Andy Murray Sets Sights on The Open Championship Qualifying
Former world No. 1 tennis player Andy Murray is targeting participation in regional qualifying for The Open Championship. The 38-year-old revealed his ambition to compete in the preliminary rounds for the 2027 tournament, though he doesn’t anticipate progressing to the main event.
Murray retired from professional tennis following the 2024 Paris Olympics and has as dedicated more time to golf, playing up to four times a week with the goal of achieving a scratch handicap.
“I don’t have ambitions of playing in The Open. I want to try and play in like the regional qualifying at some stage,” Murray stated to reporters on Wednesday after participating in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am. “A couple of my friends have done it and it would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that. I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.”
He acknowledged the high level of competition, adding, ”I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off +2, 3 are miles off what thes guys are.”
The regional qualifying events, open to both amateur and professional golfers with a scratch handicap, are held across 15 locations in Britain and Ireland. triumphant players advance to final qualifying for a chance to earn a spot in The Open.
When asked about participating in qualifying next summer, Murray clarified, “No, not next year, the following year.In a couple of years’ time, I think, well, I’m hoping I’ll be at a level where I won’t totally disgrace myself, but you never know.”
Murray recently played in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth alongside reigning champion Billy Horschel, and former footballers Gareth Bale and Teddy Sherringham. He is also scheduled to compete in the 2025 Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in October, partnering with a professional in the Team Championship.
“I want to start playing in more competitions because I enjoy it,” Murray explained. “I think one, you concentrate a bit harder, but I like the competitive side of it. That’s what I enjoy.”
(Photo: andrew Redington/Getty Images)
