The Open Championship: History, Iconic Winners & Course Layout

The Open Championship, commonly referred to as the British Open, stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. As the oldest of the four major championships in men's professional golf, it represents the ultimate test of links golf, where unpredictable weather, towering sand dunes, and deep pot bunkers challenge the world's best players.

Looking for live coverage? Don't miss a single tee shot. Check out our Open Championship TV and streaming guide to find the latest up-to-the-minute schedules.

A Rich History Born on the Links

The Open Championship was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, with just eight professionals competing for the title. The tournament was played annually at Prestwick until 1870, after which it began to rotate among a select group of legendary courses, including St Andrews, Muirfield, and Royal Liverpool.

Over the decades, the tournament evolved from a regional exhibition into a global phenomenon:

• International Breakthrough: In 1894, English golfing legend J.H. Taylor won the tournament, paving the way for a long tradition of international competition that would eventually see American and global players dominate the field.
• Format Expansions: Growing popularity led to the introduction of amateur qualifying rounds in 1921. Later, in 1966, the tournament implemented a 36-hole cut, reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties to ensure a dramatic weekend finish.

Legendary Champions

The Claret Jug has been lifted by nearly every great player in golf history. The all-time leader in Open Championship victories is Harry Vardon, who won the tournament an incredible six times between 1896 and 1914. Other iconic multiple winners of the British Open include James Braid, J.H. Taylor, Peter Thomson, Bobby Locke, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods.

However, the links are notoriously unpredictable, frequently opening the door for massive underdogs. Unlikely heroes like Ben Curtis (2003) and Todd Hamilton (2004) shocked the world by conquering the elements to win. The tournament also rewards rising young talent; back in 2021, Collin Morikawa secured the trophy in spectacular fashion, proving that a precise iron game can tame even the toughest ocean breezes.

Welcome to Royal Birkdale

The 154th Open Championship returns to the historic Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. This marks the 11th time the revered Southport links will host the world’s best golfers, a number bested only by the legendary St Andrews.

Iconic for its towering sand dunes and punishing rough, Royal Birkdale gives players zero time to ease into their rounds. While Jordan Spieth famously walked away as the Champion Golfer of the Year the last time the British Open visited Southport in 2017, all eyes will be on defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who dominated the field at Royal Portrush to claim the Claret Jug.

Royal Birkdale Scorecard

To help you follow along with the action, here is the official hole-by-hole layout for the Championship course:

The Open Championship - FAQ