The Open Championship - Definition and Overview

The Champion's Belt & The Claret Jug.

The Open Championship, typically referred to in North America as the British Open, is the annual men's championship golf tournament first played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick, Prestwick Golf Club. Each year the event is hosted by one of several prestigious golf clubs in Britain including the Old Course at St Andrews, Muirfield Golf Links in Scotland, and Royal Birkdale; however, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) administers The Open regardless of its site.

The Open has been the third tournament of the PGA TOUR's Grand Slam of golf for decades, although the PGA TOUR did not recognize it as one of its official events until 1995. The PGA European Tour has always recognized The Open as an official event.

Originally, the trophy presented to the event's winner was the Champion's Belt, a red leather belt with a silver buckle. It was retired in 1870, when Tom Morris, Jr was allowed to keep it for winning the tournament three consecutive times. It was then replaced by the present trophy, the Claret Jug.

Records

• Oldest winner: Tom Morris, Sr. (46 years, 99 days), 1867.
• Youngest winner: Tom Morris, Jr. (17 years, 5 months, 8 days), 1868.
• Most victories: 6, Harry Vardon (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914).
• Lowest 72-hole score: 267, Greg Norman (66-68-69-64), 1993.

Winners of The Open Championship

External Links:

• Official web site (http://www.opengolf.com/)
• British Open records (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/sgbrit62.htm)