Final qualifying almost descended into farce at the weekend with Ian Poulter and Darren Fichardt playing one round at Luffness New and then withdrawing at the halfway stage.
The pair were told they were in the Open because of their ranking in a mini order of merit which was only finally decided at the end of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond on Sunday night, the same day as the first round of final qualifying.
There have also been many complaints from players about the reduction in the number of qualifying places - there were only around eight at most of the 16 regional venues, including Stockport, and then six or seven at the four final courses.
Dawson, formerly of Manchester, said: "It's true it is very difficult to get into the Open through the qualifying process but I don't think we're in any way apologetic about that.
"This is one of the world's premier golf events and we have to strike a balance between ensuring the strongest possible field tees up in the championship on one hand, while retaining the championship's open ethos."
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