdale.
