History of The Open Championship: Celebrating 155 Years

The Open Championship is the oldest and most historic major in golf. First played in 1860, it has become on of the sport’s defining events, bringing together the world’s best players to compete for the famous Claret Jug.

Alongside The Masters, PGA Championship and US Open, The Open forms one of golf’s four major championships. It is the only men’s major played outside the United States and is staged annually on some of the finest links courses in the United Kingdom.

Although the championship is open to both professional and amateur golfers who qualify, the world’s leading professionals make up the majority of the field. Every July, players battle the unique challenges of links golf, unpredictable weather and some of the sport’s most historic venues in pursuit of the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.

In 2027, The Open returns to its spiritual home as the 155^th Championship is played at The Old Course, St Andrews, from 11^th – 18^th July.

The History of The Open Championship

The first Open Championship took place in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, where just eight professionals competed over three rounds of a 12-hole course.

Scotland’s Willie Park Sr. defeated Old Tom Morris by two strokes to become the inaugural champion, receiving the Challenge Belt, a red leather belt with a silver buckle, as his prize.

Prestwick hosted every Open until 1870, when Young Tom Morris claimed his third consecutive title and earned permanent ownership of the Challenge Belt. With no trophy available, the championship was not held in 1871 before returning the following year with the introduction of the now-famous Claret Jug.

From 1872 onwards, The Open began rotating between Prestwick, St Andrews and Musselburgh before expanding to other renowned links venues across the UK.

The championship continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with Carnoustie joining the rota in 1931 and Royal Portrush becoming the first venue outside mainland Great Britain to host The Open in 1951.

Today, The Open is contested on a select rotation of world-famous links courses including Royal Birkdale, Royal Troon, Royal Liverpool, Royal St George’s, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Portrush and St Andrews.

St Andrews: Host of The 155th Open Championship

The 155th Open Championship will return to The Old Course at St Andrews, widely regarded as the Home of Golf.

Dating back more than 600 years, St Andrews is one of the oldest and most celebrated golf courses in the world. It has staged countless historic moments and remains the venue most closely associated with The Open Championship.

The 2027 tournament will mark the 31st time The Open has been played at St Andrews, more than any other course on the Championship rota.

With its sprawling double greens, deep revetted bunkers, iconic Swilcan Bridge and infamous Road Hole, The Old Course provides one of golf’s greatest tests while offering a unique spectacle for players and spectators alike.

Every generation of champion has dreamt of lifting the Claret Jug at St Andrews, making victory on the Old Course one of the game’s ultimate achievements.

When is The 155th Open Championship?

The 155th Open Championship will take place from Sunday 11 July to Sunday 18 July 2027, with four days of championship golf played from Thursday to Sunday following practice rounds earlier in the week.

Where is The 155th Open Championship?

The 155th Open Championship will be held at The Old Course, St Andrews, in Fife, Scotland.

Recognised as the Home of Golf, St Andrews has hosted more Open Championships than any other venue and has witnessed victories from many of the sport’s greatest names.

Who won The Open Championship in 2026?

Ryan Fox claimed his first major championship with a dramatic victory at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

The New Zealander produced one of the finest final rounds in recent Open history, carding a two-under-par 68 to finish one stroke clear of Cameron Young.

Needing a birdie on the 18th hole to avoid a play-off, Fox drove boldly down the fairway before finding the green with a superb approach and calmly holing an 11-foot putt to secure the Claret Jug.

His triumph completed a remarkable comeback after beginning the week with an opening-round 72. A second-round 68 and a stunning third-round 62, which matched the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major championship, propelled him into contention before he held his nerve on Sunday to become Champion Golfer of the Year.

Notable Open Championship Winners

Harry Vardon

Harry Vardon remains the most successful player in Open Championship history, winning the Claret Jug six times between 1896 and 1914. His record has stood for well over a century and he remains one of the most influential figures the game has ever produced.

Tom Watson

Tom Watson lifted The Open five times between 1975 and 1983, with his 1977 victory over Jack Nicklaus in the famous “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry regarded as one of golf’s greatest championships.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods won The Open three times, claiming victories at St Andrews in 2000 and 2005 before triumphing at Royal Liverpool in 2006. His dominant 2000 success completed the career Grand Slam and remains one of the finest performances in major championship history.

Experience The Open Championship with Eventmasters

Witness golf history at the Home of Golf as The 155th Open Championship returns to St Andrews in 2027.

Speak to one of our hospitality experts on 0121 233 6500 to secure your place at one of golf’s greatest sporting occasions.