Siwoo Kim Earns Spot in The Open

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Siwoo Kim will make a dramatic appearance at the season's final major, The Open.

Siwoo Kim earned a lucky spot to compete in The Open. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The R&A, which organizes The Open, announced on July 14 (local time) that Siwoo Kim, who was first on the waiting list, received a spot after Ernie Els (South Africa) withdrew. The reason for Els's withdrawal was not disclosed. Els won The Open twice, in 2002 and 2012, and holds a past champion exemption that allows him to compete until age 60.

Kim finished tied for 34th at the Genesis Scottish Open on the PGA Tour, which ended on July 13, and failed to secure one of the three Open spots awarded to the top finishers. However, due to Els's decision not to participate, Kim will now compete in golf's most prestigious major. He finished tied for 15th at The Open in 2022 and placed 43rd last year. This year's Open will be held from July 17 to 20 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.