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The Open Championship

The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, 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 between a select group of coastal links golf courses in the United Kingdom.

  • Established: 1860

Most played courses

Old Course at St Andrews
30
Prestwick Golf Club
24
Muirfield
16
Royal St George's Golf Club
15
Royal Liverpool Golf Club
13

Most wins

Harry Vardon
6
Tom Watson
5
James Braid
5
John Henry Taylor
5
Peter Thomson
5

Oldest winner

Tom Morris

46 years, 102 days, 1867

Youngest winner

Tom Morris

17 years, 156 days, 1868

Lowest final score

-20

Henrik Stenson, 2016; Cameron Smith, 2022

Lowest round

62

Branden Grace, 3rd round, 2017

Lowest round to par

-9

Paul Broadhurst, 3rd round, 1990; Rory McIlroy, 1st round, 2010

Most runner-up finisher

Jack Nicklaus

1964, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1979