Next week’s event at 13th Beach Golf Links will be the sole event on the PGA Tour of Australasia offering spots for the 150th Open to be held at St. Andrews later this year.

Three places at the Old Course will be warded to the leading three players not already exempt who finish in the top-10 and ties.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “We were sorry to hear that continuing travel restrictions led to the New Zealand Open being cancelled and thank New Zealand Golf for its support and the efforts made to stage the event.

“The Vic Open is a leading event and we are grateful to Golf Australia, the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia and the Victorian Government for agreeing to our request to offer players the opportunity to qualify for The 150th Open through it. We look forward to seeing who emerges from the field next week to take their place at St Andrews.”

James Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Australia, added, “As we enter the final stages of preparation at 13th Beach, this is very exciting news for our tournament, and such a wonderful opportunity for the eligible players. Thanks to The R&A for their swift decision-making and support following the unfortunate cancellation of the New Zealand Open.”

"This is a massive opportunity for our players in Australia. To think that it's the 150th Open, played at the home of golf, not to mention the oldest and most famous golf tournament on the planet. We're absolutely rapt that it was able to happen albeit that we feel sympathy for our friends in New Zealand who unfortunately had to cancel their own Open."

A minimum of 46 places in The Open are available through the Series, which provides golfers with opportunities to qualify at events around the world on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour, Korean Tour, Japan Golf Tour and Sunshine Tour.