A golfer with a handicap of 0.4 or lower could enter regional and final qualifying for the 2026 Open Championship. The threshold applies to eligible players seeking one of the places available through the championship’s qualifying route.
Open qualifying begins with regional qualifying, played over 18 holes at multiple venues. Successful players then progress to final qualifying, which is played over 36 holes at four venues. The strongest performers from final qualifying earn places in the 156-player Open field, alongside golfers who qualify through exemptions and other recognised pathways.
A handicap of 0.4 is effectively near scratch level: it means the player’s handicap index is no higher than 0.4 strokes above a scratch golfer under the relevant handicap system. It does not guarantee entry into the championship itself; it only establishes eligibility to enter the qualifying process, subject to the official conditions and deadlines.
The figure is easy to confuse with thresholds for other championships, including the U.S. Open, or with the scores required to advance after qualifying. The 0.4 figure concerns eligibility before the qualifying rounds begin.