Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A have unveiled a new qualification system that enables winners of select national open championships around the globe to earn invitations to the Masters Tournament and the British Open. This initiative aims to broaden international participation in these major golf events, building on the Open Qualifying Series established by The R&A in 2013.

Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National, emphasized the importance of global representation, stating, "The Masters Tournament has long recognized the significance of having international representation among its invitees. We, along with The R&A, have a shared commitment to the global game and are proud to work together."

Effective immediately, the updated qualification criteria for the 2026 Masters, scheduled for April, will include champions from the Scottish Open, Spanish Open, Japan Open, Hong Kong Open, Australian Open, and South African Open. Additionally, Augusta National revised the criteria for PGA Tour winners’ invitations, limiting them exclusively to individuals who secure victory in events awarding full points toward the season-ending Tour Championship, thereby excluding winners of fall PGA Tour events from automatic Masters entry.

For the 2026 British Open at Royal Birkdale in July, players will be able to qualify via 15 tournaments across 13 countries. Detailed information regarding the schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and exemptions for the next British Open will be released in September.

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, highlighted the collaboration's shared vision: "We share the same goal as Augusta National to offer places in both The Open and the Masters to players competing in national opens and by doing so to help to showcase and strengthen our sport in those regions." He also noted the initiative reflects the "global strength of elite professional golf" and provides "an outstanding opportunity for players in all parts of the world to qualify."