The Open Championship

The tournament was first held in Prestwick on 17th October 1860 and was founded by the Earl of Eglinton and Colonel James Fairlie. This tournament was held exclusively in Scotland until 1894. Royal St George`s was the first venue in England.

The Open Championship is one of the four most important golf tournaments, the so-called majors, and is the only tournament held in Europe.

Both amateurs and professionals can compete in this tournament, hence the name "Open". Theoretically, participation is therefore open to everyone, provided that they qualify or are automatically entitled to participate due to their special achievements in the past.

The tournament is held annually in July by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Venue varies between the current 9 courses, tradition dictating that these must be links courses typical of UK golf. The list of hosting places is called "Rota" and currently consists of:

• Carnoustie
• Muirfield
• Royal Birkdale
• Royal Lytham and St Anne`s
• Royal Liverpool (Hoylake)
• Royal St George`s
• Royal Troon
• St Andrews Old Course (most frequent venue with 27 tournaments)
• Turnberry

Claret Jug

The famous trophy for the winner of the Open - the Champion Golfer of the Year - has existed since 1872, after the championship belt previously presented to the winner - after three consecutive wins - passed into the ownership of Young Tom Morris. Since 1928 this original trophy has been on display in the clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews along with the Championship Belt (donated by the Morris family in 1908).

In 1928 the Claret Jug currently in use was presented to the winner, Walter Hagen, for the first time. Each winner may keep the original trophy until the next Open Championship, at which time they will receive a copy of the trophy.

Silver Medal

The best amateur of the Open Championship receives the popular Silver Medal as an award. Traditionally, the ceremony takes place immediately before the Claret Jug is handed over.

Famous Multiple Winners:

• Willie Park Senior, winner of the first Open (4 wins to 1875)
• Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris (4 wins each until 1872)
• Harry Vardon (6 wins between 1896 and 1914)
• John Henry Taylor (5 wins and 6 second places between 1894 and 1914)
• James Braid (5 wins between 1901 and 1910)
• Peter Thomson (5 wins between 1954 and 1965)
• Tom Watson (5 wins between 1975 and 1983)
• Gene Sarazen (1932 win and oldest 1976 competitor at age 74)
• Jack Nicklaus (3 wins and 7 second places between 1964 and 1979)
• Walter Hagen (4 wins between 1922 and 1929)
• Bobby Locke (4 wins between 1949 and 1957)
• Jamie Anderson (3 wins between 1877 and 1879)
• Bob Ferguson (3 wins between 1880 and 1882)
• Robert Tire Jones Jr (3 wins between 1926 and 1930)
• Henry Cotton (golfer) (3 wins between 1934 and 1948)
• Gary Player (3 wins between 1959 and 1974)
• Severiano Ballesteros (3 wins between 1979 and 1988)
• Nick Faldo (3 wins between 1987 and 1992)
• Tiger Woods (3 wins since 2000)

The winners since 1980

• 2006 (Royal Liverpool): Tiger Woods United States
• 2005 (St Andrews): Tiger Woods United States
• 2004 (Royal Troon): Todd Hamilton United States • 2003 Ben Curtis United States
• 2002 Ernie Els South Africa • 2001 David Duval United States
• 2000 Tiger Woods United States
• 1999 Paul Lawrie Scotland • 1998 Mark O`Meara United States • 1997 Justin Leonard United States
• 1996 Tom Lehman United States
• 1995 John Daly United States • 1994 Nick Price Zimbabwe
• 1993 Greg Norman Australia
• 1992 Nick Faldo England
• 1991 Ian Baker-Finch Australia
• 1990 Nick Faldo England
• 1989 Mark Calcavecchia United States • 1988 Seve Ballesteros Spain
• 1987 Nick Faldo England
• 1986 Greg Norman Australia
• 1985 Sandy Lyle Scotland
• 1984 Seve Ballesteros Spain
• 1983 Tom Watson United States
• 1982 Tom Watson United States
• 1981 Bill Rogers United States
• 1980 Tom Watson United States