Menu Close

Seb Cave Beats Tour Pros to Book Place at The Open 2025

Seb Cave, the quietly confident England Golf Men’s Squad talent, just punched his ticket to the biggest tee time of his life — The Open.

And he didn’t do it by tiptoeing past the field. No, the 21-year-old from Warwickshire bulldozed his way through Open Final Qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports, finishing fourth in a field that included the likes of Ian Poulter, Erik van Rooyen, and Peter Uihlein — players with more air miles and Ryder Cup tales than Cave has amateur starts.

“It’s a surreal feeling, it’s not sunk in yet,” Cave said after sealing his spot with a gritty five-under total across 36 holes. “I was 5-under in the morning and it could have been eight or nine quite easily.”

Seb Cave Qualifies for the Open

That kind of talk might sound like the bravado of a man fresh off a heater, but Cave had every reason to believe. He holed out from 50 yards for eagle on the 16th and followed it by knocking one stiff on the 17th for birdie. Forget nerves — the lad had ice in his veins.

“Even when I made a few bogeys and a double, I told myself I wasn’t out of this,” he said. “Luckily it was enough.”

From Coxmoor to The Claret Jug Chase

For Seb Cave, a member of Coxmoor Golf Club and the England Golf Men’s Squad since 2019, this is more than a dream. It’s a career ignition.

Just weeks ago, he was grinding through missed cuts at the St Andrews Links Trophy and the Amateur Championship.

A solid T18 in Sweden at the European Amateur hinted at something building. Turns out, he was just tuning up for a walk through the gates of golfing royalty.

“It may have exceeded expectations a little, but you’re going there to qualify,” Cave admitted. “To get through with the way I played, it was surreal to pick up a flag and a player tag, which is currently on the kitchen side!”

Not bad for a bloke fresh off a university stint at North Carolina-Charlotte, still reacquainting himself with the oddities of links golf and the joys of a British summer gale.

“Coming back from University in the USA, getting used to links golf was a challenge,” Cave confessed. “But I’d have missed all the cuts if it meant being able to play in The Open!”

A Finish to Savour, a Field to Dream About

As he prepares for Royal Troon, Cave isn’t just soaking in the moment — he’s eyeing the heavyweights.

“The number one player in the world Scottie Scheffler, how good he is right now, he’d be a standout name I’d love to play with,” he said. “Obviously Rory McIlroy. I’d love to try and outdrive Bryson DeChambeau in one of the practice rounds too!”

There’s ambition, and then there’s Cave ambition — the kind that quietly says, I belong here. But make no mistake, the end goal isn’t just rubbing shoulders with the stars. He’s aiming for something shinier.

“The goal is the Silver Medal (for top amateur),” he said without blinking. “If I play great and miss the cut – amazing. If I finish top 20 – amazing. I’m not fussed about a finish.”

Keeping It in the Family

Routine won’t change, he insists. The same drills, the same approach, the same support system — including a caddie who knows him better than anyone.

“Dad (Alex) will be on the bag again,” Cave revealed. “He’ll just be there carrying the bag and cleaning the clubs!”

Not exactly Bones Mackay, but sometimes all you need is a clean club and a familiar voice.

One for the Scrapbook (and the CV)

So where does this rank in Seb Cave’s burgeoning career?

“Representing England Golf, and also GB&I has been great,” he said. “But this probably tops it. Getting over the line in a one-day event against players who are already on tour, to qualify for an event I want to be challenging for every year… it has to be up there as my best achievement.”

With his name now inked into the Open field, Seb Cave has earned more than just a tee time.

He’s earned belief — his own and, now, the golfing world’s. Royal Troon awaits.

And if the wind picks up, don’t be surprised if Cave’s name is blowing around near the top of the leaderboard.

Related News