The History of The Open Golf Championship

The Open Championship, often referred to simply as The Open or the British Open, is not just a golf tournament - it’s the oldest and one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Steeped in history and tradition, The Open has been the proving ground for golf’s greatest champions since its inception in the 19th century.  Let’s take a closer look at the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of this iconic championship.

Origins: The Birth of The Open

The first Open Championship was held on October 17, 1860, at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.  It was created to determine the successor to Allan Robertson, a celebrated Scottish golfer who had passed away the year before and was considered the best player of his time.

Just eight professionals competed in that inaugural event, playing three rounds on the 12-hole course at Prestwick in a single day.  The winner, Willie Park Sr., received the grand prize: a red Morocco leather belt with a silver buckle, known as the Challenge Belt.

Expansion and Growth

From its modest beginnings, The Open quickly grew in stature.  By 1871, Young Tom Morris had won the belt three years in a row and claimed it outright, leaving no trophy for the 1871 Open - so the championship wasn’t held that year.

In 1872, a new prize was introduced: the now-famous Claret Jug, officially known as the Golf Champion Trophy.  This silver jug remains one of the most recognized and revered trophies in all of sport.

The Open began to rotate among several of the top links courses in Scotland and eventually England, establishing a rotation of host courses that continues to this day. St Andrews, Prestwick, Muirfield, and Royal Liverpool were among the early venues.

International Influence and Professionalism

As the game spread beyond Scotland, The Open began attracting golfers from England, Ireland, and eventually overseas.  The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of English and American winners, including legends like Harry Vardon, who won six Open titles - a record that still stands at time of writing.

The tournament became a battleground for golf’s growing pool of talent.  By the 1920s and 30s, American players like Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones brought international fame to the event.  Jones’ victory in the 1930 Open at Hoylake was part of his legendary Grand Slam year.

Post-War Era and the Rise of Television

After World War II, The Open entered a new era of growth.  Golf icons like Ben Hogan (who famously won in his only Open appearance in 1953), Peter Thomson, and Gary Player brought a global flair to the competition.

With the arrival of television coverage in the 1950s and 60s, The Open reached millions of viewers worldwide.  The drama of links golf, unpredictable weather, rolling fairways, and pot bunkers continues to captivate audiences and elevate the tournament’s prestige.

Modern Greats and Memorable Moments

The Open has delivered countless unforgettable moments:

Jack Nicklaus, who won in 1966, called St Andrews his favourite course and always respected the event’s heritage.

Tom Watson nearly won his sixth Open in 2009 at the age of 59, falling just short in a playoff - one of the most emotional finishes in the tournament’s history.

Tiger Woods captured three Claret Jugs (2000, 2005, 2006), showcasing his dominance in both calm and stormy conditions.

Phil Mickelson’s 2013 win at Muirfield was hailed as one of the finest final rounds ever played in a major.

Francesco Molinari’s victory in 2018 marked the first time an Italian had won a major, highlighting The Open’s continued global reach.

The Open Today

Now governed by The R&A, The Open continues to be played on a rotation of Britain’s greatest links courses, including:

St Andrews (Old Course) | Royal Birkdale | Royal Portrush | Carnoustie | Royal Troon | Muirfield | Royal St George’s | Royal Liverpool

It remains the only major championship held outside the United States, providing a unique test with unpredictable weather, natural terrain, and a historic atmosphere unmatched by any other golf tournament.

Conclusion

The Open Championship is more than just a major, it is a celebration of golf’s heritage, challenge, and spirit.  From its humble Scottish origins in 1860 to its status as a global sporting spectacle, The Open has remained a constant in a changing world.  It honours the past while showcasing the present, and every summer, it offers players and fans a chance to connect with the game’s purest form - links golf, played against the wind, the course, and history itself.

For players, lifting the Claret Jug means entering the pantheon of golf’s immortals.

For fans, The Open is a timeless tradition that reminds us why we love the game.