Singapore: Thais Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma, American Sean Crocker and Australian Lucas Herbert secured their places in The 147th Open after qualifying at the SMBC Singapore Open.
The tournament, co-sanctioned between the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour, was the third event in The Open Qualifying Series, which gives players the chance to book their place at Carnoustie.
All four players will make their first appearance in The Open at the iconic Scottish links after finishing as the leading four players in the top 12 and ties who were not already exempt.
Jazz and Danthai finished tied for fourth place on eight-under 276, six strokes behind winner Sergio Garcia and one shot behind Satoshi Kodaira and Shaun Norris who were tied for second place. Garcia, Kodaira and Norris had already secured their places in The Open from July 19-22.
“I wasn’t expecting to qualify for The Open, but I am glad that I am in. I am very excited about teeing it up at Carnoustie, but also very nervous about playing in it even though it is a few months away.
“It is a dream come true to be playing The Open. I can’t wait to be there,” said Jazz, who grasped the first qualifying place courtesy of his higher position in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
He carded a steady level-par 71 during the final round on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Danthai took the second qualifying place despite posting a round of 73. He said: “I am very happy and proud of qualifying for The Open, which is my first Major championship. I am looking forward to the challenge and experience of playing Carnoustie.”
Crocker rolled in four birdies on his way to a two-under 69 to finish tied for sixth place with Emirates Australian Open champion Cameron Davis, who secured his place in The Open in November last year following his win at The Australian Golf Club.
The American, who is the son of Zimbabwean international cricketer Gary Crocker and has been mentored by 1994 Champion Golfer of the Year Nick Price, claimed the third qualifying place on seven-under 277.
Herbert finished in a tie for eighth place, one shot further back on six-under alongside Gavin Green, Miguel Tabuena and Berry Henson.
Green had already sealed his place at Carnoustie after topping the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit and Herbert faced a nervous moment when Henson had a birdie putt to move to seven-under on the final hole.
The Australian’s anxiety turned to elation as the attempt fell short of the hole and Herbert secured the final qualifying place courtesy of his higher position in the OWGR, ahead of both Henson and Tabuena.