Search
 
British Open Championship Golf Tours and Golf Cruises

History of The Open

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.





History, Facts & Figures about The Open



PerryGolf Vacations to The Open


ESCORTED TOURS
 
2025 The Open Venues

9 Nights | 6 Rounds including Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Turnberry (Ailsa), Royal Troon, Carnoustie & St Andrews (Old Course) | Jun 22 - July 3
 
2025 Dublin & The 153rd Open

8 Nights | 4 Rounds including Portmarnock, The Island, Royal County Down & Royal Belfast | Jul 13 - 21
 
2025 Turnberry & The 153rd Open

8 Nights | 4 Rounds including Turnberry (Ailsa), Royal Troon, Royal County Down & Royal Belfast | Jul 13 - 21

CRUISES
 
2024 British Isles Golf Cruise & The 152nd Open

12 Nights from Edinburgh to Dublin on Azamara Quest | 6 (or 3) Rounds including Dumbarnie, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, Royal Portrush, Royal County Down & Portmarnock Links | July 14 - 26
 
2025 British Isles Golf Cruise & The 153rd Open

13 Nights from Southampton to Edinburgh including Belfast and Dublin on Azamara Journey | 6 or 3 Rounds ranging from Royal Birkdale to Kingsbarns. Attend the final two days of The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush | July 15 – 28


Colin Dalgleish PerryGolf Co-Founder Colin Dalgleish
will be your host.
Gordon Dalgleish PerryGolf Co-Founder Gordon Dalgleish
will be your host.


The Open FAQ's

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 is The Open next year?
In 2024, The 152nd Open returns to Scotland where Royal Troon 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 152nd Open will be played July 14 – 21, 2024 in Scotland where Royal Troon Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

Where is The Open in 2024?
In 2024, The 152nd Open returns to Scotland where Royal Troon Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

When is The Open in 2024?
In 2024, The 152nd Open will be played July 14 – 21, 2024 in Scotland where Royal Troon Golf Club will host The Open, sometimes referred to as The British Open or The Open Championship.

Where is The Open in 2025?
In 2025, 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 in 2025?
In 2025, 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 in 2026?
In 2026, 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 in 2026?
In 2026, 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.



