The British Open Golf Championship – A Comprehensive Guide
The British Open Golf Championship is one of the world’s most prestigious and historical tournaments and is a well-loved tournament in the golfing calendar. Its rich history dates back to 1860, first at the Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. This article will cover everything you need to know about this prestigious competition, the history of the British Open, previous winners and the bookmaker’s early favourite for the 2023 edition.
The British Open Golf Championship has grown into one of the four major championships in professional golf, alongside the Masters, the U.S. Open and the PGA championship. The Open Championship is held annually in July. It is the oldest of the four major championships.
Many prominent golf courses in the UK and Ireland have hosted the British Open, including St Andrews, Royal Troon, and Royal Birkdale. These historic courses present a unique challenge to the world’s greatest players. With their undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and unpredictable weather, the rough links courses make The Open one of the most challenging tests in golf.
The 151st edition of the British open golf 2023 will be held at the world’s oldest golf course, The Royal Liverpool on the English Wirral. The anticipation promises to add another chapter to the tournament’s illustrious history.
As the British Open Golf Championship approaches, many passionate golf fans are watching the odds to see who the top contenders are for this year’s tournament are. For those looking to bet on the British Open, we’ve listed the top 10 favourites to win the tournament at the end of this article.
British Open Golf History
The British Open was initially played at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland in 1860. Allan Robertson and Old Tom Morris, a three-time British Amateur champion, arranged the competition. Willie Park Sr. emerged as the inaugural winner, winning by two strokes after three rounds of 12 holes.
Over the years, the tournament structure and course layout has altered. The event was increased to 36 holes and contested over two days in 1872. The first foreign players were invited to compete in 1894. The tournament has been held annually since its start.
The British Open is usually regarded as one of the most significant golf events in the world. The event draws elite players worldwide and is staged on some of the world’s most challenging and historic golf courses. The tournament’s history and significance make it a sought-after championship for professional golfers, and winning it is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of a player’s career.
There are just 100 days until the first day of The 151st Open at @RLGCHoylake . Major season is well and truly underway. pic.twitter.com/S7xrmiZx3M
— The Open (@TheOpen) April 11, 2023
The British Open has built a reputation for being one of the most challenging golfing competitions. They have achieved this excellence by setting up unique obstacles that test their ability and mental toughness. In addition, the unpredictable weather impacts the ball bounce and vision, which is crucial in making the competition tough to gain points.
Winners of the Previous British Open Tournaments
The British Open has produced some of the most memorable moments in golfing history. Looking at the list of British Open golf winners since 1970 or British Open winners since 1960, it’s clear that this tournament has been dominated by some of the sport’s greatest players. From Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson to Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods, the roll call of champions who have lifted the Claret Jug over the past 50 years is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic event.
Some of the most iconic winners of the British Open since 1960 are:
- Arnold Palmer (1961 and 1962)
- Jack Nicklaus (1966, 1970, and 1978)
- Tom Watson (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1983)
- Seve Ballesteros (1979, 1984, and 1988)
- Nick Faldo (1987, 1990, and 1992)
- Tiger Woods (2000, 2005, and 2006)
- Phil Mickelson (2013)
South African Open Winners
South African golfers have a long and proud tradition of success at the British Open, with some of the game’s greatest players hailing from this country. Among the South African British Open winners are legends such as Bobby Locke, Gary Player, and Ernie Els, who have all left an mark on this historic tournament with their skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Gary Player won the event on three occasions (1959, 1968, and 1974), one of the greatest golfers ever. In addition, Louis Oosthuizen (2010) and Ernie Els (2002) carried the South African flag high in the competition.
Gary Player with a short game masterclass at the Open Championship – pic.twitter.com/us89QFiOBv
— TheGolfDivoTee™ (@TheGolfDivoTee) December 29, 2022
The Success of Women’s British Open Winners
The Women’s British Open is one of the most important tournaments in women’s golf and runs as a separate entity to the men’s edition. The Women’s British Open winners list includes some of the best players in the world, such as Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, and Ariya Jutanugarn, who have all demonstrated their skill and prowess on the links while competing for this coveted title.
The LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour recognise the Women’s Open as a major tournament in women’s professional golf.
In 1976, the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship was expanded to include professionals. Jenny Lee Smith, an amateur, won the tournament in its first year, with only five pros competing.
Since then, the event has been conducted at main golf courses in the United Kingdom, including Open Championship links courses. However, the event has yet to be contested at Royal St. George’s in southern England, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, and Turnberry, which cannot be on the Open due to the American owner’s political stances.
Ashleigh Buhai stands as the current champion, having won in a playoff at Muirfield in 2022.
How Ashleigh Buhai ended SA’s 34-year wait for a women’s Major at the Open https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/other-sport/2022-09-07-how-ashleigh-buhai-ended-sas-34-year-wait-for-a-womens-major-at-the-open/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1662559446
— BusinessLIVE (@BusinessLiveSA) September 7, 2022
Throughout its existence, the Women’s Open has had several sponsors. It was sponsored by Weetabix, a breakfast cereal, from 1987 until 2006. Ricoh, a Japanese electronics company, took over as the title sponsor between 2007 and 2018, and the AIG Women’s British Open was born in 2019. The competition was renamed the AIG Women’s Open when the sponsorship arrangement with AIG was extended through 2025.
Since 1994, the tournament has been a permanent LPGA Tour event, and it became an official LPGA major in 2001, taking the place of the du Maurier Classic in Canada.
Players worldwide have won the event many times, notably Karrie Webb and Sherri Steinhauer, who each won three times.
Recent British Open Golf Winners
Looking at the British Open winners in the last 20 years, we see a mix of established champions and rising stars who have left their mark on this historic tournament. Golfing legends such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Ernie Els have all claimed the Claret Jug during this period. Newer talents like Jordan Spieth, Henrik Stenson, and Francesco Molinari have also made their mark by winning this prestigious championship.
2021 – Collin Morikawa, at 24, Morikawa won his second major title at Royal St. George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, England, fending off a charging Jordan Spieth by two shots. It was his first time competing in the British Open.
Only two players in men’s golf history have won The Open Championship and the PGA Championship before turning 25:
🏆 Collin Morikawa 🏆 Tiger Woods pic.twitter.com/rhU0VMijeu
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 18, 2021
2019 – Shane Lowry, in his native nation of Ireland, won his first major title, finishing at 15-under par and six strokes clear of second-place Tommy Fleetwood. The tournament was contested at Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush Golf Club.
2018 – Francesco Molinari became the first Italian to win a major event at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, closing at 8-under par to take a two-shot lead over four runners-up.
2017 – Jordan Spieth won the British Open at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England, finishing at 12-under par and collecting his third major championship. Matt Kuchar ended three strokes back.
The last time Jordan Spieth led/co-led after 18 holes?
He won The Open. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/F2vULVa7Sr
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) April 6, 2018
2016 – Henrik Stenson won his maiden major event at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland, finishing at a record-breaking 20-under par, beating Phil Mickelson by three strokes.
2015 – Zach Johnson won his second major tournament at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland, finishing at 15-under par, defeating Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman in a four-hole playoff.
2014 – Rory McIlroy won his maiden British Open and third major title at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in England, finishing at 17-under par, two strokes ahead of Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler.
EAGLE FROM THE BUNKER TO TAKE THE LEAD AT THE OPEN.
RORY. MCILROY.🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/CdfbgjYvj7
— Covers (@Covers) July 16, 2022
2013 – Phil Mickelson won his sixth major event at Muirfield Golf Links in Scotland, finishing three strokes ahead of Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter.
2012 – Ernie Els won his fourth major tournament at the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in England, finishing one stroke ahead of Adam Scott.
