Walters emotional as he qualifies for Royal Portrush Open

Jul 2, 2025 | Featured, Features, South Africans abroad

Justin Walters cut an emotional figure as he reflected on sealing a second appearance at The Open, 11 years after his first.

The 45-year-old journeyman last appeared in the 2014 Open but had been staring at a framed flag from that special week 11 years ago while dreaming of returning in 2025. He won his qualifier.

The South African topped the leaderboard at Burnham & Berrow and, after sharing a video call with close friend and fellow qualifier Dean Burmester, said: “I didn’t look at a leaderboard all day so I had no idea where I stood, but obviously I knew I was playing well.

“I made a couple of bogeys down the back nine which tightened me up a little bit but I was able to respond really well. When I heard I was through, it all hit me at once. It was lovely to experience some joy for a change, it has been a tough couple of years.”

The day started with 288 players – competing across four different venues, all dreaming of a place at the 153rd Open. Five places were available at each venue, and after a day of drama there are now 20 qualifiers confirmed.

Burnham & Berrow saw Walters, Jacob Skov Olesen, Harry Hall, Frazer Jones and OJ Farrell qualify.

Dundonald Links saw Lee Westwood, Daniel Young, Angel Hidalgo, Jesper Sandborg and Connor Graham qualify.

Royal Cinque Ports saw Burmester, Nathan Kimsey, Curtis Knipes, Sebastian Cave and John Axelsen qualify.

West Lancashire saw Lucas Herbert, Sampson Zheng, George Bloor, Richard Teder and Oliver Lindell qualify.

David Puig set a new course record at Royal Cinque Ports in the morning (64) and this was quickly matched by the irrepressible Burmester in the afternoon.

Burmester is having something of a purple patch. The Stinger GC star, who is 11th in LIV’s season long standings, also has a surprisingly good Open record, with a T40, T11 and T19 in his three appearances to date. He’ll now get a chance to improve on that in Northern Ireland after equalling the course record at the two-time Open venue in Kent.

He said: “That’s one of the best rounds of golf I’ve played. It was just flawless from the get-go this afternoon.

“Basically from the first hole it looked like every putt was going to go in, and that’s pretty much what happened for the next 17 holes.

“I’m super chuffed with the way it’s turned out. It was a goal of mine to get to Portrush. Now I’ve got to find some accommodation!”

South Africans who didn’t qualify: