Barbasol Championship

Trey Mullinax claimed the final place in the field for The 150th Open at St Andrews after winning the Barbasol Championship at Keene Trace Golf Club in Kentucky.

The 30-year-old’s maiden PGA Tour and DP World Tour victory saw him secure the final qualifying spot available through the OQS as the highest finishing player not already exempt.

He edged out the highest-ranked player in the field Kevin Streelman to book his debut Open appearance, holing a 15-foot putt from the edge of the 18th green to triumph.

Mullinax had started the final round of the rain-delayed tournament three strokes behind 54-hole leader Matthias Schmid, the winner of the  Silver Medal at The 149th Open.

But Mullinax found himself tied with playing partner Streelman heading down the par-4 last before making the title-clinching birdie for a final round 66 to finish at 25-under.

And his attention quickly turned to the home of golf after sinking the winning putt.

“What an incredible honour to be able to go over there and play,” said the Alabama native. “What a dream come true to be able to go to St Andrews on the 150th. 

“I've got a lot of logistics to take care of here in just a little bit, but man, super excited and ready to go over there and try to figure out that golf course.”

Streelman posted a final-round 67 to finish second at the event, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour for the first time, but could not make a birdie on the last to force a play-off.

Mark Hubbard finished three strokes behind Mullinax in third ahead of Germany’s Hurly Long, while Vince Whaley completed the top five as Schmid finished tied eight with a closing 67.

The victory for Mullinax came in his 105th PGA Tour start and as well as earning a spot at The 150th Open, he has also earned his DP World Tour and PGA Tour cards for next season.

He played 33 holes on Sunday, concluding his delayed third round for a five-under 67, before making eight birdies - and two bogeys - to come out on top in Kentucky.

“I stayed focused for 72 holes,” Mullinax added. “I missed a couple of opportunities with the putter and just told myself to keep putting, been putting great. 

“Been hitting my irons beautifully all week, probably the strongest part of my game. I knew I was going to have that shot a couple of times, and I hit a great shot at the right time.”

Focus now turns to The 150th Open at St Andrews now the final OQS qualifying spots have been filled, with the action getting underway on Thursday at the iconic home of golf.