Past winners of the British Open are to have their exemptions cut by five years and will cease to be eligible after they have passed the age of 60. The change means five-time winner Tom Watson, for example, has only three years of his exemption left to run rather than eight. Those currently between 60 and 65 will not be affected.

The decision was announced by the Royal and Ancient Club yesterday. It has also been decided to alter the way players can earn places at Royal Birkdale next July from European and US Tour events. Instead of just one spot being on offer at the Scottish Open and the US Tour's John Deere Classic on the Sunday before the Open, there will be an exempt place up for grabs the previous week at the European Open and AT&T National.