The Open Championship, often referred to simply as The Open, is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. From its origins in the latter half of the 19th Century to present day few pros have reached the coveted title of Open Champion.
The tournament is open to both professional and amateur golfers. While the majority of participants are professionals, a small number of leading amateurs also receive invitations or qualify through specific tournaments.
Some players earn their spots through qualifying rounds held at various courses. These rounds allow golfers to compete for a chance to play in The Open Championship. Final Qualifying takes place a few days before the championship. Golfers compete in 36-hole rounds at specific courses, and the top finishers secure their places in the tournament.
The winner of The Open Championship is awarded the title of “Champion Golfer of the Year”. They also receive the prestigious Claret Jug, a trophy first awarded in 1872.
Here we’ll look back at the list of open champions over the last 20 years and delve into some of the history of this world-famous Championship to appreciate why it holds such a special status amongst golf enthusiasts.
Previous Winners of the Open Championship – 20 Years
2023: Brian Harmen (United States) – Royal Liverpool Golf Course, England
2022: Cameron Smith (Australia) – Old Course St Andrews, Scotland
2021: Collin Morikawa (United States) – Royal St George’s Golf Club, England
2019: Shane Lowry (Ireland) – Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland
2018: Francesco Molinari (Italy) – Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland
2017: Jordan Spieth (United States) – Royal Birkdale Golf Club, England
2016: Henrik Stenson (Sweden) – Royal Troon Golf Club, Scotland
2015: Zach Johnson (United States) – St. Andrews Links (Old Course), Scotland
2014: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) – Royal Liverpool Golf Club, England
2013: Phil Mickelson (United States) – Muirfield Golf Links, Scotland
2012: Ernie Els (South Africa) – Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, England
2011: Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) – Royal St George’s Golf Club, England
2010: Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) – St. Andrews Links (Old Course), Scotland
2009: Stewart Cink (United States) – Turnberry Golf Resort (Ailsa Course), Scotland
2008: Pádraig Harrington (Ireland) – Royal Birkdale Golf Club, England
2007: Pádraig Harrington (Ireland) – Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland
2006: Tiger Woods (United States) – Royal Liverpool Golf Club, England
2005: Tiger Woods (United States) – St. Andrews Links (Old Course), Scotland
2004: Todd Hamilton (United States) – Royal Troon Golf Club, Scotland
2003: Ben Curtis (United States) – Royal St George’s Golf Club, England
The list goes on, with each year providing memorable moments and outstanding performances from golfers around the world.
Which golf courses have hosted the open?
The Open Championship does not have a fixed venue. Instead, it rotates among a group of carefully chosen golf courses. These courses are typically located along the coast, providing a challenging and unique playing experience.
The organisation responsible for organising The Open Championship is The R&A. They carefully select the venues based on various factors, including the course’s history, layout, difficulty, and suitability for hosting a major championship.
These prestigious venues have witnessed some of golf’s most iconic moments:
St Andrews
Location: Fife, Scotland.
Number of Opens Hosted: 29 (from 1873 to 2015).
Notable Moments: Jack Nicklaus’ victory in 1970, Seve Ballesteros’ winning putt in 1984, and Costantino Rocca’s miraculous putt from the Valley of Sin in 1995.
Features: Fiendish bunkers, seven giant double greens, and the infamous Road Hole (17th).
Prestwick
Location: South Ayrshire, Scotland.
Number of Opens Hosted: 24 (from 1860 to 1925).
Unique Features: Blind shots, unusual angles, and a challenging layout.
Historical Significance: Site of the first 12 Open Championships.
Royal Troon
Location: Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland.
Number of Opens Hosted: 9 (most recently in 2016).
Notable Moments: Henrik Stenson’s epic duel with Phil Mickelson in 2016.
Features: The famous “Postage Stamp” hole (8th) and challenging coastal conditions.
Muirfield
Location: Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland.
Number of Opens Hosted: 16 (most recently in 2013).
Notable Moments: Nick Faldo’s victories in 1987 and 1992.
Features: Strategic bunkering, undulating fairways, and a classic links design.
Royal St George’s
Location: Sandwich, Kent, England.
Number of Opens Hosted: 15 (most recently in 2011).
Notable Moments: Darren Clarke’s emotional win in 2011.
Features: Rolling dunes, deep bunkers, and unpredictable winds.
These courses have shaped golf history and continue to captivate players and fans alike. Whether it’s the historic charm of Prestwick or the timeless allure of St Andrews, each venue holds its own unique attributes in the hearts of golf enthusiasts.
History of the Open
Origins
The Open Championship was first held in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. It was organised by the club’s members, including prominent golfers of the time such as Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Sr. The inaugural tournament was contested over three rounds of the 12-hole course, with Willie Park Sr. emerging as the champion.
Expansion
The success of the first Open Championship led to its expansion and eventual establishment as an annual event. In 1873, the tournament was hosted at Prestwick for the last time before rotating to other courses. Since then, The Open has been held at various venues across the United Kingdom.
Formation of The R&A
In 1892, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (commonly known as The R&A) assumed responsibility for organising The Open Championship. The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland, is one of the world’s oldest and most influential golf organisations.
Growth and Evolution
Over the years, The Open Championship has grown in stature and popularity, attracting top golfers from around the world. The tournament has witnessed numerous memorable moments, including remarkable victories, dramatic playoffs, and historic performances.
Venues
The Open Championship has been contested at some of the most iconic and historic golf courses in the United Kingdom. These include St Andrews, Royal St George’s, Royal Liverpool, Royal Troon, Muirfield, Carnoustie, and Turnberry, among others. Each venue offers its own unique challenges and traditions.
Internationalisation
While The Open Championship originated in Scotland, it has evolved into a truly global event, with participants from various countries competing for the coveted Claret Jug. The tournament’s international appeal has helped raise the profile of golf worldwide.
Continued Prestige
Today, The Open Championship remains one of golf’s four major championships, alongside the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship. It is known for its rich history, challenging links courses, and unpredictable weather conditions, which add to its allure and prestige.
Throughout its long history, The Open Championship has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of professional golf and continues to captivate audiences with its tradition, drama, and excellence.
Which country has the most open winners?
The country with the most Open Championship winners in golf is the United States. American golfers have claimed the prestigious Claret Jug a total of 47 times. Their victories span several decades and include some of the sport’s most iconic players. Notable American champions include Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson.
Who has won the open more than once?
More notable winners over the last 20 years are those that have successfully held won the title more than once. Only 2 players have managed to secure this accolade on the last 20 years both achieving this in back-to-back years.
2008: Pádraig Harrington (Ireland) – Royal Birkdale Golf Club, England
2007: Pádraig Harrington (Ireland) – Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland
2006: Tiger Woods (United States) – Royal Liverpool Golf Club, England
2005: Tiger Woods (United States) – St. Andrews Links (Old Course), Scotland
Where is the Open being held in 2024?
The 152nd Open Championship is scheduled to take place at Royal Troon Golf Club in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland from 14th to 21st July 2024.
This historic venue, renowned as one of the greatest links courses, will host The Open for the 10th time. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing top players compete on this challenging and picturesque course, steeped in rich history.
Where is the Open being held in 2025?
The 153rd Open Championship is set to make a triumphant return to Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This exciting event will take place from 13th to 20th July 2025.
Royal Portrush previously hosted The Open in 2019, attracting record attendance and global viewership. The stunning links course, with its rich history and breathtaking coastal views, promises another outstanding showcase for golf in Northern Ireland.
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Bee Ingram
Content Writer for SportsCover Direct
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.