2011 – Darren Clarke won his first major tournament at the Royal St. George’s Golf Club in England, finishing at 5-under par, three strokes ahead of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.
2010 – Louis Oosthuizen won the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland, finishing at 16-under par, securing a seven-shot advantage over Lee Westwood and capturing his maiden major championship.
2009 – Stewart Cink won his first major tournament at Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland, defeating Tom Watson in a four-hole playoff. Watson, 59, sought to become the oldest major champion in history.
2008 – Padraig Harrington won his second consecutive British Open at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England, securing his third major championship. He finished three strokes ahead of Ian Poulter and Greg Norman.
2007 – Padraig Harrington won his first major event at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, defeating Sergio Garcia in a four-hole playoff.
“I genuinely felt after that shot I had lost the Open Championship.”
Padraig Harrington looks back on his first major success at Carnoustie and the mindset he needed to get the job done. pic.twitter.com/EgXAjlok7Z
— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) April 18, 2020
2006 – Tiger Woods won his 11th major title at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in England, his second consecutive British Open. He finished two strokes ahead of Chris DiMarco at 18-under par.
2005 – Tiger Woods won his second British Open and tenth major tournament at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. He finished 14-under par, five shots ahead of Colin Montgomerie and José Mara Olazábal.
2004 – Todd Hamilton won his first major tournament at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland, defeating Ernie Els in a four-hole playoff.
2003 – Ben Curtis won his maiden major event at the Royal St. George’s Golf Club in England, finishing one stroke ahead of Thomas Bjorn and Vijay Singh.
2002 – Ernie Els won his third major event at Muirfield Golf Links in Scotland, finishing one stroke ahead of Thomas Levet, Stuart Appleby, and Steve Elkington.
With 50 appearances between them, hear what The Open means to Ernie Els, Zach Johnson, and Padraig Harrington’s caddies. pic.twitter.com/0K1wWkdRfb
— The Open (@TheOpen) April 25, 2017
2001 – David Duval won his first major championship, finishing at 10-under par and three shots ahead of Niclas Fasth. The tournament was held at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in England.
2000 – Tiger Woods won his first British Open and eighth major championship, finishing at 19-under par and eight shots ahead of Thomas Bjørn and Ernie Els. The tournament was held at the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland.
In the next section, I’ll provide a complete list of British Open winners.
Past British Open Golf Championship Winners – Year by Year
The European competition is one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, with a long history of over 150 years. The tournament has been graced by some of the most prolific names in the sport, such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Tom Watson. In addition, it has captured some memorable moments and iconic winners since 1970, which we will go through in this segment.
Over the years, the British Open golf competition has generated innumerable memorable moments and has been home to many notable champions. Some of the championship’s most notable victors since 1990 include:
Tiger Woods is a household name in the world of golf. The Icon won the British Open four times in his prime peak during the late 90s and the early 2000s. The years of his victory are 1999, 2000, 2005, and 2006 when the American made his mark in Europe’s elite competition.
Tiger Woods was emotional walking up No. 18 at St. Andrews ❤️
The Open likely won’t be back at St. Andrews until 2027. pic.twitter.com/WQ7l9WkLQK
— ESPN (@espn) July 15, 2022
As many refer to him, South African Ernie Els, or Big Easy, has triumphed in numerous golfing tournaments. The maestro made his mark in the British Open twice, in 2002 and 2012.
Phil Mickelson won the British Open Championship in 2013, endearing himself to his supporters. He won the tournament with a final-round score of 66, defeating Henrik Stenson by three shots. This victory was especially noteworthy for Mickelson since it completed his career Grand Slam, putting him in the exclusive company of just six players who have achieved this unusual achievement.
Jean Van de Velde’s (1999) terrible final hole at the British Open Championship may not have earned him the trophy, but it is one of the tournament’s most memorable moments. Van de Velde’s hazardous approach shot fell in the water on the 18th hole, ending in a triple-bogey and a playoff loss to Paul Lawrie.
