The Open Championship

The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest golf tournament in the world, and one of the most prestigious. Founded in 1860, it was originally held annually at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. Later the venue rotated between a select group of coastal links golf courses in the United Kingdom. It is organised by The R&A.

The Open Championship
Tournament information
Established1860
Course(s)courses
Organised byThe R&A
Tour(s)European Tour
PGA Tour
Japan Golf Tour
FormatStroke play
Prize fundUS$16,500,000[1]
Month playedJuly
Tournament record score
Aggregate264[lower-alpha 1] Henrik Stenson (2016)
To par−20[lower-alpha 1] Henrik Stenson (2016)
−20[lower-alpha 1] Cameron Smith (2022)
Current champion
United States Brian Harman
2023 Open Championship
Location Map
Royal Liverpool is located in the United Kingdom
Royal Liverpool
Royal Liverpool
Location in the United Kingdom
Royal Liverpool is located in England
Royal Liverpool
Royal Liverpool
Location in England
Royal Liverpool is located in Merseyside
Royal Liverpool
Royal Liverpool
Location in Merseyside

The Open is one of the four men's major golf championships, the others being the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. Since the PGA Championship moved to May in 2019, the Open has been chronologically the fourth and final major tournament of the year. It is held in mid-July.

It is called The Open because it is in theory "open" to all, i.e. professional and amateur golfers. In practice, the current event is a professional tournament in which a small number of the world's leading amateurs also play, by invitation or qualification. The success of the tournament has led to many other open golf tournaments to be introduced around the world.

The winner is named "the Champion Golfer of the Year", a title that dates to the first Open in 1860, and receives the Claret Jug, a trophy first awarded in 1872.[2] The reigning champion is American Brian Harman, who won the 2023 Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club with a score of 271.

History

Early tournament years (1860–1870)

Willie Park Sr., the first "Champion Golfer of the Year", wearing the Challenge Belt, the winner's prize at The Open until 1870

The first Open Championship was played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland, over three rounds of the twelve-hole links course.[3] In the mid-19th century golf was played mainly by well-off gentlemen, as hand-crafted clubs and balls were expensive. Professionals made a living from playing for bets, caddying, ball and club making, and instruction. Allan Robertson was the most famous of these pros, and was regarded as the undisputed best golfer between 1843 and his death in 1859.[4][3] James Ogilvie Fairlie of Prestwick Golf Club decided to form a competition in 1860, "to be played for by professional golfers",[5] and to decide who would succeed Robertson as the "Champion Golfer". Blackheath (England), Perth, Bruntsfield (Edinburgh), Musselburgh and St Andrews golf clubs were invited to send up to three of their best players known as a "respectable caddie" to represent each of the clubs.[6] The winner received the Challenge Belt, made from red leather with a silver buckle and worth £25, which came about thanks to being donated by the Earl of Eglinton, a man with a keen interest in medieval pageantry (belts were the type of trophy that might have been competed for in archery or jousting).[7][6]

The first rule of the new golf competition was "The party winning the belt shall always leave the belt with the treasurer of the club until he produces a guarantee to the satisfaction of the above committee that the belt shall be safely kept and laid on the table at the next meeting to compete for it until it becomes the property of the winner by being won three times in succession".[8] Eight golfers contested the event, with Willie Park, Sr. winning the championship by 2 shots from Old Tom Morris, and he was declared "The Champion Golfer of the Year".[9][3]

A year later, it became "open" to amateurs as well as professionals. Ten professionals and eight amateurs contested the event, with Old Tom Morris winning the championship by 4 shots from Willie Park, Sr.[10][3] A prize fund (£10) was introduced in 1863 split between 2nd, 3rd and 4th (the winner only received the Challenge Belt). From 1864 onwards a cash prize was also paid to the winner.[11][12] Before this the only financial incentive was scheduling Prestwick's own domestic tournament the same week, this allowed professionals to earn a few days' work caddying for the wealthier gentlemen.[13] Willie Park, Sr. went on to win two more tournaments, and Old Tom Morris three more, before Young Tom Morris won three consecutive titles between 1868 and 1870. The rules stated that he was allowed to keep the belt for achieving this feat. Because no trophy was available, the tournament was not held in 1871.[3]

The introduction of course rotation and the Claret Jug (1872–1889)

On 11 September 1872 agreement was reached between Prestwick, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. They decided that each of the three clubs would contribute £10 towards the cost of a new trophy, which was to be a silver claret jug, known officially as The Golf Champion Trophy, and hosting of the Open would be rotated between the three clubs. These decisions were taken too late for the trophy to be presented to the 1872 Open champion, who was once again Young Tom Morris. Instead, he was awarded with a medal inscribed 'The Golf Champion Trophy', although he is the first to be engraved on the Claret Jug as the 1872 winner. Medals have been given to, and kept by the winner ever since.[8] Young Tom Morris died in 1875, aged 24.[14]

The tournament continued to be dominated and won by Scottish professionals, to be rotated between the three Scottish golf courses, and played over 36 holes in a single day until 1889.[15]

Harry Vardon, the record holding six-time winner of the Open, with five-time winner James Braid

English hosts and winners, and the Great Triumvirate (1890–1914)

In the 1890s, the tournament was won four times by three Englishman (two of whom were amateurs).[16] In 1892 the tournament was played for the first time at the newly built Muirfield, which replaced Musselburgh as the host venue used by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.[17] A few years later St George's[18] and Royal Liverpool[19] in England were added to the rotation. From 1892 the tournament was increased in duration to four 18-hole rounds over two days[17] (Prestwick had been extended to an 18-hole course by then[20]).

Between 1898 and 1925 the tournament either had a cut after 36 holes, or a qualifying event,[21] and the largest field was 226 in 1911.[22] The large field meant sometimes the tournament was spread across up to four days.[23] In 1907 Arnaud Massy from France became the first non-British winner.[24] Royal Cinque Ports in England became the 6th different Open host course in 1909.[25]

The pre-war period is most famous for the Great Triumvirate of Harry Vardon (Jersey), John Henry Taylor (England), and James Braid (Scotland). The trio combined to win The Open Championship 16 times in the 21 tournaments held between 1894 and 1914; Vardon won six times (a record that still stands today) with Braid and Taylor winning five apiece. In the five tournaments in this span the Triumvirate did not win, one or more of them finished runner-up. These rivalries enormously increased the public's interest in golf, but the first world war meant another Open was not held until 1920, and none of the trio won another Open.[26]

Walter Hagen playing at the 1922 Open Championship at St George's, where he became the first American-born winner

American success with Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones, and the last Open at Prestwick (1920–1939)

In 1920 the Open returned, and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club became the sole organiser of the Open Championship. In 1926 they standardised the format of the tournament to spread over three days (18 holes on day 1 and 2, and 36 on day 3), and include both qualifying and a cut.[21]

In 1921 eleven U.S.-based players travelled to Scotland financed by a popular subscription called the "British Open Championship Fund", after a campaign by the American magazine Golf Illustrated.[27] Five of these players were actually British born, and had emigrated to America to take advantage of the high demand for club professionals as the popularity of golf grew.[28] A match was played between the Americans and a team of British professionals, which is seen as a forerunner of the Ryder Cup.[29] When the Open was held two weeks later, one of these visitors, Jock Hutchison, a naturalised American citizen, won in St Andrews, the town of his birth.[30]

In 1922 Walter Hagen won the first of his four Opens, and become the first American-born winner. The period between 1923 and 1933 saw an American-based player win every year (two were British-born), and included three wins by amateur Bobby Jones, and one by Gene Sarazen, who had already won top tournaments in the United States. English players won every year between 1934 and 1939, including two wins by Henry Cotton (he would go on to win a third in 1948).[3]

After overcrowding issues at the 1925 Open at Prestwick, it was decided it was no longer suitable for the growing size of the event, being too short, having too many blind shots, and it could not cope with the volume of spectators.[31] The Open's original venue was replaced on the rota with Carnoustie,[32] which hosted for the first time in 1931. Troon hosted for the first time in 1923,[33] and Royal Lytham & St Annes was also added, hosting for the first time in 1926.[34] Prince's hosted its one and only Open in 1932.[35]

Ben Hogan gets a ticker-tape parade on his return to New York City, after winning the 1953 Open Championship.

Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, and Ben Hogan's Triple Crown (1946–1958)

The Open returned after the war to St Andrews, with a victory for American Sam Snead. Bobby Locke became the first South African winner, winning three times in four years between 1949 and 1952, and later winning a fourth title in 1957. Having already won the Masters and the U.S. Open earlier in the year, Ben Hogan won in his one and only Open appearance in 1953 to win the "Triple Crown".[3] His achievement was so well regarded he returned to New York City to a ticker-tape parade.[36] Peter Thomson became the first Australian winner, winning four times in five years between 1954 and 1958, and later winning a fifth title in 1965.[3] After flooding prevented Royal Cinque Ports from hosting, both in 1938 and 1949, it was removed from the rota.[37] The Open was played outside of England and Scotland for the first time in 1951 at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland.[38]

The period saw fewer American entrants, as the PGA Tour had grown to be quite lucrative, and the PGA Championship was often played at the same or similar time paying triple the prize money.[39][40] A larger golf ball was also used in America, which meant they had to adjust for the Open.[41]

Player, Palmer, Nicklaus – The Big Three (1959–1974)

In 1959, Gary Player, a young South African, won the first of his three Opens. Only four Americans had entered, but in 1960 Arnold Palmer travelled to Scotland after winning the Masters and U.S. Open, in an attempt to emulate Hogan's 1953 feat of winning all three tournaments in a single year. Although he finished second to Kel Nagle, he returned and won the Open in 1961 and 1962. Palmer was hugely popular in America, and his victories are likely to have been the first time many Americans would have seen the Open on television. This, along with the growth of trans-Atlantic jet travel, inspired many more Americans to travel in the future.[3]

The period is primarily defined by the competition between Player, Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus won three times (1966, 1970, 1978) and had a record seven runner-ups. American Lee Trevino also made his mark winning his two Opens back to back in 1971 and 1972, the latter denying Nicklaus a calendar year Grand Slam.[3] The only British champion in this period was Tony Jacklin,[42] and it is also notable for having the first winner from Argentina, Roberto De Vicenzo.[43]

Watson, Ballesteros, Faldo, and Norman (1975–1993)

By 1975, the concept of the modern majors had been firmly established, and the PGA Championship had been moved to August since 1969,[40] so no longer clashed with the Open. This meant the Open had a feel similar to the current tournament, with the leaders after 36 holes going off last (1957 onwards),[44] all players having to use the "bigger ball" (1974 onwards),[45][46][47] play spread over four days (1966 onwards, although the days were Wednesday to Saturday until 1980),[48][49] and a field containing all the world's best players.

American Tom Watson won in 1975. Turnberry hosted for the first time in 1977, and Watson won the Open for the second time, after one of the most celebrated contests in golf history, when his duel with Jack Nicklaus went to the final shot before Watson emerged as the champion. He would go on to win again in 1980, 1982 and 1983, to win 5 times overall,[3] a record only bettered by Harry Vardon, and he became regarded as one of the greatest links golf players of all time.[50]

In 1976, 19-year-old Spaniard Seve Ballesteros gained attention in the golfing world when he finished second.[51] He would go on to win three Opens (1979, 1984, 1988), and was the first continental European to win since Arnaud Massy in 1907. Other multiple winners in this period were Englishman Nick Faldo with three (1987, 1990, 1992), and Australian Greg Norman with two (1986, 1993).[3]

Tiger Woods won the Open twice at St Andrews.

Tiger Woods and the modern era (1994 onwards)

Every year between 1994 and 2004 had a first-time winner.[52] In 1999, the Open at Carnoustie was famously difficult, and Frenchman Jean van de Velde had a three-shot lead teeing off on the final hole. He ended up triple bogeying after finding the Barry Burn, and Scotman Paul Lawrie, ranked 241st in the world, ended up winning in a playoff. He was 10 strokes behind the leader going into the final round, a record for all majors.[53] He was not the only unheralded champion during this span, as 396th-ranked Ben Curtis[54] and 56th-ranked Todd Hamilton[55] won in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

In 2000, Tiger Woods, having just won the U.S. Open, became champion by a post-war record 8 strokes[56] to become the youngest player to win the career Grand Slam at age 24.[3] After winning the 2002 Masters and U.S. Open, he became the latest American to try to emulate Ben Hogan and win the Open in the same year. His bid came to a halt on Saturday with the worst round of his career up to that time, an 81 (+10) in cold, gusty rain.[57] He went on to win again back-to-back in 2005 and 2006 to bring his total to three wins. Other multiple winners in this era are South African Ernie Els (2002, 2012) and Irishman Pádraig Harrington (2007, 2008).[3][52]

In 2009, 59-year-old Tom Watson led the tournament through 71 holes and needed just a par on the last hole to become the oldest ever winner of a major championship, and also match Harry Vardon's six Opens. Watson bogeyed, setting up a four-hole playoff, which he lost to Stewart Cink.[58] In 2015, Jordan Spieth became another American to arrive having already won the year's Masters and U.S. Open tournaments. He finished tied for fourth as Zach Johnson became champion.[59] Spieth would go on to win the 2017 Open at Royal Birkdale.[52]

American Phil Mickelson won his first Open, and fifth major, in 2013.[52] In 2016, he was involved in an epic duel with Sweden's Henrik Stenson, which many people compared to the 1977 Duel in the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Stenson emerged the winner, and the first Scandinavian winner of a male professional major championship, with a record Open (and major) score of 264 (−20), three shots ahead of Mickelson, and 14 shots ahead of third place. Jack Nicklaus shared his thoughts on the final round, saying: "Phil Mickelson played one of the best rounds I have ever seen played in the Open and Henrik Stenson just played better—he played one of the greatest rounds I have ever seen".[60][61]

Francesco Molinari won the 2018 Open at Carnoustie by two shots, to become the first Italian major winner.[62] Shane Lowry won the 2019 Open when the tournament returned to Royal Portrush Golf Club, to become the second champion from the Republic of Ireland.[63]

In 2020, the Open Championship was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time the championship had been cancelled since World War II. The R&A also confirmed that Royal St George's, which would have hosted the championship in 2020, would be the host venue in 2021, effectively retaining the Old Course at St Andrews as the venue for the 150th Open.[64]

Traditions

The Open is played in a coastal location, such as Royal Portrush (pictured).

The Open is always played on a coastal links golf course. Links golf is often described as the "purest" form of golf and keeps a connection with the way the game originated in Scotland in the 15th century. The terrain is open, often without any trees, and will generally be undulating with a sandy base. The golf courses are often primarily shaped by nature, rather than 'built'. Weather, particularly wind, plays an important role, and although there will be a prevailing onshore breeze, changes in the wind direction and strength over the course of the tournament can mean each round of golf has to be played slightly differently. The courses are also famous for deep pot bunkers, and gorse bushes that make up the "rough". A golfer playing on a links course will often adapt his game so the flight of the ball is lower and so is less impacted by the wind, but this will make distance control more difficult. Also due to the windy conditions the speed of the greens are often slower than a golfer might be used to on the PGA Tour, to avoid the ball being moved by a gust.[65][66]

Old Course at St Andrews

The Swilken Bridge with St Andrews clubhouse in the background

The Old Course at St Andrews is regarded as the oldest golf course in the world, and winning the Open there is widely considered to be one of the pinnacles of achievement in golf.[67] Given the special status of the Old Course, the Open is generally played there once every five years in the modern era, much more frequently than the other courses used for the Open.[68]

Previous champions will often choose St Andrews as their final Open tournament. It has become traditional to come down the 18th fairway to huge applause from the amphitheatre crowds, and to pose for final pictures on the Swilken Bridge with the picturesque clubhouse and town in the background.[69]

Trophy presentation

Greg Norman holding the Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993

The Open trophy is the Claret Jug, which has been presented to the champion since 1873 (it was first awarded to Young Tom Morris in 1872, however the trophy was not ready in time—his name is the first to be engraved on it).[2] The original trophy permanently resides on display in the R&A's Clubhouse at St Andrews. Therefore, the trophy that is presented at each Open is a replica which is retained by the winner for a year. It used to be the responsibility of the winner to get his name engraved on the trophy, but 1967 winner Roberto De Vicenzo returned the trophy without having done so.[70] Subsequently, the winner's name is already engraved on it when presented, which often results in television commentators speculating as to when it is safe for the engraver to start.[71]

"You know to have dreams, to have things that you think are unattainable, if you give up on them, what’s left? I am immensely proud my name is on that Claret Jug."

—2011 Open winner Darren Clarke on fulfilling a lifelong ambition.[72]

The winner of the Open is announced as "The Champion Golfer of the Year", a title which has been used since the first Open in 1860.[2] He will nearly always pose for photos with the trophy sitting on one of the distinctive pot bunkers.[73] Three-time winner Jack Nicklaus said holding the Claret Jug was like holding "a newborn baby", and on other players putting champagne or other drinks inside it to celebrate their Open win, he said "I never used the Claret Jug for anything other than what it symbolized – Champion Golfer of the Year."[74]

Name

The first event was held as an invitational tournament, but the next year Prestwick Golf Club declared that "the belt... on all future occasions, shall be open to all the world".[75] In its early years it was often referred to as The Championship but with the advent of the Amateur Championship in 1885, it became more common to refer to it as The Open Championship or simply The Open. The tournament inspired other national bodies to introduce open golf tournaments of their own, such as the U.S. Open, and later many others.[76] To distinguish it from their own national open, it became common in many countries to refer to the tournament as the "British Open". The R&A (the tournament's organiser) continued to refer to it as The Open Championship. During the interwar years, a period with many U.S.-based winners, the term British Open would occasionally be used during the trophy presentation and in British newspapers.[77][78]

In 2017, a representative of the R&A openly stated that it is a priority to "eradicate the term British Open" and have a single identity and brand of "The Open" in all countries.[79] Tournament partners, such as the PGA Tour, now refer to it without "British" in the title,[80] media rightsholders are contractually required to refer to the event as The Open Championship,[79] and the official website has released a statement titled "Why it's called 'The Open' and not the 'British Open'" stating that "The Open is the correct name for the Championship. It is also the most appropriate".[76] The R&A's stance has attracted criticism from some commentators.[79][81][82]

The R&A also run The Senior Open, the over 50s equivalent of the Open, which was officially known as the "Senior British Open" from its inception in 1987 until 2007, when "British" was dropped from the name.[83] The Women's Open, seen by some as the women's equivalent to the Open (although unlike the Open it is not always held on a links course, and was not run by the R&A until 2017) was officially known as the "Women's British Open" from its inception in 1976 until 2020, when the word "British" was dropped from the name as part of a sponsorship deal with AIG.[84]

Status

The Open is recognised as one of the four major championships in golf, and is an official event on the PGA Tour, European Tour, and the Japan Golf Tour.

The Open began in 1860, and for many years it was not the most-followed event in golf, as challenge matches between top golfers were more keenly followed and drew larger crowds.[85] The Great Triumvirate dominated the Open between 1894 and 1914 and were primarily responsible for the formation of the PGA in 1901 which had a big impact in promoting interest in professional golf (and therefore The Open) and increasing playing standards.[86] Between the World Wars, the first wins by Americans were widely celebrated when they broke the dominance previously held by British players.[87] After World War II, although the profile of the tournament remained high in the UK and Commonwealth countries, the low prize money compared to the US events and the cost of travel meant fewer Americans participated. High-profile visits and wins by Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer, the growth of cheaper and faster transatlantic flights, and the introduction of television coverage recovered its prestige.[3]

When the modern concept of the majors was cemented, the Open was included as one of those four. Thus, the Open is now one of the four majors in golf, along with the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Masters Tournament. The term "major" is a universally-acknowledged unofficial term used by players, the media, and golf followers to define the most important tournaments, and performance in them is often used to define the careers of the best golfers.[88] There is often discussion amongst the golfing community as to whether the Open, U.S. Open, or the Masters Tournament is the most prestigious major, but opinion varies (often linked to nationality). The PGA Championship is usually seen as the least prestigious of the four.[89][90]

In terms of official recognition, the tournament has been an event on the European Tour since its formation in 1972. In 1995, prize money won in the Open was included in the PGA Tour official money list for the first time, a change that caused an increase in the number of American entries.[91] In addition all previous PGA Tour seasons have been retroactively adjusted to include the Open in official money and win statistics. Currently the Open, along with the other three majors and The Players Championship, are the top-tier tournaments in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup, offering more points than any other non-playoff event. The Open is also an official event on the Japan Golf Tour.[92]

Structure

Qualifying

Qualifying was introduced in 1907, and for much of its history, all players had to go through the qualification process. In the modern era, the majority of players get an exemption from qualification which is awarded for previous performance in the Open, performance in high-profile global tournaments (such as other majors), performance in top golf tours, or a high position in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Five amateurs are also exempt from qualifying by winning various global amateur titles provided they maintain their amateur status prior to The Open.[93]

Another way of qualifying is to finish in a high position in the Open Qualifying Series of global events, which are about twelve tour events across the globe, run by various local golfing organisations.[94]

Any male professional golfer, male amateur golfer whose playing handicap does not exceed 0.4 (i.e. scratch) or has been within World Amateur Golf Ranking listing 1–2,000 during the current calendar year, and any female golfer who finished in the top 5 and ties in the latest edition of any of the five women's majors is eligible to enter local qualifying. If they perform well they will go on to Final Qualifying, which is four simultaneous 36-hole one-day events held across the UK, with 12 players qualifying for the Open.[94] If there are any spots left, then alternates are made up from the highest ranked players in the OWGR who are not already qualified, which brings the total field up to 156 players.[95]

In 2018, the OWGR gave the Open a strength of field rating of 902 (the maximum possible is 1000 if the top 200 players in the world were all in a tournament). This was only bettered by the PGA Championship, a tournament which actively targets a high strength of field rating.[96][97]

Format

Field: 156 players[98]

Basic Format: 72 hole stroke play. Play 18 holes a day over four days, weather permitting.[98]

Date of Tournament: starts on the day before the third Friday in July.[99]

Tournament Days: Thursday to Sunday.[98]

Tee off times: each player has one morning and one afternoon tee time in first two days in groups of three, which are mostly randomised (with some organiser discretion). Groupings of two on the last two days with last place going off first and leaders going out last.[100]

Cut: after 36 holes, only top 70 and ties play the final 36 holes.[98]

Playoff: if there is a tie for the lead after 72 holes, a three-hole aggregate playoff is held; followed by sudden death if the lead is still tied.[101]

Prizes

Up until 2016, the purse was always stated, and paid, in pounds sterling (£), but was changed in 2017 to US dollars ($) in recognition of the fact that it is the most widely adopted currency for prize money in golf.[102]

Champion's prizes and benefits

Henry Cotton holding the Claret Jug after winning the 1937 Open
Young Tom Morris got to keep the original trophy, the championship belt, after winning three consecutive Opens.

The champion receives trophies, the winner's prize money, and several exemptions from world golf tours and tournaments. He is also likely to receive a winner's bonus from his sponsors.[103] The prizes and privileges on offer for the champion included:

From 1860 to 1870, the winner received the challenge belt. When this was awarded to Young Tom Morris permanently for winning three consecutive tournaments, it was replaced by the gold medal (1872 onwards), and the claret jug (1873 onwards).[105]

Other prizes and benefits, based upon finishing position

There are several benefits from being placed highly in the Open. These are:

  • The runners up each receive a silver salver.[114]
  • If the player is a professional, then a share of the purse. There is a distribution curve for those who make the cut, with 1st place getting 18%, 2nd 10.4%, 3rd 6.7%, 4th 5.2%, and 5th 4.2%. The percentage continues to fall by placing with 21st getting 1% and 37th 0.5%. Professionals who miss the cut received between US$7,375 and US$4,950.[106]
  • The top 10 players, including ties, get entry to the next edition of The Open Championship.[107]
  • The top 4 players, including ties, get entry to the next edition of the Masters Tournament.[115]
  • FedEx Cup, Race to Dubai, Ryder Cup/Presidents Cup, and Official World Golf Ranking points.[104]

Amateur medals

Since 1949 the leading amateur completing the final round receives a silver medal. Since 1972, any other amateur who competes in the final round receives a bronze medal.[105] Amateurs do not receive prize money.[116]

Professional Golfers' Association (of Great Britain and Ireland) awards

The Professional Golfers' Association (of Great Britain and Ireland) also mark the achievements of their own members in The Open.

  • Ryle Memorial Medal – awarded since 1901 to the winner if he is a PGA member.[117][118]
  • Braid Taylor Memorial Medal – awarded since 1966 to the highest finishing PGA member.[117][119]
  • Tooting Bec Cup – awarded since 1924 to the PGA member who records the lowest single round during the championship.[117][120]

The Braid Taylor Memorial Medal and the Tooting Bec Cup are restricted to members born in, or with a parent or parents born in, the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.[104]

Courses

The Open Championship has always been held on a coastal links golf course in Scotland, England or Northern Ireland. The hosting pattern has been:[68]

  • 1860–1870: Prestwick Golf Club is the sole host.
  • 1872–1892: three-year rotation among Prestwick, St Andrews, and Musselburgh (replaced by Muirfield in 1892) golf clubs.
  • 1893–1907: five-year rotation among Prestwick, Royal St George's, St Andrews, Muirfield, and Royal Liverpool Golf Clubs.[121][122]
  • 1908–1939: six-year rotation, initially among Prestwick, Royal Cinque Ports, St Andrews, Royal St George's, Muirfield, and Royal Liverpool Golf Clubs, thus alternating between Scotland and England.[123][124] A few changes were made to the rota of 6 courses after World War I.
  • 1946–1972: alternating between Scottish and English golf clubs continues, but without a fixed rota. Exceptions were St Andrews hosting pre- and post-World War II, and Northern Ireland hosting in 1951.
  • Since 1973: usually three Scottish and two English courses hosting in a five-year period, mostly alternating between the two countries, with St Andrews hosting about every five years. Northern Ireland returned in 2019.[125]

Overview

A total of 14 courses have hosted the Open, with ten currently active as part of the rotation, and four have been retired from the rotation (shown in italics). The year the golf course was originally built is shown in parentheses.

Prestwick Golf Club (1851):[126] Prestwick is The Open's original venue, and hosted 24 Opens in all, including the first 12.[68] Old Tom Morris designed the original 12 hole course,[126] but it was subsequently redesigned and expanded to be an 18-hole course in 1882.[127] Serious overcrowding problems at Prestwick in 1925 meant that the course was never again used for the Open, and was replaced by Carnoustie Golf Links as the third Scottish course.[31][32]

Old Course at St Andrews (1552):[128] considered the oldest golf course in the world, and referred to as "the home of golf".[129] In 1764, the Society of St Andrews Golfers reduced the course from 22 to 18 holes and created what became the standard round of golf throughout the world.[130] Famous features include the "Hell Bunker" (14th) and the Road Hole (17th).[131] Due to its special status St Andrews usually hosts the Open every five years in the modern era.[68] It is designed to be played in wind, so can result in low scores in benign conditions.[132]

Musselburgh Links (c. 1672):[128] a 9-hole course that hosted six Opens as it was used by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, one of the organisers of The Open between 1872 and 1920. When the Honourable Company built their own course in 1891 (Muirfield), it took over hosting duties.[133] Musselburgh was unhappy with this and organised another rival 'Open' competition prior to the Muirfield event, one with greater prize money.[134]

Muirfield (1891): built by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers to replace Musselburgh on the rota. Known for the circular arrangement the course has, which means the wind direction on each hole changes, and can make it tricky to navigate.[135] Briefly removed from the rota in 2016–17 due to not having any female members.[136][137]

Royal St George's Golf Club (1887):[138] often simply referred to as Sandwich. The first venue to host in England, and the only venue on the current rota in Southern England. It went 32 years without hosting between 1949 and 1981, but returned following the rebuilding of three holes, tee changes to another two holes, and improved road links.[139] Known for having the deepest bunker on the rota (4th hole).[140]

Royal Liverpool Golf Club (1869):[141] often simply referred to as Hoylake. Royal Liverpool went 39 years without hosting between 1967 and 2006,[68] but returned following changes to tees, bunkers, and greens.[141] In 2006, Tiger Woods won by using his driver just once.[142]

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club (1892):[143] hosted the 1909 and 1920 Opens, and was scheduled to host in 1938 and 1949 but both had to be moved to Royal St George's Golf Club due to abnormally high tides flooding the course. It was removed from the rota but is still used for qualifying.[144][145][146][147][148]

Royal Troon Golf Club (1878):[149] first used in 1923 instead of Muirfield when "some doubts exists as to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers being desirous of their course being used for the event".[150] Redesigned, lengthened, and strengthened by James Braid shortly before it held its first Open. Famous features include the "Postage Stamp" 8th hole, and the 601 yards 6th.[149]

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club (1886):[151] a relatively short course, but has 167 bunkers which demand accuracy.[152] Slightly inland as some coastal homes have been built since the course first opened.[151]

Carnoustie Golf Links (1835):[128] replaced Prestwick after it was no longer suitable for the Open.[32] It went through modifications prior to the 1999 Open. Thought of as being the toughest of the Open venues, especially the last three holes, and is well remembered for Jean van de Velde triple bogeying on the 18th when he only needed a double bogey to win.[53]

Turnberry Lighthouse at sunset surrounded by the golf course

Prince's Golf Club (1906): only hosted once in 1932. Has been redesigned in 1950 due to war damage.[153]

Royal Portrush Golf Club (1888):[154] the only venue to host the Open outside England and Scotland when it hosted in 1951. With the Troubles in Northern Ireland significantly diminished since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and after the successful hosting of the Irish Open it returned as host in 2019. The course underwent significant changes before the 2019 Open, including replacing the 17th and 18th holes, which also provided the space for spectators and corporate hospitality that a modern major requires.[125]

Royal Birkdale Golf Club (1894): extensively redesigned by Fred Hawtree and JH Taylor to create the current layout in 1922, it is known for its sand dunes towering the fairways. Often ranked as England's best Open venue.[155][156][157]

Turnberry (1906): made its Open debut in 1977, when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus famously played the Duel in the Sun. Known to be one of the most picturesque Open venues, it was bought by Donald Trump in 2014, who has spent substantial amounts renovating the course.[158] On 11 January 2021, in the aftermath of the 2021 United States Capitol attack the week prior, the R&A announced that it will not stage a championship at Turnberry "in the foreseeable future".[159][160]

Open Championship venues which are currently part of the rotation
Former Open Championship venues which are no longer part of the rotation

Hosting record of each course

Course No. Years hosted
Prestwick 24 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1872, 1875, 1878, 1881, 1884, 1887, 1890, 1893, 1898, 1903, 1908, 1914, 1925
St Andrews 30 1873, 1876, 1879, 1882, 1885, 1888, 1891, 1895, 1900, 1905, 1910, 1921, 1927, 1933, 1939, 1946, 1955, 1957, 1960, 1964, 1970, 1978, 1984, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2022
Musselburgh 6 1874, 1877, 1880, 1883, 1886, 1889
Muirfield 16 1892, 1896, 1901, 1906, 1912, 1929, 1935, 1948, 1959, 1966, 1972, 1980, 1987, 1992, 2002, 2013
Royal Troon 9 1923, 1950, 1962, 1973, 1982, 1989, 1997, 2004, 2016
Carnoustie 8 1931, 1937, 1953, 1968, 1975, 1999, 2007, 2018
Turnberry 4 1977, 1986, 1994, 2009
Scotland 97
Royal St George's 15 1894, 1899, 1904, 1911, 1922, 1928, 1934, 1938, 1949, 1981, 1985, 1993, 2003, 2011, 2021
Royal Liverpool 13 1897, 1902, 1907, 1913, 1924, 1930, 1936, 1947, 1956, 1967, 2006, 2014, 2023
Royal Cinque Ports 2 1909, 1920
Royal Lytham & St Annes 11 1926, 1952, 1958, 1963, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1988, 1996, 2001, 2012
Prince's 1 1932
Royal Birkdale 10 1954, 1961, 1965, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1991, 1998, 2008, 2017
England 52
Royal Portrush 2 1951, 2019
Northern Ireland 2

References:[68][62]

Future venues

Year Edition Course Town County Country Dates Last hosted Ref.
2024 152nd Royal Troon Golf Club Troon South Ayrshire Scotland 18–21 July 2016 [161]
2025 153rd Royal Portrush Golf Club Portrush Antrim Northern Ireland 17–20 July 2019 [162]
2026 154th Royal Birkdale Golf Club Southport Merseyside England 16–19 July 2017 [163]

Records

Winners

#YearWinnerScoreTo parMargin of
victory
Runner(s)-upPurse[lower-alpha 2]Winner's
share[lower-alpha 2]
Venue
151st 2023 United States Brian Harman 271 −13 6 strokes Australia Jason Day
South Korea Tom Kim
Spain Jon Rahm
Austria Sepp Straka
16,500,000 3,000,000 Royal Liverpool
150th 2022 Australia Cameron Smith 268 −20 1 stroke United States Cameron Young 14,000,000 2,500,000 St Andrews
149th 2021 United States Collin Morikawa 265 −15 2 strokes United States Jordan Spieth 11,500,000 2,070,000 Royal St George's
2020Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic[166]
148th2019Republic of Ireland Shane Lowry269−156 strokesEngland Tommy Fleetwood10,750,0001,935,000Royal Portrush
147th2018Italy Francesco Molinari276−82 strokesUnited States Kevin Kisner
Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy
England Justin Rose
United States Xander Schauffele
10,500,0001,890,000Carnoustie
146th2017United States Jordan Spieth268−123 strokesUnited States Matt Kuchar10,250,0001,845,000Royal Birkdale
145th2016Sweden Henrik Stenson264−203 strokesUnited States Phil Mickelson6,500,0001,175,000Royal Troon
144th2015United States Zach Johnson273−15PlayoffAustralia Marc Leishman
South Africa Louis Oosthuizen
6,300,0001,150,000St Andrews
143rd2014Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy271−172 strokesUnited States Rickie Fowler
Spain Sergio García
5,400,000975,000Royal Liverpool
142nd2013United States Phil Mickelson281−33 strokesSweden Henrik Stenson5,250,000945,000Muirfield
141st2012South Africa Ernie Els (2)273−71 strokeAustralia Adam Scott5,000,000900,000Royal Lytham & St Annes
140th2011Northern Ireland Darren Clarke275−53 strokesUnited States Dustin Johnson
United States Phil Mickelson
5,000,000900,000Royal St George's
139th2010South Africa Louis Oosthuizen272−167 strokesEngland Lee Westwood4,800,000850,000St Andrews
138th2009United States Stewart Cink278−2PlayoffUnited States Tom Watson4,200,000750,000Turnberry
137th2008Republic of Ireland Pádraig Harrington (2)283+34 strokesEngland Ian Poulter 4,200,000750,000Royal Birkdale
136th2007Republic of Ireland Pádraig Harrington277−7PlayoffSpain Sergio García4,200,000750,000Carnoustie
135th2006United States Tiger Woods (3)270−182 strokesUnited States Chris DiMarco4,000,000720,000Royal Liverpool
134th2005United States Tiger Woods (2)274−145 strokesScotland Colin Montgomerie4,000,000720,000St Andrews
133rd2004United States Todd Hamilton274−10PlayoffSouth Africa Ernie Els4,000,000720,000Royal Troon
132nd2003United States Ben Curtis283−11 strokeDenmark Thomas Bjørn
Fiji Vijay Singh
3,900,000700,000Royal St George's
131st2002South Africa Ernie Els278−6PlayoffAustralia Stuart Appleby
Australia Steve Elkington
France Thomas Levet
3,800,000700,000Muirfield
130th2001United States David Duval274−103 strokesSweden Niclas Fasth3,300,000600,000Royal Lytham & St Annes
129th2000United States Tiger Woods269−198 strokesDenmark Thomas Bjørn
South Africa Ernie Els
2,750,000500,000St Andrews
128th1999Scotland Paul Lawrie290+6PlayoffUnited States Justin Leonard
France Jean van de Velde
2,000,000350,000Carnoustie
127th1998United States Mark O'Meara280EPlayoffUnited States Brian Watts1,800,000300,000Royal Birkdale
126th1997United States Justin Leonard272−123 strokesNorthern Ireland Darren Clarke
Sweden Jesper Parnevik
1,600,000250,000Royal Troon
125th1996United States Tom Lehman271−132 strokesSouth Africa Ernie Els
United States Mark McCumber
1,400,000200,000Royal Lytham & St Annes
124th1995United States John Daly282−6PlayoffItaly Costantino Rocca1,125,000125,000St Andrews
123rd1994Zimbabwe Nick Price268−121 strokeSweden Jesper Parnevik1,100,000110,000Turnberry
122nd1993Australia Greg Norman (2)267−132 strokesEngland Nick Faldo1,000,000100,000Royal St George's
121st1992England Nick Faldo (3)272−121 strokeUnited States John Cook950,00095,000Muirfield
120th1991Australia Ian Baker-Finch272−82 strokesAustralia Mike Harwood900,00090,000Royal Birkdale
119th1990England Nick Faldo (2)270−185 strokesZimbabwe Mark McNulty
United States Payne Stewart
825,00085,000St Andrews
118th1989United States Mark Calcavecchia275−13PlayoffAustralia Wayne Grady
Australia Greg Norman
750,00080,000Royal Troon
117th1988Spain Seve Ballesteros (3)273−112 strokesZimbabwe Nick Price700,00080,000Royal Lytham & St Annes
116th1987England Nick Faldo279−51 strokeUnited States Paul Azinger
Australia Rodger Davis
650,00075,000Muirfield
115th1986Australia Greg Norman280E5 strokesEngland Gordon J. Brand600,00070,000Turnberry
114th1985Scotland Sandy Lyle282+21 strokeUnited States Payne Stewart530,00065,000Royal St George's
113th1984Spain Seve Ballesteros (2)276−122 strokesWest Germany Bernhard Langer
United States Tom Watson
451,00055,000St Andrews
112th1983United States Tom Watson (5)275−91 strokeUnited States Andy Bean
United States Hale Irwin
310,00040,000Royal Birkdale
111th 1982United States Tom Watson (4)284−41 strokeEngland Peter Oosterhuis
Zimbabwe Nick Price
250,00032,000Royal Troon
110th1981United States Bill Rogers276−44 strokesWest Germany Bernhard Langer200,00025,000Royal St George's
109th1980United States Tom Watson (3)271−134 strokesUnited States Lee Trevino200,00025,000Muirfield
108th1979Spain Seve Ballesteros283−13 strokesUnited States Ben Crenshaw
United States Jack Nicklaus
155,00015,000Royal Lytham & St Annes
107th1978United States Jack Nicklaus (3)281−72 strokesUnited States Ben Crenshaw
United States Raymond Floyd
United States Tom Kite
New Zealand Simon Owen
125,00012,500St Andrews
106th1977United States Tom Watson (2)268−121 strokeUnited States Jack Nicklaus100,00010,000Turnberry
105th1976United States Johnny Miller279−96 strokesSpain Seve Ballesteros
United States Jack Nicklaus
75,0007,500Royal Birkdale
104th1975United States Tom Watson279−9PlayoffAustralia Jack Newton75,0007,500Carnoustie
103rd1974South Africa Gary Player (3)282−24 strokesEngland Peter Oosterhuis50,0005,500Royal Lytham & St Annes
102nd1973United States Tom Weiskopf276−123 strokesEngland Neil Coles
United States Johnny Miller
50,0005,500Troon
101st1972United States Lee Trevino (2)278−61 strokeUnited States Jack Nicklaus50,0005,500Muirfield
100th1971United States Lee Trevino278−141 strokeTaiwan Lu Liang-Huan45,0005,500Royal Birkdale
99th1970United States Jack Nicklaus (2)283−5PlayoffUnited States Doug Sanders40,0005,250St Andrews
98th1969England Tony Jacklin280−42 strokesNew Zealand Bob Charles30,0004,250Royal Lytham & St Annes
97th1968South Africa Gary Player (2)289+12 strokesNew Zealand Bob Charles
United States Jack Nicklaus
20,0003,000Carnoustie
96th1967Argentina Roberto De Vicenzo278−102 strokesUnited States Jack Nicklaus15,0002,100Royal Liverpool
95th1966United States Jack Nicklaus282−21 strokeUnited States Doug Sanders
Wales Dave Thomas
15,0002,100Muirfield
94th1965Australia Peter Thomson (5)285−72 strokesWales Brian Huggett
Republic of Ireland Christy O'Connor Snr
10,0001,750Royal Birkdale
93rd1964United States Tony Lema279−95 strokesUnited States Jack Nicklaus8,5001,500St Andrews
92nd1963New Zealand Bob Charles277−3PlayoffUnited States Phil Rodgers8,5001,500Royal Lytham & St Annes
91st1962United States Arnold Palmer (2)276−126 strokesAustralia Kel Nagle8,5001,400Troon
90th1961United States Arnold Palmer284−41 strokeWales Dai Rees8,5001,400Royal Birkdale
89th1960Australia Kel Nagle278−101 strokeUnited States Arnold Palmer7,0001,250St Andrews
88th1959South Africa Gary Player284−42 strokesEngland Fred Bullock
Belgium Flory Van Donck
5,0001,000Muirfield
87th1958Australia Peter Thomson (4)278−6PlayoffWales Dave Thomas4,8501,000Royal Lytham & St Annes
86th1957South Africa Bobby Locke (4)279−93 strokesAustralia Peter Thomson3,7501,000St Andrews
85th1956Australia Peter Thomson (3)286+23 strokesBelgium Flory Van Donck3,7501,000Royal Liverpool
84th1955Australia Peter Thomson (2)281−72 strokesScotland John Fallon3,7501,000St Andrews
83rd1954Australia Peter Thomson283−91 strokeSouth Africa Bobby Locke
Wales Dai Rees
England Syd Scott
3,500750Royal Birkdale
82nd1953United States Ben Hogan282−64 strokesArgentina Antonio Cerdá
Wales Dai Rees
United States Frank Stranahan (a)
Australia Peter Thomson
2,500500Carnoustie
81st1952South Africa Bobby Locke (3)287−11 strokeAustralia Peter Thomson1,700300Royal Lytham & St Annes
80th1951England Max Faulkner285−32 strokesArgentina Antonio Cerdá1,700300Royal Portrush
79th1950South Africa Bobby Locke (2)279−12 strokesArgentina Roberto De Vicenzo1,500300Troon
78th1949South Africa Bobby Locke283−5PlayoffRepublic of Ireland Harry Bradshaw1,500300Royal St George's
77th1948England Henry Cotton (3)284E5 strokesNorthern Ireland Fred Daly1,000150Muirfield
76th1947Northern Ireland Fred Daly293+211 strokeEngland Reg Horne
United States Frank Stranahan (a)
1,000150Royal Liverpool
75th1946United States Sam Snead290−24 strokesUnited States Johnny Bulla
South Africa Bobby Locke
1,000150St Andrews
1940–45: No championships due to World War II
74th1939England Dick Burton290−22 strokesUnited States Johnny Bulla500100St Andrews
73rd1938England Reg Whitcombe295+152 strokesScotland Jimmy Adams500100Royal St George's
72nd1937England Henry Cotton (2)290+22 strokesEngland Reg Whitcombe500100Carnoustie
71st1936England Alf Padgham2871 strokeScotland Jimmy Adams500100Royal Liverpool
70th1935England Alf Perry2834 strokesEngland Alf Padgham500100Muirfield
69th1934England Henry Cotton2835 strokesSouth Africa Sid Brews500100Royal St George's
68th1933United States Denny Shute292PlayoffUnited States Craig Wood500100St Andrews
67th1932United States Gene Sarazen2835 strokesUnited States Macdonald Smith[lower-alpha 3]500100Prince's
66th1931United States Tommy Armour[lower-alpha 4]2961 strokeArgentina José Jurado500100Carnoustie
65th1930United States Bobby Jones (a) (3)2912 strokesUnited States Leo Diegel
United States Macdonald Smith[lower-alpha 3]
400100[lower-alpha 5]Royal Liverpool
64th1929United States Walter Hagen (4)2926 strokesUnited States Johnny Farrell27575Muirfield
63rd1928United States Walter Hagen (3)2922 strokesUnited States Gene Sarazen27575Royal St George's
62nd1927United States Bobby Jones (a) (2)2856 strokesEngland Aubrey Boomer[lower-alpha 6]
England Fred Robson
27575[lower-alpha 5]St Andrews
61st1926United States Bobby Jones (a)2912 strokesUnited States Al Watrous22575[lower-alpha 5]Royal Lytham & St Annes
60th1925United States Jim Barnes[lower-alpha 7]3001 strokeEngland Archie Compston
England Ted Ray[lower-alpha 8]
22575Prestwick
59th1924United States Walter Hagen (2)3011 strokeEngland Ernest Whitcombe22575Royal Liverpool
58th1923England Arthur Havers2951 strokeUnited States Walter Hagen22575Troon
57th1922United States Walter Hagen3001 strokeUnited States Jim Barnes[lower-alpha 7]
Scotland George Duncan
22575Royal St George's
56th1921United States Jock Hutchison[lower-alpha 9]296PlayoffEngland Roger Wethered (a)22575St Andrews
55th1920Scotland George Duncan3032 strokesScotland Sandy Herd22575Royal Cinque Ports
1915–19: No championships due to World War I
54th1914England Harry Vardon (6)[lower-alpha 10]3063 strokesEngland John Henry Taylor13550Prestwick
53rd1913England John Henry Taylor (5)3048 strokesEngland Ted Ray[lower-alpha 8]13550Royal Liverpool
52nd1912England Ted Ray[lower-alpha 8]2954 strokesEngland Harry Vardon[lower-alpha 10]13550Muirfield
51st1911England Harry Vardon (5)[lower-alpha 10]303PlayoffFrance Arnaud Massy13550Royal St George's
50th1910Scotland James Braid (5)2994 strokesScotland Sandy Herd13550St Andrews
49th1909England John Henry Taylor (4)2916 strokesEngland Tom Ball
England James Braid
12550Royal Cinque Ports
48th1908Scotland James Braid (4)2918 strokesEngland Tom Ball12550Prestwick
47th1907France Arnaud Massy3122 strokesEngland John Henry Taylor12550Royal Liverpool
46th1906Scotland James Braid (3)3004 strokesEngland John Henry Taylor12550Muirfield
45th1905Scotland James Braid (2)3185 strokesEngland Rowland Jones
England John Henry Taylor
12550St Andrews
44th1904Scotland Jack White2961 strokeScotland James Braid
England John Henry Taylor
12550Royal St George's
43rd1903England Harry Vardon (4)[lower-alpha 10]3006 strokesEngland Tom Vardon[lower-alpha 11]12550Prestwick
42nd1902Scotland Sandy Herd3071 strokeScotland James Braid
England Harry Vardon[lower-alpha 10]
12550Royal Liverpool
41st1901Scotland James Braid3093 strokesEngland Harry Vardon[lower-alpha 10]12550Muirfield
40th1900England John Henry Taylor (3)3098 strokesEngland Harry Vardon[lower-alpha 10]12550St Andrews
39th1899England Harry Vardon (3)[lower-alpha 10]3105 strokesScotland Jack White10030St George's
38th1898England Harry Vardon (2)[lower-alpha 10]3071 strokeScotland Willie Park Jr.10030Prestwick
37th1897England Harold Hilton (a) (2)3141 strokeScotland James Braid10030[lower-alpha 5]Royal Liverpool
36th1896England Harry Vardon[lower-alpha 10]316PlayoffEngland John Henry Taylor 100 30Muirfield
35th1895England John Henry Taylor (2)3224 strokesScotland Sandy Herd10030St Andrews
34th1894England John Henry Taylor3265 strokesScotland Douglas Rolland10030St George's
33rd1893Scotland William Auchterlonie3222 strokesScotland Johnny Laidlay (a)10030Prestwick
32nd1892England Harold Hilton (a)3053 strokesEngland John Ball (a)
Scotland Sandy Herd
Scotland Hugh Kirkaldy
11035[lower-alpha 5]Muirfield
31st1891Scotland Hugh Kirkaldy1662 strokesScotland Willie Fernie
Scotland Andrew Kirkaldy
28.5010St Andrews
30th1890England John Ball (a)1643 strokesScotland Willie Fernie
Scotland Archie Simpson
29.5013[lower-alpha 5]Prestwick
29th1889Scotland Willie Park Jr. (2)155PlayoffScotland Andrew Kirkaldy228Musselburgh
28th1888Scotland Jack Burns1711 strokeScotland David Anderson Jr.
Scotland Ben Sayers
208St Andrews
27th1887Scotland Willie Park Jr.1611 strokeScotland Bob Martin208Prestwick
26th1886Scotland David Brown1572 strokesScotland Willie Campbell208Musselburgh
25th1885Scotland Bob Martin (2)1711 strokeScotland Archie Simpson35.5010St Andrews
24th1884Scotland Jack Simpson1604 strokesScotland Willie Fernie
Scotland Douglas Rolland
238Prestwick
23rd1883Scotland Willie Fernie159PlayoffScotland Bob Ferguson208Musselburgh
22nd1882Scotland Bob Ferguson (3)1713 strokesScotland Willie Fernie47.2512St Andrews
21st1881Scotland Bob Ferguson (2)1703 strokesScotland Jamie Anderson218Prestwick
20th1880Scotland Bob Ferguson1625 strokesScotland Peter PaxtonNot known8Musselburgh
19th1879Scotland Jamie Anderson (3)1693 strokesScotland Jamie Allan
Scotland Andrew Kirkaldy
4710St Andrews
18th1878Scotland Jamie Anderson (2)1572 strokesScotland Bob KirkNot known8Prestwick
17th1877Scotland Jamie Anderson1602 strokesScotland Bob Pringle208Musselburgh
16th1876Scotland Bob Martin176PlayoffScotland Davie Strath2710St Andrews
15th1875Scotland Willie Park Sr. (4)1662 strokesScotland Bob Martin208Prestwick
14th1874Scotland Mungo Park1592 strokesScotland Young Tom Morris208Musselburgh
13th1873Scotland Tom Kidd1791 strokeScotland Jamie AndersonNot known11St Andrews
12th1872Scotland Young Tom Morris (4)1663 strokesScotland Davie StrathNot known8Prestwick
1871: Championship cancelled as no trophy available
11th1870Scotland Young Tom Morris (3)14912 strokesScotland Bob Kirk (2nd)
Scotland Davie Strath (3rd)
126Prestwick
10th1869Scotland Young Tom Morris (2)15711 strokesScotland Bob Kirk126Prestwick
9th1868Scotland Young Tom Morris1543 strokesScotland Old Tom Morris126Prestwick
8th1867Scotland Old Tom Morris (4)1702 strokesScotland Willie Park Sr.167Prestwick
7th1866Scotland Willie Park Sr. (3)1692 strokesScotland Davie Park116Prestwick
6th1865Scotland Andrew Strath1622 strokesScotland Willie Park Sr.208Prestwick
5th1864Scotland Old Tom Morris (3)1672 strokesScotland Andrew Strath156Prestwick
4th 1863Scotland Willie Park Sr. (2)1682 strokesScotland Old Tom Morris10-Prestwick
3rd1862Scotland Old Tom Morris (2)16313 strokesScotland Willie Park Sr.--Prestwick
2nd1861Scotland Old Tom Morris1634 strokesScotland Willie Park Sr.--Prestwick
1st1860Scotland Willie Park Sr.1742 strokesScotland Old Tom Morris--Prestwick

