Chan Kim, KT Kim, Hendry & Bland qualify for Open in Japan
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Chan Kim, Michael Hendry, Adam Bland and KT Kim have all earned their spots in the 146th Open at Royal Birkdale after the Mizuno Open in Japan on Sunday.
Chan Kim strode to a five-shot victory at the JFE Setonakai Golf Club with a final round four-under-par 68, with Hendry following in second at 10-under-par for the tournament.
The Korean American had already secured his place at the US Open on Monday at the Sectional Qualifying event in Japan before lifting his first trophy on the Japan Golf Tour, but said qualifying for The Open had always been one of his biggest dreams.
“I’ve never played in a major championship before and to play in The Open has been one of my biggest dreams, just to see all the history there. I’m extremely excited and honoured.” Kim said.
“From what I’ve seen on TV, I can expect a lot of wind, a lot of rain and really difficult conditions. It will be tough but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hendry’s runner-up finish earns him his first trip to The Open, and cancels out last year’s demons where he missed out on qualifying at the same tournament by a single shot.
Meanwhile, Adam Bland will make a third start in The Open this year (following his two starts at Royal Liverpool in 2016 and St Andrews in 2015), while KT Kim will head to the championship for his sixth time. Kim finished in a tie for fourth place alongside Australia’s Won Jon Lee, but the 13-time Japan tour winner earned his spot thanks to his higher position in the Official World Golf Ranking.
“The Open is obviously the most loved major for me,” KT Kim said. “It’s always a new course and a new challenge. I am hoping that I can have a great score and a great chance at Royal Birkdale.”
“There are many things that make The Open special, one factor that always comes into play is the weather. At one moment it could feel like summer, and then at the next you have the wind and rain. It’s part of the beauty of The Open Championship.”
