Qualifying took place on 6–7 June, Monday and Tuesday, with 18 holes at Prince's and 18 holes at Royal St George's, and the top 100 and ties qualified.[6] Bob Bradbeer led the qualifiers on 141; the qualifying score was 157 and 110 players advanced.[1][7][8][9]
Sarazen opened with a 70 on Wednesday to take the lead, one stroke ahead of four others.[10][11] He followed with a 69 for 139 (−5) for a three-stroke lead over Percy Alliss after 36 holes.[12][13] The top sixty and ties would make the 36-hole cut; it was at 154 (+10) and 64 players advanced.[14]
With a 70 in the third round on Friday morning, Sarazen increased his lead to four over Arthur Havers, who shot a course-record 68 (−4). A 74 in the final round that afternoon saw Sarazen post an Open record 283 total. Havers, playing well behind Sarazen, needed a 69 to win, but made the turn in 37 and could not close the gap. He could only manage a 76 for 289 and fell to third; Smith shot 71-70 to climb into solo second place at even-par 288.[3][4]
This was the only Open Championship held at Prince's, just north of Royal St George's, which has since been the only venue in southeastern England to host.