Played at Bay Hill, the Arnold Palmer Invitational was the fourth event in The Open Qualifying Series, which gives golfers around the world opportunities to book their place for the historic occasion at St Andrews from 10-17 July.

The PGA Tour event was won by Scottie Scheffler on a five-under-par total of 283. The American recorded his second victory this season following his breakthrough win at the WM Phoenix Open last month.

He was already exempt for The Open alongside seven other golfers who finished inside the top-10, including Tyrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Billy Horschel, Gary Woodland, Lucas Herbert, Sam Burns and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Kirk claimed the first available qualifying place after finishing in a tie for fifth place alongside Woodland on a three-under-par total of 285. The 36-year-old played steady golf in difficult conditions to post a level-par 72 in the final round.

Talor Gooch will play his second Open Championship after his strong finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. PHOTO: Supplied.

The American will make his fourth appearance in The Open and his first at St Andrews. The four-time PGA Tour winner recorded his best result in the Championship at Royal Liverpool in 2014 when he finished tied 19th.

“This will be my first Open at St Andrews and I am pumped. I can’t wait,” Kirk said. “In 2015, I was exempt for The Open there and I hurt my hand. It was devastating for me not to be able to go.

“It is something I definitively had in my sights this year as a big goal, to try to make it over there. It feels amazing to have the opportunity. I think my wife and I and our three boys will be able to come with me. It will be incredible.”

Gooch also booked his place at St Andrews after finishing in a tie for seventh place with Herbert on two-under-par.

“This will be my first Open at St Andrews and I am pumped. I can’t wait.” - Chris Kirk. 

The American, who secured his first PGA Tour win last November at the RSM Classic, recovered from a difficult front nine in which he went out in seven-over-par 43 to pick up crucial birdies on the 12th and 14th holes. He will now make his second appearance in The Open after his debut at Royal St George’s last year.

No golfer was able to claim the third available qualifying place. Keegan Bradley narrowly missed out on securing a place at St Andrews after finishing in a tie for 11th place along with Corey Connors on an even-par total of 288. Connors was already exempt for The Open.

The next event in The Open Qualifying Series is the Mizuno Open which will be played at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club from 26-29 May.