The Open Championship
The oldest and one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.
The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open outside of the UK, is the oldest golf tournament in the world, and one of the most prestigious. Founded in 1860, it was originally held annually at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. Later the venue rotated among a select group of coastal links golf courses in the United Kingdom. It is organised by The R&A. The Open is one of the four men's major golf championships, the others being the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. Since the PGA Championship moved to May in 2019, the Open has been chronologically the fourth and final major tournament of the year. It is held in mid-July.
Quick Facts
- First contested
- 1860, Prestwick Golf Club, Scotland
- Organiser
- The R&A
- Trophy
- The Claret Jug
- Format
- 72 holes over four rounds
- Venue policy
- Rotates annually across UK courses (Scotland, England, Wales, N. Ireland)
- Most career wins
- Harry Vardon – 7 (1896–1914)
- Status
- One of the four men's major championships; the oldest
Lore & Background
The first Open Championship was played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland, over three rounds of the twelve-hole links course. The winner received the Challenge Belt. A year later, it became 'open' to amateurs as well as professionals. The tournament was not held in 1871 because no trophy was available after Young Tom Morris won the belt outright.
In 1872, agreement was reached between Prestwick, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club to contribute £10 each toward a new silver trophy, the Claret Jug, and hosting of the Open would be rotated between the three clubs. The tournament continued to be dominated by Scottish professionals until the 1890s, when English hosts and winners emerged. The Great Triumvirate of Harry Vardon, John Henry Taylor, and James Braid combined to win 16 times between 1894 and 1914.
In 1920, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club became the sole organiser. The Open's original venue, Prestwick, was replaced on the rota with Carnoustie after 1925.
Reader's Guide
The Open is held in mid-July. It is played over 72 holes (four 18-hole rounds). The winner is named 'The Champion Golfer of the Year' and receives the Claret Jug. The reigning champion is New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, who won the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale with a score of 270 (10 under par).
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