The leading player who is not already exempt for The 155th Open will earn a coveted place in the field at St Andrews, with the iconic Old Course set to host The Open from 11–18 July 2027.

The announcement continues the New Zealand Open’s growing international significance, following the success of the 2026 event when Lucas Herbert secured the exemption for the 154th Open after finishing runner-up to Daniel Hillier at Millbrook Resort. Herbert went on to make the most of his opportunity at Royal Birkdale, famously carding a record-equalling 62 during The Open and finishing in a tie for 6th place.

R&A Regional Managing Director – Asia Pacific, Dominic Wall, said the New Zealand Open had established itself as an important part of the global pathway to The Open.

“The Open Qualifying Series provides golfers around the world with the opportunity to earn their place on golf’s biggest stage, and the New Zealand Open has proven to be a fantastic addition to that pathway. The performance of Lucas Herbert at Royal Birkdale demonstrated just how meaningful this opportunity can be.

“With The Open returning to St Andrews in 2027, the prospect of earning a place in the Championship will provide an incredible incentive for players competing in Queenstown.”

New Zealand Open Chairman John Hart said the return of the OQS exemption further strengthened the tournament’s position on the international golfing calendar.

“We are incredibly proud that the New Zealand Open will once again provide a direct pathway to The Open Championship. To have the opportunity to earn a place at St Andrews – the Home of Golf – adds another extraordinary dimension to our tournament and gives players something truly special to play for.”

“Ryan Fox’s incredible victory at Royal Birkdale earlier this year was a hugely proud moment for golf in New Zealand and further highlights the connection between our national Open and The Open.”

“With The Open returning to St Andrews in 2027, we’re incredibly excited to once again offer our players the opportunity to earn their place on one of golf’s greatest stages. It adds another layer of significance to the New Zealand Open and gives the 2027 field a very special prize to play for.”

For Lucas Herbert, the opportunity he earned at Millbrook Resort in 2026 proved to be one of the highlights of his season.

“Winning the exemption at the New Zealand Open was a huge moment for me. The New Zealand Open is a great tournament in its own right and one I hope to win, but knowing there was a place at The Open on the line makes it a must-play event for me.

“To then go to Royal Birkdale and have the week I had, made the whole experience pretty incredible. Knowing The Open is at St Andrews makes the opportunity at the New Zealand Open even more exciting. Whoever earns that spot will have something very special ahead of them.”

The New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort returns to Queenstown from 25–28 February 2027. With a place at St Andrews now on the line, the stage is set for another chapter in the tournament’s growing international legacy.