Former tennis world No. 1 Andy Murray says he is aiming to take part in regional qualifying for The Open Championship.

Murray, 38, said he was hoping to play in the preliminary round for the 2027 tournament but explained he did not think he would have “any chance” of qualifying for the main event.

The three-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics and, now playing golf up to four times a week, is targeting bringing his handicap down to scratch.

“I don’t have ambitions of playing in The Open. I want to try and play in like the regional qualifying at some stage,” Murray told reporters on Wednesday, speaking after the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am.

“A couple of my friends have done it and it would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that. I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.

“I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off +2, 3 are miles off what these guys are.”

Regional qualifying for The Open is open to amateur and professional players with a scratch handicap and takes place across 15 locations in Britain and Ireland. The leading finishers at each event progress to final qualifying, where players can earn a spot at The Open.

Asked if he was hoping to take part next summer, Murray replied: “No, not next year, the following year. In a couple of years’ time, I think, well, I’m hoping I’ll be at a level where I won’t totally disgrace myself, but you never know.”

Murray took part in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wenworth on Wednesday, the celebrity tournament that takes place before the PGA Championship. He played in a group alongside reigning champion Billy Horschel and former footballers Gareth Bale and Teddy Sherringham.

He is also set to play at the 2025 Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in October, participating in the Team Championship, where he will partner a professional.

“I want to start playing in more competitions because I enjoy it,” Murray added. “I think one, you concentrate a bit harder, but I like the competitive side of it. That’s what I enjoy.”

(Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)