According to British Open rules, any player who finishes in the top five of the AT&T National earns himself entry into the Open Championship. Charles Howell III shot 66 during Sunday’s final round in Newtown Square, sliding him from 13th into a tie for third place.
British Open 2011: Charles Howell III Turns AT&T National Finish Into St. Andrews Invite
Howell has earned a top-20 finish at each PGA Tour major besides the Open; he’ll have a chance to top his No. 42 placing earned in 2004 at St. Andrews.
He said he was aware of what was at stake, but focused on the task at hand:
It was in the back of my head. But that doesn't mean anything ... I'm obviously thrilled, but the more important thing today was to climb up the leader board.
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