The Open Championship – also known as The Open or The British Open – is the oldest golf tournament in the world.
The Open Championship Betting
Many consider The Open Championship the most international of the four Majors (Masters Tournament, US Open Championship, and US PGA Championship). 156 players will compete for a chance to win the Claret Jug in mid-July. There are 28 categories to determine exemption from qualifying, and 46 spots are decided by The Open Qualifying Series. This series consists of 16 events held in 11 different countries.
Since the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) started in 1996, four golfers from outside the top 100 have won The Open Championship. Two of them lifted the Claret Jug at Royal St. George’s. In 2003, ranked 396, Ben Curtis won the event with +30000 opening odds. Since 2000, the average age of the Champion Golfer of the Year is 33. Interestingly, the average opening odds of past winners have been around +6000 since 2011.
The Open Championship – The Stats
- Most wins: Harold Vardon holds the record with six Open titles from 1896-1914.
- Oldest winner: ‘Old’ Tom Morris won the Claret Jug in 1867 at the age of 46 years, 99 days.
- Youngest winner: In 1868, Morris’ son, Tom Morris (known as ‘Young Tom Morris’), won the tournament at the age of 17 years and 156 days. He went on to win the following three Open Championships.
- Highest score on one hole: German amateur golfer Hermann Tissies recorded the highest score on a single hole at The Open Championship. In 1950, he shot 15 on the 8th hole at Royal Troon. The hole played as a 120-yard par-3.
- Greatest comeback: Paul Lawrie pulled off a 10-stroke comeback in the final round to win the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie.
Last Ten Open Championship Winners
| Year | Golfer | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jon Rahm | Royal Portrush |
| 2023 | Brian Harman | Royal Liverpool |
| 2022 | Cameron Smith | St Andrews |
| 2021 | Collin Morikawa | Royal St George’s |
| 2019 | Shane Lowry | Royal Portrush |
| 2018 | Francesco Molinari | Carnoustie |
| 2017 | Jordan Spieth | Royal Birkdale |
| 2016 | Henrik Stenson | Royal Troon |
| 2015 | Zach Johnson | St Andrews |
| 2014 | Rory McIlroy | Royal Liverpool |
What happened last year?
In 2024, Jon Rahm won The Open at Royal Portrush, securing his second major championship victory. Rahm finished with a stellar performance, shooting 16 under par to take home the Claret Jug and a prize of over $3 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can compete in The Open Championship?
Around 65 percent of the 156-player Open field is made up of exemptions based on 28 categories. These include former champions of specific tournaments and players meeting certain cutoffs in the Official World Golf Rankings. Another 46 spots come from The Open Qualifying Series. The golfers who advance from the Final Qualifying in the UK get the final spots.
What is the best score ever recorded at the Open Championship?
Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson secured a 20-under score of 264 to win the Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2016.
Has St Andrew's ever hosted the Open Championship previously?
Yes, St Andrews has been home to the Open 29 times previously. With this being the 30th occasion the magnificent course will create a champion.