Our Gracious Clients

  • The trip was absolutely fantastic.  It blew away all of my expectations and Perry's service was impeccable.  Our driver) was great showing us the sights as well as taking care of our golf arrangements.  Can't wait to plan my next trip!
    Mr. James P.
    Scotland
  • Thanks again for the greatest golf voyage a true golfer and student of the game could ever experience! It was the trip of a lifetime.
    Mr. Gerry G.
    Open Championship Golf Cruise
  • We had a wonderful time on the PerryGolf Southeast Asia trip. Colin Dalgleish accompanied us and was the perfect host! We would recommend PerryGolf and the Asia trip to golfers and non-golfers alike. You will be amazed at the spa inclusive Fusion Maia Resort in Da Nang. It was our favorite spot.
    Mr. and Mrs. Jeff W.
    Southeast Asia Escorted
  • Our expectations were thoroughly exceeded! Special thanks to our [PerryGolf VIP Concierge] driver and host, John. Incredible service, sense of humor and a total gentleman. Many thanks for a trip of a lifetime!
    Mr. Brian T.
    Scotland
  • We are over the Atlantic now headed home from a fabulous couple of weeks in Italy. I want you to know that the trip will always be one of my all-time favorites! Every aspect was first class. The guides were among the best ever. The hotels were fabulous. The food was over the top. We are going home to rest!
    Mr. and Mrs. Ron H.
    Italy Escorted
  • We had an outstanding trip to Ireland. PerryGolf was spot on with accommodations and recommendations for our entire group of 7 (4 golfers and 3 non golfers). The only question now is “when do we go to Scotland?
    Mr. Michael M.
    Ireland
  • Just wanted to let you know we had an outstanding trip. Alastair Niven did an outstanding job of working with us and the Scottish Highlander barge was truly wonderful - the crew, the food, the logistics. The golf was super fun and even the weather was perfect. Couldn't have asked for a better trip. Thx!
    Mrs. David W.
    Scottish Highlander Hotel Barge Golf Cruise
  • We had a great trip.  I would not do it any other way. Our [PerryGolf VIP Concierge] driver, John, was absolutely the best thing about our trip.  He made it so easy, He became part of our group and a friend.  What more could you ask?
    Mr. Doug S.
    Scotland
  • Gordon Turner was an excellent – PerryGolf is fortunate to have such a good representative in Cape Town. I found the extra day we stayed at Eagle’s Crag, a learning occasion of a lifetime.
    Mr. Russel W.
    South Africa
  • This was a wonderful trip. New Zealand is a welcoming place and golf there is everything I had hoped. Thanks for steering us to this tour.
    Mr. C. Van A.
    New Zealand
  • PerryGolf did an exceptional job!  Courses were great. Hotels were very nice, but the best part was our driver, Joe Marshall.  He was outstanding.  Within two minutes of our arrival he knew everyone's name and stayed on top of any details. 
    Mr. Chris J.
    Scotland
  • Our impression of the total PerryGolf experience is very positive. Very organized. Very timely. Very friendly. Special kudos goes to John Henderson who will leave lasting impressions with his spirit, and his friendliness. Please pass on our congratulations!!
    Bob and Ruth C.
    Open Championship Golf Cruise
  • Our Ireland excursion with Perry couldn’t have been better! Patrick, our driver/guide, was superb and is obviously a veteran at hosting travel groups. We’ll certainly use Perry for our next international golf trip, and don’t hesitate to use me for a reference.
    Mr. Robert L.
    Ireland
  • Excellent trip. Patrick, our host / driver, was fantastic....a good sport, an excellent restaurant advisor, and a top notch tee time negotiator. Will definitely utilize the services of PerryGolf again!
    Mr. John K.
    Scotland
  • Our trip was a bit unusual in that we had to reschedule at the last minute but Keith Baird made it happen for the following year. John Finnigan was our driver and he was also excellent. We had a wonderful time and would use Perry Golf again for sure.
    Mrs. Susan F.
    Scotland
  • On our recent trip to Asia we experienced the “Trifecta of great travel”..... world-class golf, exotic excursions and luxurious accommodations. To capture the city excitement of Saigon, the Zen beaches of Da Nang and the exotic jungle of Siem Reap all in one trip was awesome!
    Mr. and Mrs. Sam S.
    Southeast Asia Escorted
  • We drove into Southampton and saw the PerryGolf truck in the terminal. Angus met us and from that moment forward the guys took great care of us. They are terrific. The organization of the trip was absolutely top notch at every level. It was as if an experienced local put together their “dream trip” and took us along with him!
    George and Jana D.
    Open Championship Golf Cruise
  • We had great days but the one at the Old Course was icing on the cake.. What can you say about the Old Course, unless you have experienced it for yourself no words can do it justice. Thanks again for making our trip run so smooth and seamless.
    Mr. Jim S.
    Scotland
  • Our trip was exceptional. We had great weather, stayed in excellent accommodations and played some outstanding golf courses. I don't know of anything that could have turned out better than it did! Thanks again Colin and give our best to Anne.
    Mr. Gary T.
    New Zealand Escorted
  • This is the second time I have travelled with PerryGolf. The thing I like the most is that there are no surprises. Everything works flawlessly. When you show up they are ready for you and everything works seamlessly. That is what I am looking for when I travel for golf. Thanks.
    Mr. Josh S.
    Scotland
  • We had an excellent trip to Scotland. Everything planned to perfection and well thought out. We were celebrating my dad's 75th birthday who had the trips only eagle and it was on the Old Course! Thanks to Joe, our guide, and the entire PerryGolf team. Cheers.
    Mr. Thomas B.
    Scotland
  • It's difficult to find the right words to describe how Sharon and I feel about PerryGolf now that we’ve had the opportunity to experience one of your trips. Outstanding! Exceptional! Superb! First Class! Thought of every possible need! Surpassed expectations by 1000%!!!
    Dave and Sharon C.
    Open Championship Golf Cruise
  • Thank you so much for giving us the best vacation we could have wished for. We loved the golf, our driver Steve, Doonbeg Resort, the scenery, the Irish people, even the food, and of course the pubs. You are the very best. Your experience and competence showed throughout the trip.
    Ms. Marcia M.
    Ireland
  • The variety of things to do made the trip better than I could imagine. Gordon Turner is delightful and obviously flexible to have dealt with the changes and details of our trip. This is the third Perry Golf trip I have been on and have had excellent experiences with all of them.
    Ms. Clair S.
    South Africa
  • My family and I have used PerryGolf on numerous occasions. Up to now, we have always booked trips of the "self-drive" variety. This year, I arranged a group of eight and we took one of your VIP coaches. What a difference. The ease of doing business with your company is why we keep coming back, trip after trip.
    Mrs. Sue R.
    England and Scotland
  • Everything exceeded expectation. It was all wonderful and if there were any ‘behind the scenes’ challenges I was not aware of them which is a good thing. Would I recommend PerryGolf to my friends/colleagues – yes in a heartbeat!
    Dr. and Mrs. Gerald K.
    Open Championship Golf Cruise
  • Once again, thanks for helping me complete a golf trip that was at the top of my bucket list. My only lament is that the trip is now in the rear view mirror.
    Mr. Harold R.
    Ireland
  • Our trip was fantastic- the itinerary, the courses, the directions, our reception at the airport, Alastair's help before we left- all were excellent.Thanks for making a memorable vacation a possibility; I am sure this will go down as my Dad's favorite birthday present!
    Mr. Jacob H.
    Scotland
  • This was my second trip with PerryGolf, and as it has been in the past, a fantastic trip. I can't say enough about your company and your entire staff. In the real estate business, I know my best business model is referrals, so you can bet I will refer all of my golfing friends to PerryGolf.
    Mr. Chuck S.
    Ireland
  • Once again, you have far exceeded very high expectations which you do on each trip. I continue to recommend PerryGolf to all who want to travel to Scotland. We look forward to our next trip.
    Mr. Dennis T.
    Scotland
  • Everyone at PerryGolf were top notch – took care of all the details, kept us informed and were fun. We will recommend PerryGolf to clients and friends and hope to travel again with PerryGolf on another great adventure.
    Mrs. Janice M.
    Open Championship Golf Cruise
  • Our driver, Michael Anderson, was absolutely terrific. I have taken guides on other trips to Europe and it always makes the trips when you don’t have to worry about details upon your arrival such as tee times, directions, reservations, etc. Mike was among the best I’ve ever had.
    Mr. Charles S.
    Scotland
  • Thank you so much for a fabulous golf tour of Asia. From the outset, our golf, hotel and transfers were smooth and efficient. Your support teams in Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam are outstanding. A special thanks to your guides who added fascinating local snippets of history or humor!
    Mrs. Natalie P.
    Southeast Asia Escorted
Top

Learn More







Top
Play the Game. See the World. TM
© PerryGolf. One of the most respected providers of custom golf tours and golf cruises to the world's most memorable destinations for men, women and couples.
800.344.5257 | Expert@PerryGolf.com

Please wait while we update your information
x
x

We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience and deliver tailored ads based on your browsing activities. By clicking 'Accept', you agree to our use of cookies. If you reject our cookies, it may affect some functionality on our website. Read our Cookie Policy to learn more about how to manage your cookies