THE 2012 golf season is underway and for three lucky golfers over the next two days that will mean earning a coveted spot in the 2012 British Open.

Kingston Heath Golf Club is playing host this week to the R&A as it stages the 2012 International Final Qualifying (IFQ) for The Open Championship.

Played over the 10th and 11th January, the IFQ provides the opportunity for Australasia’s best golfers to play their way into the oldest Golf Championship in the world.

At the end of the 36 holes just the top three players in the 46 man field will be granted a place in the championship, this year to be played at Royal Lytham & St Annes from 15-22 July 2012.

The IFQ pits some of Australia’s more experienced players including Peter Senior, Craig Parry and Peter Lonard against some of the young guns including James Nitties, Matthew Griffin and Rohan Blizard.

Entering into IFQ on the back of his runner-up finish at the Victorian Open is New South Welshman Kurt Barnes.

Barnes experienced success at last year’s IFQ when he, Matt Millar and Rick Kulacz all qualified.

Live scores, tee times and other information are available on the British Open website here.