Lee Westwood has qualified for a 22rd consecutive Open Championship on Sunday at the Thailand Golf Championship.
The Asian Tour event is one of 10 Open Qualifying Series events, which offer spots into the game's oldest major to non-exempt players through their finish in myriad global events. The top four players not already into the Open that finished in the top 12 earned an Open berth. With his final-round 67, Westwood finished tied for second at 18-under 270, three shots behind winner Jamie Donaldson, who also earned a spot in the Open with the win.
French first-year pro and 54-hole leader Clement Sordet, who finished T-2 with Westwood, and 16-year-old Phachara Khongwatmai, who finished solo sixth after earning a spot in the field through Monday qualifying, earned the other two spots.
“I’ve played every one since 1995, so it’s great to keep that run going," Westwood said afterward. "It’s been 21 years now and I’ve not missed one, so I’m happy. It’s my favorite championship of the year.”
The 2016 Open Championship will be played at Royal Troon from July 14-17.
