Following the problems caused by the large number of entries in 1911, qualification was re-introduced and took place on 20, 21, and 22 June. The top twenty and ties qualified on each of the three days; George Duncan led the twenty qualifiers on Thursday by seven strokes with a score of 149, and 168 was the qualifying score.[2][6] There 21 qualifiers on the second day at 162 or better, led by Ted Ray on 153.[7][8] There were 21 qualifiers on the third day; Tom Ball scored 144 on Saturday, six strokes ahead of the rest, and the qualifying mark was 160.[1][9]
After the first two rounds on Monday, Ray led on 144, with Vardon at 147, James Braid on 148, and George Duncan in fourth at 149.[10]
On Tuesday, Ray extended his lead to five strokes after the third round, and he was not seriously challenged in the final round in the afternoon, despite a 71 from Vardon.[4] Despite his weight and with his nearest rivals still to complete their rounds, Ray was carried off the final green in triumph by some of his friends.
^Brenner, Morgan G. (2009). The Majors of Golf: Complete Results of the Open, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and the Masters, 1860-2008. Vol. 1. McFarland. ISBN978-0-7864-3360-5.