South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter has been named as the replacement for past champion Louis Oosthuizen in the 2026 Open field.
That keeps it at eight South Africans in the field after Potgieter failed in his bid to qualify via the newly introduced Last Chance Qualifier on Monday.
READ: Saffa tee times for round one
Potgieter needed a birdie on the last to force a playoff on Monday but ultimately bogeyed the 18th after finding the sand with his approach for a level par round. He will no doubt be better for the experienced of a competitive round around the Open layout ahead of the event which tees off on Thursday.
As the first reserve for the field, it was likely that Potgieter would tee it up given that Sam Burns is on standby for the birth of his child.
Potgieter replaces the injured Oosthuizen in the 14:53 tee time with local GolfRSA amateur Jack Buchanan and Sweded Jesper Svensson for company.
The Open returns to Royal Birkdale this week as the world’s top golfers descend on England’s north-west, all with eyes on the Claret Jug.
Matti Schmid is now is listed as first alternate, with Andrew Wilson, runner-up in the Last Chances qualifier, the second alternate.
Article Link: Potgieter replaces Oosthuizen in Open field