Craig Howie produced the standout round of Open Regional Qualifying by shooting a 10-under-par 61 at Craigielaw, breaking the course record by two shots and moving into Final Qualifying for The 154th Open.
The Peebles professional topped the Craigielaw standings on Monday as Regional Qualifying took place across 16 venues in Great Britain and Ireland. His score was the clearest individual statement from a day that saw 124 players keep their Royal Birkdale hopes alive.
Howie’s 61 came on a low-scoring day in East Lothian, but the margin still stood out. Erik Johansson and James Steven both signed for seven-under 64s, while a five-man play-off settled the final Craigielaw places behind them.
Howie’s Open Path Now Moves To Final Qualifying
The result sends Howie to Final Qualifying on Tuesday, 30 June, where the remaining places for The 154th Open will be decided over 36 holes.
George Bryan was another headline qualifier, finishing top at Hesketh alongside Australian amateur Abel Eduard after a three-under 68. Liam Abom led at The Island with an eight-under 64, while Alex Maguire, a 2023 Open player, also advanced.
The Open confirmed the full Regional Qualifying picture in its official round-up of the 154th Open qualifying route, with Howie’s course-record round the performance that immediately framed the next stage.
For Howie, the task is now simple but demanding: turn one brilliant day at Craigielaw into a place at Royal Birkdale.
