Former Tennis World No. 1 Andy Murray has revealed plans to take part in the regional qualifiers for the Open Championship.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam winner who retired after last year’s Parisilympics, has been playing golf regularly since his final career in tennis, and eagled Wentworth Proam’s 18th hole before the BMW PGA Championship on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old Briton has two handicaps, and not only is he aiming to defeat it to scratch, but he also wants a crack in the qualifying round for the oldest major in golf.
“I don’t have the ambition to play openly, but I would like to play at some stage like a regional qualifier,” Murray said.
“A few of my friends have done it, so if you get to the level where you can do it, it’s fun.
“We’re totally aware of how good the players playing in these events are, and how good the pros are compared to the pros. Even those who play in a plus two or three are miles away.”
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All amateur and professional athletes with scratch handicap are eligible to obtain open regional qualifications in 15 locations in the UK and Ireland. Key finishers from each event will advance to the final qualifying round and earn a spot for the open.
Asked if he plans to attend next summer, Murray added:
“I think in a few years, I hope that you will never be completely dishonored, but you will be at a level you never know.”