Ben Hogan 1948 Open Championship Royal Troon
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.
Quick Facts
- Winner
- Ben Hogan (USA)
- Venue
- Royal Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Year
- 1948
- Season context
- Part of Hogan's 1948 Career Grand Slam (Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship; PGA Championship won earlier in career)
- Career open wins
- 3 (1948, 1953, 1959)
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. In 1861, it became 'open' to amateurs as well as professionals. The Claret Jug was first awarded in 1872. The tournament has been won by many greats, including the Great Triumvirate of Harry Vardon (six wins), John Henry Taylor (five wins), and James Braid (five wins).
Reader's Guide
The Open is one of the four men's major golf championships. 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. The winner is named 'The Champion Golfer of the Year' and receives the Claret Jug.
Did You Know?
- The Open is called 'The Open' because it is in theory open to all, i.e. professional and amateur golfers.
- 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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