Singapore: Senior industry figures from across the Asia-Pacific have hailed a new alignment between Augusta National and The R&A.

Two of the game’s most powerful and influential organisations this week announced plans to align aspects of the qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open, awarding invitations to winners/top finishers of select national Opens beginning immediately.

Among the tournaments that have been selected are the national Opens of Australia, Hong Kong and Japan – three of the Asia-Pacific’s most prestigious and longest-running championships.

Leading officials have been quick to laud the move which will elevate the profile of the three championships, the 2025 editions of which will all be staged in the final quarter of the year.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “This is a phenomenal announcement which is tremendously important to our members and the Asian region.

“The Link Hong Kong Open has been one of the pillars of the Asian Tour over many decades. The recognition from Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A naming them as a gateway event to their illustrious Major championships acknowledges the heritage and stature of the tournament in Asia.

“We are extremely thankful the two bodies recognise the rising level of talent of professional golf in Asia by providing this incredibly important pathway.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “We are committed to elevating the status of our national Open, and this announcement is another significant step in that direction.

“Winning a place in The Masters field is a great honour for any golfer and combined with the chance to qualify for The Open it will be a special bonus for the Australian Open winner.

“With the 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy confirmed to play the Australian Open at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in December, there is already huge anticipation ahead of our tournament. This announcement will only fuel greater interest from players, fans and commercial partners.

“This means a lot to Golf Australia and our local Tour, and we sincerely appreciate the significant gesture by the Augusta National Golf Club. We look forward to working with Augusta National and The R&A in supporting the game in our region.”

Masashige Ikeya, Chairman of the Japan Golf Association, echoed the sentiments of Cho and Sutherland.

He said: “We are truly grateful for this granting of eligibility to the winner of the Japan Open Golf Championship to compete in the Masters main draw in addition to The Open Championship.

“Having the opportunity to compete in the Masters and The Open Championship, beloved by golf fans worldwide and coveted by all golfers, will further motivate the Japan Open players, and we expect them to deliver performances that will excite golf fans.

“National Opens have a long history as the most prestigious golf tournament in each country. With the co-operation and understanding of the host courses, the Japan Golf Association sets the course to a world-class standard unlike any other tournament, allowing golf fans to enjoy the beautiful skills of top players and the profound depth of the sport.

“As efforts to promote golf continue to grow around the world, the Japan Golf Association will also contribute to the promotion of golf in Japan by widely communicating the appeal of golf through the national Open.”

The 2026 Masters will be the 90th playing of the Masters Tournament and is scheduled for April 9-12. The 154th Open is scheduled for July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale.