History of The Open

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The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship, is the oldest of all four major championships in professional golf – The Masters, The US Open, The Open, and The PGA Championship. The Open was first played on October 17, 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. While the other three majors are played in the United States, The Open is played outside the U.S. as it is administered by the R&A – the governing body of golf outside the U.S. and Mexico.

The tournament is held every year on one of ten links courses amidst Scotland, England and Northern Ireland. The R&A appoints the host of the championship typically three years in advance.

The Open is always played on the weekend of the third Friday in July. It is a 72-hole stroke play tournament with a cut at the end of the first two rounds, limiting the field to the top 70 players and ties. In the event of a tie after 72 holes, The Open features a four-hole playoff and continues to sudden-death if a winner has still not emerged.

Over the years of The Open, several awards have been given out for various achievements. Some of these include the Challenge Belt, The Gold Medal, The Silver Medal, and the Bronze Medal. Today perhaps the most prized award is The Claret Jug. Also known as the Golf Champion Trophy, it replaced the Challenge Belt and has been awarded to the winner each year since 1873.

The Open FAQs

  • Who won The Open in 2014?

    In 2014, Rory McIlroy won The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2014?

    In 2014, The 143rd Open returned to England where Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2015?

    In 2015, Zach Johnson won The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2015?

    In 2015, The 144th Open returned to Scotland where the Old Course at St Andrews hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2016?

    In 2016, Henrik Stenson won The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2016?

    In 2016, The 145th Open returned to Scotland where Royal Troon hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2017?

    In 2017, Jordan Spieth won The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2017?

    In 2017, The 146th Open returned to England where Royal Birkdale hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2018?

    In 2018, Francesco Molinari won The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2018?

    In 2018, The 147th Open returned to Scotland where Carnoustie hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2019?

    In 2019, Shane Lowry won The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2019?

    In 2019, The 148th Open returned to Northern Ireland where Royal Portrush hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2020?

    In 2020, The 149th Open was cancelled by the R&A due to COVID-19 pandemic and the Championship will next be played in 2021 as it returns to England where Royal St. George’s will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2021?

    In 2021, The 149th Open returned to England where Royal St. George’s hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2021?

    In 2021, Collin Morikawa won The 149th Open at Royal St. George’s, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2022?

    In 2022, The 150th Open returned to Scotland The Home of Golf where the Old Course at St Andrews hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2022?

    In 2022, Cameron Smith won The 150th Open at the Old Course at St Andrews, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where was The Open in 2023?

    In 2023, The 151st Open returned to England where Royal Liverpool Golf Club hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2023?

    In 2023, Brian Harman won The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake).

  • Where was The Open in 2024?

    In 2024, The 152nd Open returned to Scotland where Royal Troon Golf Club hosted The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Who won The Open in 2024?

    In 2024, Xander Schauffele won The 152nd Open at Royal Troon Golf Club.

  • Where is The Open this year?

    This year, The 153rd Open returns to Northern Ireland where Royal Portrush Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • When is The Open this year?

    This year, The 153rd Open will be played July 13 – 20, 2025 in Northern Ireland where Royal Portrush Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where is The Open next year?

    Next year, The 154th Open returns to England where Royal Birkdale Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • When is The Open next year?

    Next year, The 154th Open will be played July 12 – 19, 2026 in England where Royal Birkdale Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • Where is The Open in 2027?

    In 2027, The 155th Open returns to Scotland where the Old Course at St Andrews will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

  • When is The Open in 2027?

    In 2027, The 155th Open will be played July 11-18, 2027 in Scotland where the Old Course at St Andrews will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.







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