The Open Championship is not just the oldest of the four majors but is also one of the oldest sporting events ever. Since its first-ever edition was held in 1860 at the Prestwick Golf Club, many of golf’s most iconic moments have taken place at the Open.

What truly sets this sporting event apart is its rich history and the unique traditions associated with it. Let’s dive in to find out more about the features of golf’s most prestigious and distinctive event!

The golf courses

Prestwick Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland, served as the tournament host for the first twelve years. Later, in 1872, the organizers decided to kick off the rotation of courses. Consequently, Prestwick, Musselburgh Golf Links, and St. Andrews became part of the first rotation.

While Prestwick and Musselburgh don’t host the Open anymore, St. Andrews still hosts the tournament from time to time. Currently, there are a total of nine courses in the rotation.
Every year, the tournament takes place at a coastal links golf course. This is because links golf is often considered to be the “purest” form of the sport and has a connection to the game’s establishment in 15th-century Scotland.

The voice of Ivor Robson

Ivor Robson never intended to become a full-time announcer at the Open, wherein his job was to introduce the greatest-ever golfers. However, over the decades, he became one of the most discernible voices of the game. In a career that lasted over 40 years, Robson sent a whopping 18,998 players off in pursuit of glory, including the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and more. He eventually retired in 2015.

The format

Now, the Open Championship boasts a 72-hole format and is played over four days. However, this wasn’t always the case. When it was held for the first time ever in 1860, the Open was a single-day event and comprised three back-to-back rounds of nine holes each.
In 1892, the Open became a 72-hole, two-day tournament. Each player would play 36 holes every day. Harold Hilton, an amateur golfer, had shot rounds of 78 and 81 to win the competition that year.

The Claret Jug

From 1860 to 1870, the Open Championship winner was awarded a belt. However, in 1871, the Prestwick Golf Club purchased the belt. The tournament didn’t take place in 1871, as a new strategy was being worked upon. The following year, it was decided that the tournament would rotate to other courses as well, and there would be a brand-new prize for the victorious golfer.

Per the rules, the three Open courses at that time each poured in money for a medal and a claret jug. The first golfer to win the jug was Tom Kidd in 1873. An Open winner is allowed to keep the trophy with him for a year but must return it before next year’s edition. The golfer is then awarded a replica.

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The awards ceremony at the Open Championship is a tradition unlike any other. First, the low amateur is introduced. Then, the runner-up or the runners-up is announced. This leads up to the winner being introduced as the “champion golfer of the year.”

Some more unique facts about the Open Championship

Here are some fun facts about the Open that have taken place over its long and illustrious history:

• Portrush in Ireland is the only venue outside of Scotland and England to have hosted the event.
• To date, Tom Morris is the player with the most consecutive wins, from 1868 to 1872. The tournament did not take place in 1871.
• Harry Vardon won the competition a record six times between 1896 and 1914. After his last win, the tournament was put on hold for six years due to World War I.
• Old Tom Morris is the oldest winner of the Open at 46 years of age. Meanwhile, his son Young Tom Morris is the youngest winner at age 17.
• Old Tom Morris also holds the record for the biggest margin of victory, as he won the competition by 13 strokes in 1862.
• To date, St. Andrews has hosted the competition a record 30 times! Prestwick (24) comes second, followed by Muirfield (16).

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The Open Championship truly boasts a history unlike any other. The incredible traditions associated with the coveted event makes it one of the most prestigious sporting events ever.