In heavy rain early that flooded the bunkers, Jones shot 76 on Monday at the Old Course,[5][6] and 71 on Tuesday at the New Course for 147, three strokes behind the low qualifier.

Amateur Cyril Tolley led the field with 144; the qualifying score was 160 and 108 players advanced.

Jones, age 25, returned to St Andrews to make amends for his first experience on the course; six years earlier in 1921, he walked off the Old Course in frustration during the third round.

He shot 68 (−5) in the first round on Wednesday,[11][12][13] three clear of the rest of the field, and after a second round 72 was at 140 (−6), two shots ahead of Bert Hodson and four clear of Joe Kirkwood Sr.[14][15][16] To make the cut, players had to be within fourteen strokes of the leader after 36 holes; it was at 154 (+8) and 54 advanced.

Future three-time champion Henry Cotton, age 20, made his Open debut and finished in ninth place.