Scott to extend Open streak

A sensational streak is set to continue for Adam Scott.

The former world number one will make his 24th successive appearance in The Open after securing one of the three qualifying spots on offer at the ISPS Handa Australian Open.

Joaquin Niemann and Rikuya Hoshino also booked their places at Royal Troon on Sunday as the top two finishers in Sydney. Both men finished on 14-under-par before Niemann claimed the title in style with an eagle at the second play-off hole.

With the third-placed Min Woo Lee already exempt for Troon, the final qualifying berth went to Scott, who tied for fourth with Grant Forrest and Laurie Canter on 11-under but took the spot courtesy of his superior Official World Golf Ranking.

Scott, who will turn 44 two days before the first round at Troon next July, has not missed The Open since making his debut at St Andrews in 2000.

He famously came agonisingly close to victory at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2012 and was tied-third at Muirfield the following year.

Niemann and Hoshino are also familiar faces at The Open by now. Former amateur world number one Niemann will make his fifth consecutive start at the Championship, while Hoshino has appeared in each of the last three.

The ISPS Handa Australian Open is part of The Open Qualifying Series, which offers golfers around the world opportunities to book their place in golf’s original Championship.