Darren Clarke won the British Open in 2011, which was much lauded because it was the Northern Irishman’s first major tournament at 42. Clarke triumphed by three shots over Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, and he dedicated his victory to his wife, who died of illness a few years ago.
⛳️ Darren Clarke does the Open double!
He joins Gary Player, Tom Watson and Bob Charles as winners of the Open and the Senior Open. pic.twitter.com/mamfAgbXHh
— Stephen Watson (@winkerwatson1) July 24, 2022
These are just a handful of the numerous British Open Championship champions who have imprinted the tournament’s history. The British Open has produced some of golf history’s most memorable events and famous winners, from the drama and thrill of Van de Velde’s collapse to Tiger Woods’ absolute dominance.
British Open Winners 2022 – 1997
Many of the world’s best golfers have won at the Open, here is a list of the winners since 1997.
| Year | Winner | Venue | Score (to par) | Winner’s Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Cameron Smith | St Andrews | 268 (-20) | £2,000,000 |
| 2021 | Collin Morikawa | Royal St. George’s | 265 (-15) | £1,656,000 |
| 2020 | None (COVID) | — | — | |
| 2019 | Shane Lowry | Royal Portrush | 269 (-15) | £1,548,000 |
| 2018 | Francesco Molinari | Carnoustie | 276 (-8) | £1,512,000 |
| 2017 | Jordan Spieth | Royal Birkdale | 268 (-12) | £1,476,000 |
| 2016 | Henrik Stenson | Royal Troon | 264 (-20) | £1,240,800 |
| 2015 | Zach Johnson | St Andrews | 273 (-15) | £1,435,752 |
| 2014 | Rory McIlroy | Royal Liverpool | 271 (-17) | £1,332,630 |
| 2013 | Phil Mickelson | Muirfield | 281 (-3) | £1,154,261 |
| 2012 | Ernie Els | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 273 (-7) | £1,124,712 |
| 2011 | Darren Clarke | Royal St George’s | 275 (-5) | £1,161,662 |
| 2010 | Louis Oosthuizen | St Andrews | 272 (-16) | £1,032,000 |
| 2009 | Stewart Cink | Turnberry | 278 (-2) | £976,804 |
| 2008 | Padraig Harrington | Royal Birkdale | 283 (+3) | £1,199,100 |
| 2007 | Padraig Harrington | Carnoustie | 277 (-7) | £1,233,960 |
| 2006 | Tiger Woods | Royal Liverpool | 270 (-18) | £1,070,784 |
| 2005 | Tiger Woods | St Andrews | 274 (-14) | £1,009,028 |
| 2004 | Todd Hamilton | Royal Troon | 274 (-10) | £1,078,618 |
| 2003 | Ben Curtis | Royal St George’s | 283 (-1) | £890,176 |
| 2002 | Ernie Els | Muirfield | 278 (-6) | £884,912 |
| 2001 | David Duval | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 274 (-10) | £686,640 |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods | St Andrews | 269 (-19) | £607,320 |
| 1999 | Paul Lawrie | Carnoustie | 290 (+6) | £462,000 |
| 1998 | Mark O’Meara | Royal Birkdale | 280 (E) | £394,800 |
| 1997 | Justin Leonard | Royal Troon | 272 (-12) | £335,100 |
Prize money information for 2021 is taken from USA Today.
In 2020, the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19. The most recent winner, in 2022, was Cameron Smith, who won at St Andrews with a score of 268 (-20) and a winner’s share of £2,000,000.
Other notable winners include Tiger Woods, who won in both 2000 and 2005, and Phil Mickelson, who won in 2013.
