Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A announced today that for the second year in succession the winner of the Link Hong Kong Open will receive an invite to play in the Masters Tournament.

It marks the continued alignment by both organisations with aspects of the 2027 qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open, that award invitations to winners/top finishers of select national opens.

Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin [main picture] was the beneficiary last year after a runaway wire-to-wire win in Hong Kong. This year’s event is fast approaching and will be played at the Hong Kong Golf Club from 22-25 October.

“The Masters Tournament has a longstanding history of assembling an international field, so we embrace this opportunity to highlight the global nature of the game of golf,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. “Today’s announcement reinforces our shared commitment with The R&A to offer pathways for players from around the world to earn their place in the Masters and The Open.”

The schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and the list of exemptions for The 155th Open will be announced by The R&A tomorrow.

The Open Qualifying Series has been in operation since 2013 and offers golfers entry into The Open through prestigious Tour events across the world. Players can qualify for The 155th Open at St Andrews through the 19 events in 15 countries included in The Open Qualifying Series for next year’s Championship.

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A said: “The Open brings together the very best golfers from around the world to compete in the Championship each year thanks to the strong global pathways we provide. National opens have a proud history in the sport and their inclusion in The Open Qualifying Series builds upon the Championship’s tradition of being open to the best players from around the world. Working alongside Augusta National Golf Club allows us to continue our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for players worldwide to achieve their goal of competing in The Open and the Masters.”

The 2027 Masters will be the 91st playing of the Masters Tournament and is scheduled for 5-11 April. The 155th Open is scheduled for 11-18 July at St Andrews.

Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.