Andy Murray plans to start qualifying for the Open Championship

After ending his impressive tennis career by retiring after the Olympic Games in Paris, former world ranking leader Andy Murray is now dedicating himself to a new sporting challenge with great passion. As the tennis ace recently confirmed in a conversation with reporters as part of the BMW PGA Championship, he plans to participate in the regional qualification for the Open Championship. Murray remains realistic: “I don't have the ambition to play in The Open,” he explained, adding that participating was more “a fun thing.”

Andy Murray is already playing Handicap 2

Since the end of his professional career, the 38-year-old has been on the golf course up to four times a week. His goal is to lower his current handicap from 2 to “Scratch” (handicap 0) — a basic requirement for even being able to participate in qualifying tournaments. Murray's golf ambitions are clearly outlined: He does not intend to qualify for the main tournament, but wants to compete with friends and other amateurs in the qualifying competition. The former tennis star sees this move as an opportunity to live out his love for sport and competition in a new way.

Realistic assessment of Open Championship participation

Despite his remarkable sporting successes in tennis, Murray is aware of the challenge that golf poses at this level. He stressed that he had no chance of actually qualifying for The Open: “I am fully aware of how good the players playing in these events are and how good the professionals are compared to amateurs.” He added that even top amateurs with a handicap of +2 or +3 are “miles away” from what the professionals do.

The Scotsman is planning his participation in 2027 and wants to bring himself to a level “where I won't completely embarrass myself” by then. Regional qualification for the Open Championship is possible at 15 venues in Great Britain and Ireland and is open to players with a scratch handicap.

The joy of competition remains

Murray's recent participation in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am in Wentworth, where he played alongside greats such as Billy Horschel and Gareth Bale, underlines his newfound passion for sport. He also plans to compete in the Alfred Links Championship in St Andrews in October 2025. For Murray, the focus is on sporting appeal: “I want to start taking part in more competitions because I enjoy it,” he said. “I like the competitive side of it. That is what I enjoy doing. ”