British Open Winners 1996-1946
| The Open Championship Winners | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Winner | Venue | Score (to par) | Winner’s Share |
| 1996 | Tom Lehman | Royal Lytham St Annes | 271 (-13) | £248,000 |
| 1995 | John Daly | St Andrews | 282 (-6) | £159,500 |
| 1994 | Nick Price | Turnberry | 268 (-12) | £142,560 |
| 1993 | Greg Norman | Royal St George’s | 267 (-13) | £123,200 |
| 1992 | Nick Faldo | Muirfield | 272 (-12) | £123,200 |
| 1991 | Ian Baker-Finch | Royal Birkdale | 272 (-8) | £120,960 |
| 1990 | Nick Faldo | St Andrews | 270 (-18) | £123,080 |
| 1989 | Mark Calcavecchia | Royal Troon | 275 (-13) | £102,400 |
| 1988 | Seve Ballesteros | Royal Lytham St Annes | 273 (-11) | £108,800 |
| 1987 | Nick Faldo | Muirfield | 279 (-5) | £96,000 |
| 1986 | Greg Norman | Turnberry | 280 (E) | £84,000 |
| 1985 | Sandy Lyle | Royal St George’s | 282 (+2) | £75,400 |
| 1984 | Seve Ballesteros | St Andrews | 276 (-12) | £57,200 |
| 1983 | Tom Watson | Royal Birkdale | 275 (-9) | £48,000 |
| 1982 | Tom Watson | Royal Troon | 284 (-4) | £43,520 |
| 1981 | Bill Rogers | Royal St George’s | 276 (-4) | £40,000 |
| 1980 | Tom Watson | Muirfield | 271 (-13) | £48,000 |
| 1979 | Seve Ballesteros | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 283 (-1) | £25,200 |
| 1978 | Jack Nicklaus | St Andrews | 281 (-7) | £19,000 |
| 1977 | Tom Watson | Turnberry | 268 (-12) | £13,600 |
| 1976 | Johnny Miller | Royal Birkdale | 279 (-9) | £10,800 |
| 1975 | Tom Watson | Carnoustie | 279 (-9) | £13,200 |
| 1974 | Gary Player | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 282 (-2) | £10,560 |
| 1974 | Gary Player | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 282 (-2) | £10,560 |
| 1973 | Tom Weiskopf | Royal Troon | 276 (-12) | £11,820 |
| 1972 | Lee Trevino | Muirfield | 278 (-6) | £12,000 |
| 1971 | Lee Trevino | Royal Birkdale | 278 (-14) | £11,000 |
| 1970 | Jack Nicklaus | St Andrews | 283 (-5) | £10,500 |
| 1969 | Tony Jacklin | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 280 (-4) | £8,400 |
| 1968 | Gary Player | Carnoustie | 289 (+1) | £5,760 |
| 1967 | Roberto De Vicenzo | Royal Liverpool | 278 (-10) | £4,725 |
| 1966 | Jack Nicklaus | Muirfield | 282 (-2) | £4,725 |
| 1965 | Peter Thomson | Royal Birkdale | 285 (-7) | £3,920 |
| 1964 | Tony Lema | St Andrews | 279 (-9) | £3,360 |
| 1963 | Bob Charles | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 277 (-7) | £3,360 |
| 1962 | Arnold Palmer | Troon | 276 (-12) | £3,136 |
| 1961 | Arnold Palmer | Royal Birkdale | 284 (-4) | £3,136 |
| 1960 | Kel Nagle | St Andrews | 278 (-10) | £2,800 |
| 1959 | Gary Player | Muirfield | 284 (E) | £2,240 |
| 1958 | Peter Thomson | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 274 (-10) | £2,240 |
| 1957 | Bobby Locke | St Andrews | 279 (-9) | £2,240 |
| 1956 | Peter Thomson | Royal Liverpool | 286 (-2) | £2,240 |
| 1955 | Peter Thomson | St Andrews | 281 (-7) | £2,240 |
| 1954 | Peter Thomson | Royal Birkdale | 283 (-3) | £2,240 |
| 1953 | Ben Hogan | Carnoustie | 282 (-6) | £1,120 |
| 1952 | Bobby Locke | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 287 (-1) | £672 |