Nationalities assigned above match those used in the official Open records. Source: The 148th Open 2019 Media Guide[169]

Silver Medal winners

Since 1949, the silver medal is awarded to the leading amateur, provided that the player completes all 72 holes.[105] In the earlier years wealthy individuals would often maintain their amateur status, and hence could win multiple times, such as Frank Stranahan who won it four times in the first five years (and was also the low amateur in 1947). In the modern era players often turn professional soon after winning the silver medal, and hence never have a chance for multiple wins. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are the only silver medal winners who have gone on to win the Open.

Broadcasting

The distribution of The Open is provided by a partnership between R&A Productions, European Tour Productions (both run by IMG) and CTV Outside Broadcasting. The broadcasters with onsite production are Sky (UK), NBC (USA), BBC (UK), and TV Asahi (Japan).[170]

Many non-British broadcasters referred to the Open as the "British" Open in their coverage until 2010, when The R&A introduced use of contractual terms in their media contracts, similar to the Masters, and now rights holders are obliged to refer to the tournament as "The Open".[79] On 7 November 2018, the parent company of the U.S. rights holder, NBC, completed a takeover of the U.K. rights holder, Sky. This means the media rights in the two primary markets are owned by the same company, albeit produced separately by two different subsidiaries.[171] There are over 170 cameras on site during the tournament, including cameras in the face of the Open's pot bunkers.[172][173]

Ivor Robson was the announcer for 41 years; he died in October 2023.[174]

United Kingdom

The BBC first started to broadcast the Open in 1955,[175] with Peter Alliss involved since 1961, and having the role of lead commentator since 1978.[176] With the growth of pay television, and the increasing value of sporting rights, the BBC's golf portfolio began to reduce. The loss of the rights to the Scottish Open, and BMW PGA Championship in 2012 left the BBC's only golf coverage as the Open, and the final two days of the Masters (which it shared with Sky). With so little golf, the BBC was accused of neglecting investment in production and was criticised about its 'quality of coverage and innovation' compared to Sky, which held the rights to most golf events. The tournament is considered a Category B event under the Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events, which allows its rights to be held by a pay television broadcaster as long as sufficient secondary coverage is provided by a free-to-air broadcaster.[177][175][178]

Many were hoping that a deal similar to the Masters would be reached, where Sky had coverage of all four days, and the BBC also provided live weekend coverage, but Sky were not keen on this and won the full rights in 2015. Some were angered about the demise of golf on terrestrial television, and the impact that could have on the interest in golf in the U.K.,[179][180] whilst others were pleased about the perceived improved coverage that Sky would give.[181] Despite Peter Alliss promising on air that the BBC would cover the 2016 event, the BBC reached a deal for Sky to take the coverage. The BBC still covers the tournament, showing highlights from 8pm–10pm on tournament days and radio coverage on Radio 5 Live. The deal with Sky required the broadcaster to restrict its advertisement breaks to 4 minutes every hour, similar to the Masters.[181] Sky also offers complete coverage online through NOW to non-subscribers, which is £7.99 for one day, or £12.99 for a weeks access.[182]

Timeline of U.K. broadcasting rights

Period Broadcaster Rights fee per annum
1955–2014 BBC Varies
2015 £7.0m
2016[lower-alpha 12] Sky Sports £7.0m[lower-alpha 12]
2017–2021 £15.0m
2022–2024 Unknown

Ref:[175][183][184][185]

United States

ABC began broadcasting the Open in 1962, with taped highlights on Wide World of ports.[186] In the pre-digital age the coverage had to be converted from the U.K.'s PAL colour encoding system, to the U.S.'s NTSC, which meant picture quality could be impacted, especially in the early years.[187] The coverage expanded over the years, and as is common in America, there was a different early round rights holder, which was ESPN until 2003 when TNT took over. Co-owned ESPN became responsible for ABC's sports coverage in 2006; it won the rights to cover all four days of the championship in 2010, and concurrently moved coverage to its channels. The Open became the first golf major to be covered exclusively on pay television in America, as ESPN left only highlights for its partner broadcast network.

After losing the rights to the U.S. Open in 2015, NBC bid aggressively to win the rights to the Open, and become a broadcaster of a golf major again.[186] NBC also had a track record of broadcasting European sporting events successfully in the morning U.S. time with the Premier League, Formula One, and "Breakfast at Wimbledon", and was able to place early round coverage on its subsidiary Golf Channel.[188][189] NBC won the rights from 2017 to 2028.[190][173] ESPN also sold them the rights for 2016.[191]

The 2019 edition of the Open Championship had a total of 49 hours of coverage in the United States, with 29 hours being on Thursday and Friday, and 20 hours being on Saturday and Sunday; the Golf Channel cable network had a total of 34 hours of coverage, with 29 hours on Thursday and Friday, and 5 hours on Saturday and Sunday. The NBC broadcast network had a total of 15 hours of coverage on the weekend, with 8 hours Saturday, and 7 hours Sunday. The 49 total hours of coverage on Golf Channel and NBC is down 30 minutes from 2018; the difference is that NBC's Sunday coverage is down 30 minutes, from 7.5 hours in 2018, to 7 hours in 2019.

Timeline of U.S. broadcasting rights

Period Broadcaster Rights fee per annum
1962–2009 ABC Varies
2010–2015 ESPN $25.0m
2016[lower-alpha 13] NBC $25.0m[lower-alpha 13]
2017–2028 $50.0m

Ref:[189]

TheOpen.com

The Open provides limited coverage for free on its website including highlights, featured groups, featured holes, and radio coverage. The Open's local rights holders usually provide these feeds as part of their broadcast package.[192]

Rest of the world

The Open produces a 'world feed' for use by international broadcasters if they require.[170] The other large golf markets in a similar time zone as the U.K. are the rest of Europe (where Sky, the U.K. broadcast company often has a presence), and South Africa where it is covered by SuperSport.[193]

Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and increasingly China are markets with high media interest in golf and the Open, but the time zone means the prime coverage is shown in the early hours of the morning.

Notes

  1. Equals record for all major championships.
  2. Before 2017 the prize fund was always stated and paid in pound sterling (£). Since 2017 the prize fund has been stated and paid in United states dollar (US$).
  3. Macdonald Smith is classified as American by Open records, but it is noted he was born in  Scotland. He was a naturalised American citizen when he competed in the Open.
  4. Tommy Armour is classified as American by Open records, but it is noted he was born in  Scotland. He was a naturalised American citizen when he won. He was nicknamed the "Silver Scot", and is a member of the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.[167]
  5. As the winner was an amateur, he received no prize money.
  6. Aubrey Boomer was from  Jersey, a Crown Dependency. Although Jersey is not part of England, the Open records classify him as English.
  7. Jim Barnes is classified as American by Open records, but it is noted he was born in  England. Open records state he was a naturalised American citizen when he won, but the World Golf Hall of Fame notes about Barnes: "He never became an American citizen, remaining an intensely patriotic Cornishman".[168]
  8. Ted Ray was from  Jersey, a Crown Dependency. Although Jersey is not part of England, the Open records classify him as English. He represented England nine times in the England–Scotland Professional Match, and spent most of his life living in England.
  9. Jock Hutchison is classified as American by Open records, but it is noted he was born in  Scotland. Open records state he was a naturalised American citizen when he won.
  10. Harry Vardon was from  Jersey, a Crown Dependency. Although Jersey is not part of England, The Open records classify him as English. He represented England nine times in the England–Scotland Professional Match, and spent most of his life living in England.
  11. Tom Vardon was from  Jersey, a Crown Dependency. Although Jersey is not part of England, the Open records classify him as English. He represented England seven times in the England–Scotland Professional Match, and was a club professional in England.
  12. BBC sold the rights to Sky for £7.0m
  13. ESPN sold the rights to NBC for an undisclosed fee

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