Australian Deyen Lawson has qualified for the Open Championship for the first time in his career.

The man from Curlewis Golf Club near Geelong in Victoria was one of 12 players added to the field for Royal St George’s, and will tee it up in the seaside village of Sandwich next month in his first major.

Lawson, 30, shot 70-71 at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich yesterday to win his way through qualifying.

He was one shot clear of English pairing Sam Forgan and Connor Worsdall who secured the two remaining qualifying places available today at the Kent links, only a short distance from where The Open will be played next month.

“I’m over the moon,” said Lawson, known as ‘Digger’ in the golf circles. “I’ve never played a major and it’s been a goal of mine for quite a while – since I was a little kid really watching golf and seeing the best players in the world play in majors. To be able to qualify for this it is amazing.

“You try not to think about it and just try and stay in the moment, which I thought I was really quite good at today. It’s good to look over and see Royal St George’s – but I was more looking at it as a fan. But now obviously I can go over and play it – which will be nice.

“You think about the players that have won The Open and the players that have played. It’s one of the biggest tournaments in the world and it will be great to play.”

Lawson has played on the European Tour since 2019. He is ranked 616th in the world.

The Open is scheduled for 15-18 July at Royal St George’s.