| 1951 | Max Faulkner | Royal Portrush | 285 (-3) | £672 |
| 1950 | Bobby Locke | Troon | 279 (-9) | £592 |
| 1949 | Bobby Locke | Royal St Geoge’s | 283 (-5) | £592 |
| 1948 | Henry Cotton | Muirfield | 284 (E) | £480 |
| 1947 | Fred Daly | Royal Liverpool | 293 (+5) | £480 |
| 1946 | Sam Sneed | St Andrews | 290 (+2) | £480 |
Highlights from the British Open golf tournament from 1946 to 1996 include Tom Watson’s five victories, Jack Nicklaus’ win in 1978, and Greg Norman’s win in 1993. Tables for British Open Winners 1860-1939
| Year | Winner | Course | Score | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | Dick Burton | St Andrews | 290 (-2) | £100 |
| 1938 | Reg Whitcombe | Royal St George’s | 295 (+15) | £100 |
| 1937 | Henry Cotton | Carnoustie | 290 (+6) | £100 |
| 1936 | Alf Padgham | Royal Liverpool | 287 (-9) | £100 |
| 1935 | Alf Peffy | Muirfield | 283 (-5) | £100 |
| 1934 | Henry Cotton | Royal St George’s | 283 (-5) | £100 |
| 1933 | Denny Shute | St Andrews | 282 (+4) | £100 |
| 1932 | Gene Sarazen | Prince’s Golf Club | 283 (-5) | £100 |
| 1931 | Tommy Armour | Carnoustie | 296 (+12) | £100 |
| 1930 | Bobby Jones | Royal Liverpool | 291 (+3) | £100 |
| 1929 | Walter Hagen | Royal St George’s | 292 (+8) | £75 |
| 1928 | Walter Hagen | Royal St George’s | 292 (+12) | £75 |
| 1928 | Walter Hagen | Royal St George’s | 292 (+12) | £75 |
| 1927 | Bobby Jones | St Andrews | 285 (-3) | £75 |
| 1926 | Bobby Jones | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 291 (+7) | £75 |
| 1925 | Jim Barnes | Prestwick Golf Club | 300 (+16) | £75 |
| 1924 | Walter Hagen | Royal Liverpool | 301 (+13) | £75 |
| 1923 | Arthur Havers | Troon | 295 (+7) | £75 |
| 1922 | Walter Hagen | Royal St George’s | 300 (+20) | £75 |
| 1921 | Jock Hitchison | St Andrews | 296 (+8) | £75 |
| 1920 | George Duncan | Royal Cinque Ports | 303 (+15) | £75 |
| 1915-19 | None (WWI) | — | — | — |
| 1914 | Harry Vardon | Prestwick Golf Club | 306 | £50 |
| 1913 | John Henry Taylor | Royal Liverpool | 304 | £50 |
| 1912 | Ted Ray | Muirfield | 295 | £50 |
| 1911 | Harry Vardon | Royal St George’s | 303 | £50 |
| 1910 | James Braid | St Andrews | 299 | £50 |
| 1909 | John Henry Taylor | Royal Cinque Ports | 291 | £50 |
| 1908 | James Braid | Prestwick Golf Club | 291 | £50 |
| 1907 | Arnaud Massy | Royal Liverpool | 312 | £50 |
| 1906 | James Braid | Muirfield | 300 | £50 |
| 1905 | James Braid | St Andrews | 318 | £50 |
| 1904 | Jack White | Royal St George’s | 296 | £50 |
| 1903 | Harry Vardon | Prestwick Golf Club | 300 | £50 |
| 1902 | Sandy Herd | Royal Liverpool | 307 | £50 |
| 1901 | James Braid | Muirfield | 309 | £50 |
| 1900 | John Henry Taylor | St Andrews | 309 | £50 |
| 1899 | Harry Vardon | Royal St George’s | 310 | £30 |
| 1898 | Harry Vardon | Prestwick Golf Club | 307 | £30 |
| 1897 | Harold Hilton | Royal Liverpool | 314 | £30 |
| 1896 | Harry Vardon | Muirfield | 316 | £30 |
| 1895 | John Henry Taylor | St Andrews | 332 | £30 |
| 1894 | John Henry Taylor | Royal St George’s | 326 | £30 |
| 1893 | William Auchterlonie | Prestwick Golf Club | 322 | £30 |
| 1892 | Harold Hilton | Muirfield | 305 | £35 |
| 1891 | Hugh Kirkaldy | St Andrews | 166 | £10 |
