Estonian Amateur Richard Teder First to Play Open Championship

Richard Teder, a 20-year-old amateur golfer, is making history as the first Estonian to compete in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. His journey into golf began by chance when his aunt won golf vouchers as a tennis competition prize, leading him to start playing at the age of six and quickly develop his skills despite Estonia's limited golf infrastructure. Teder qualified for the Open with a dramatic 70-yard chip-in during a sudden-death playoff at West Lancashire, a moment he has watched repeatedly in disbelief. Having grown up playing in the U.K. and Ireland, he feels prepared for the challenging links conditions and is excited to prove himself on golf's biggest stage. Despite Estonia's short golf season and few courses, Teder has shown resilience and talent, even competing in a long-drive contest with Bryson DeChambeau during Open week. His story is an inspiring testament to determination and the global reach of golf.