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Max Homa secures British Open spot after missed putt

Created at 7 Jul · 2:45 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Max Homa earned a spot in the British Open due to a missed short putt by Ben Kohles at the John Deere Classic. Kohles' double bogey dropped him to a tie for third, impacting his FedEx Cup points and earnings, while Homa's runner-up finish propelled him into the world ranking cutoff for the major.

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Key Numbers

$318,200Kohles' earnings difference
100Kohles' FedEx Cup points difference
No. 83Kohles' projected FedEx Cup ranking
No. 100Kohles' actual FedEx Cup ranking
No. 112Homa's previous world ranking
No. 73Homa's current world ranking
No. 84Homa's projected world ranking if Kohles made putt
15players from world ranking filling Open field
No. 77Potgieter's world ranking
3spots available from Scottish Open
1Last Chance Qualifier event
2top reserves in qualifier
10PGA Tour cards for Race to Dubai standings
2European tour victories for Eugenio Chacarra
3shot victory for Carolina Chacarra

Who's Involved

Max Homa
Golfer who secured British Open spot
Ben Kohles
Golfer whose missed putt impacted Homa's qualification
Chris Gotterup
Golfer tied for lead with Kohles
Aldrich Potgieter
First alternate for the British Open
Matti Schmid
Second reserve in Last Chance Qualifier
Sam Burns
Player potentially withdrawing from Open
Sam Stevens
First alternate in previous year's Open
Patrick Reed
Golfer competing in Scottish Open and British Open
Rory McIlroy
Masters champion and competitor in Race to Dubai
Eugenio Chacarra
Golfer who won Italian Open
Carolina Chacarra
Golfer who won Hulencourt Women's Open
Sam Bairstow
Golfer also in British Open and ISCO Championship
Yana Wilson
LPGA rookie who withdrew from Evian Championship

↳ Why This Matters

A single missed putt can have significant consequences, impacting not only the player who missed it but also affecting the qualification of other golfers for major championships like the British Open. This highlights the interconnectedness and high stakes within professional golf.

Key facts

  • Max Homa qualified for the British Open due to a missed putt by Ben Kohles at the John Deere Classic.
  • Kohles' double bogey on the 18th hole dropped him from contention for a playoff.
  • Homa's second-place finish moved him to 73rd in the world rankings, securing his spot in the Open.
  • Aldrich Potgieter is the first alternate for the British Open.
  • Patrick Reed is competing in the Scottish Open and British Open to maintain his Race to Dubai lead.
  • Eugenio Chacarra won the Italian Open, earning a spot in the British Open.

The final moments of the John Deere Classic saw Ben Kohles miss a crucial short putt on the 18th hole, leading to a double bogey and dropping him to a tie for third. This costly error not only affected his earnings and FedEx Cup points but also directly benefited Max Homa.

Homa, who was in contention for second place, moved up to 73rd in the world rankings due to Kohles' misfortune. This ranking was sufficient for Homa to secure a spot in the upcoming British Open at Royal Birkdale. Had Kohles made his putt, Homa would have been a lower alternate and unlikely to gain entry.

Meanwhile, Aldrich Potgieter stands as the first alternate for the British Open. He, along with others, will compete for the remaining spots, with three available from the Scottish Open and a 'Last Chance Qualifier' event at Royal Birkdale. Sam Burns' potential withdrawal also leaves a possibility for an alternate to get in.

Patrick Reed is set to play in the Scottish Open and the British Open as he aims to win the Race to Dubai on the European tour. Eugenio Chacarra secured his place in the British Open with a victory at the Italian Open, while his sister, Carolina Chacarra, also achieved a significant win, earning spots in other major women's events.

In other golf news, Sam Bairstow is competing in both the ISCO Championship and the British Open. Yana Wilson has withdrawn from the Evian Championship due to illness, and The First Tee is launching its first chapter in Scotland.

Frequently asked questions

Max Homa secured a spot in the British Open because Ben Kohles missed a short putt on the 18th hole of the John Deere Classic, causing Kohles to fall in the rankings and Homa to move up sufficiently.

Ben Kohles' missed putt resulted in a double bogey, dropping him to a tie for third place, costing him significant earnings and FedEx Cup points, and crucially, impacting his world ranking which affected Max Homa's qualification status.

Aldrich Potgieter is the first alternate for the British Open, with a ranking of No. 77.

The remaining spots can be filled by the top three players from the Scottish Open not already eligible, and through a 'Last Chance Qualifier' event held at Royal Birkdale.

What Happens Next

01The British Open field will be finalized based on remaining qualification events and withdrawals.
02Patrick Reed will continue his pursuit of the Race to Dubai title.
03Eugenio Chacarra will compete in the British Open.
04Carolina Chacarra will play in the Women's Scottish Open and Women's British Open.

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How It Developed

Ben Kohles missed a short putt on the 18th hole at the John Deere Classic, resulting in a double bogey.
Kohles' miss dropped him to a tie for third place, costing him significant earnings and FedEx Cup points.
Max Homa's runner-up finish moved him to No. 73 in the world rankings.
Homa secured a spot in the British Open field due to his ranking.
Aldrich Potgieter is the first alternate for the British Open, with other players competing for remaining spots.
Patrick Reed is focusing on the Scottish Open and British Open to maintain his lead in the Race to Dubai.
Eugenio Chacarra won the Italian Open, securing a PGA Tour card and a spot in the British Open.
Carolina Chacarra won her first professional title, earning a spot in the Women's Scottish Open and Women's British Open.

Sources

T1
Max Homa gets in the British Open because of a short putt someone else missedAP News

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