By Derek Lawrenson for the Daily Mail
Published: 22:16 BST, 3 June 2019 | Updated: 22:16 BST, 3 June 2019
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No invitations. No golden tickets. All the four majors have their different entry criteria and that’s the one that singles out the Open. No special exemptions are handed out to high-profile names who have fallen through the cracks, and I have to admit it is something I’ve always admired.
You want to play in the greatest event? You earn your place.Now, I’m beginning to have doubts, and all because of what could unfold at this year’s magical edition at Royal Portrush. Right now, the event will take place without one of the town’s most famous sons, Graeme McDowell.
The R&A have confirmed that unless G-Mac meets one of the entry requirements still available, then he will not be standing on the first tee come the first round.
Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell is set to miss the Open at Royal Portrush next month
Of course, I get it. In truth, I might still agree with it. There are 38 different ways to earn an exemption, so it’s not like the Masters, where the field is restricted and options limited.
All the same, no G-Mac. In Portrush. Who would benefit from that? Certainly not the 50,000 spectators who will be attending each day. And not the event, which would lose the lustre of a powerful storyline.
Special exemptions don’t have to be abused. The PGA of America, for example, pulled a blinder at the US PGA at Bethpage last month when they gave one to the brilliant young Thai, Jazz Janewatananond, who notched a top-15 finish and established a wonderful rapport with the New York fans with his 100-watt smile and daring play.
Fans will miss out if G-Mac does not stand on the first tee come the first round at the Open
‘Jack Nicklaus came up to me on Friday night and told me to look around at all the people having a great time, and that I needed to go out there and have a good time. Honestly, hearing it from him, it just gave it