Andy Murray plans to compete in the Open Championship qualifier

After ending his impressive tennis career by retiring after the Olympic Games in Paris, former world number one Andy Murray is now passionately devoting himself to a new sporting challenge. As the tennis ace recently confirmed in an interview with reporters at the BMW PGA Championship, he is planning to take part in the regional qualifiers for the Open Championship. Murray remains realistic: "I have no ambition to play in The Open," he explained, adding that taking part would be "a fun thing".

Andy Murray already plays 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 reduce his current handicap of 2 to "scratch" (handicap 0) - a basic requirement to be able to take part in the qualifying tournaments at all. Murray's golfing ambitions are clearly outlined: He has no plans 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 step as an opportunity to live out his love of sport and competition in a new way.

Realistic assessment of Open Championship participation

Despite his remarkable sporting success in tennis, Murray is aware of the challenge that golf at this level brings. He emphasized that he has no chance of actually qualifying for The Open: "I'm fully aware of how good the players are who compete in these events 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 achieve.

The Scot is planning his participation for 2027 and wants to get himself to a level by then "where I don't make a total fool of myself". 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 at Wentworth, where he played alongside the likes of Billy Horschel and Gareth Bale, underlines his rekindled passion for the sport. He also plans to compete at the Alfred Links Championship in St Andrews in October 2025. For Murray, the sporting appeal is paramount: "I want to start competing more because I enjoy it," he said. "I like the competitive side of it. That's what I enjoy."