The quest to capture the claret jug as British Open champion in July may seem a long time away, but not for those players - including three Irishmen - competing in South Africa this week in the first of five International Qualifying competitions.
Ciarán McMonagle, a former Irish amateur champion, Timmy Rice and James Loughnane are among those in an international field from 10 countries (including 45 from the host country) attempting to secure one of four qualifying places for the British Open, to be played at Royal Troon on July 15th to 18th.
In an effort to broaden the international flavour of the season's third major, the R&A decided to play five qualifying competitions - this week's one at Atlantic Beach in South Africa with further events taking place in Australia, Malaysia, England (Sunningdale) and the United States (Congressional) - to give players an opportunity to secure places in the field.
Africa, Asia and Australasia will be guaranteed four qualifying places apiece while America and Europe will each be guaranteed at least 12.
Regional Qualifying will be retained at 16 venues and Local Final Qualifying (LFG) will still take place at Glasgow (Gailes), Irvine, Turnberry Kintyre and Western Gailes on July 10th and 11th. A minimum of 12 places will be available from LFQ.
US Tour player David Frost is competing in the first qualifier on Thursday and Friday, while other notables include Charl Schwartzel - who last year became the second youngest player to secure his European Tour card through the qualifying school - Andrew Coltart and Rolf Muntz.
