The R&A announced Wednesday that the winner of this year’s Open de Argentina will receive an exemption into the 2017 Open Championship, marking the first time that the tournament’s winner will also receive a major championship berth.
First played in 1905, the Open de Argentina boasts a list of winners that includes Roberto de Vicenzo, who won in the tournament for a seventh time in 1967 before capturing the Open Championship later that year at Royal Liverpool. Other players to capture both events include Tom Weiskopf, Mark OMeara and Mark Calcavecchia.
“The Open brings together the best players from around the world as they compete to become champion golfer of the year, and we are delighted to offer this opportunity to the winner of the Open de Argentina,” said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of championships for the R&A. “The new exemption will add another element of excitement to this historic tournament, and we look forward to welcoming the 2016 champion at Royal Birkdale next year.”
The 111th Open de Argentina will be played Nov. 17-20 at Olivos Golf Club in Buenos Aires.