| 1890 | John Ball | Prestwick Golf Club | 162 | £13 |
| 1889 | Willie Park Jr. | Musselburgh Links | 155 | £8 |
| 1888 | Jack Burns | St Andrews | 171 | £8 |
| 1887 | Willie Park Jr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 161 | £8 |
| 1886 | David Brown | Musselburgh Links | 157 | £8 |
| 1885 | Bob Martin | St Andrews | 171 | £10 |
| 1884 | Jack Simpson | Prestwick Golf Club | 160 | £8 |
| 1883 | Willie Fernie | Musselburgh Links | 159 | £8 |
| 1882 | Bob Ferguson | St Andrews | 171 | £12 |
| 1881 | Bob Ferguson | Prestwick Golf Club | 170 | £8 |
| 1880 | Bob Ferguson | Musselburgh Links | 162 | £8 |
| 1879 | Jamie Anderson | St Andrews | 169 | £10 |
| 1878 | Jamie Anderson | Prestwick Golf Club | 157 | £5 |
| 1877 | Jamie Anderson | Musselburgh Links | 160 | £8 |
| 1876 | Bob Martin | St Andrews | 176 | £10 |
| 1875 | Willie Park Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 166 | £8 |
| 1874 | Mungo Park | Musselburgh Links | 159 | £8 |
| 1873 | Tom Kidd | St Andrews | 179 | £11 |
| 1872 | Tom Morris Jr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 166 | £8 |
| 1871 | None | — | — | — |
| 1870 | Tom Morris Jr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 149 | £6 |
| 1869 | Tom Morris Jr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 157 | £6 |
| 1868 | Tom Morris Jr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 154 | £6 |
| 1867 | Tom Morris Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 170 | £7 |
| 1866 | Willie Park Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 169 | £6 |
| 1865 | Andrew Strath | Prestwick Golf Club | 162 | £8 |
| 1864 | Tom Morris Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 167 | £6 |
| 1863 | Willie Park Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 168 | £6 |
| 1862 | Tom Morris Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 163 | N/A |
| 1861 | Tom Morris Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 163 | N/A |
| 1860 | Willie Park Sr. | Prestwick Golf Club | 174 | N/A |
The Open Championship, starting in 1860 with Willie Park Sr. as the first winner, did not initially award prize money.
The tournament was not held in 1871 and during World War I (1915-1919).
Harry Vardon won the title six times, while Prestwick Golf Club and St Andrews hosted the event most frequently. Tom Morris Jr. recorded the lowest winning score of 149 in 1870, and John Henry Taylor achieved the highest winning score of 332 in 1895.
British Open Golf Championship 2023 Edition
We anticipate a great tournament in this year’s competition, the 151st edition of the British Open Golf Championship. It will be contested at the famous Hoylake at Royal Liverpool Golf Club for the first time in over a decade, marking the R&A’s return to this location.
The event will be held from July 20 through July 23, 2023.
The R&A organises the Open tournament, listed as a major tournament on the PGA, European, and Japan Golf Tour schedules. The game is contested over four days in a 72-hole (4-round) stroke play format, with 18 holes played daily. The competitors will be grouped into threes for the opening two days and in pairs for the final two days.
The venue of this edition will be Royal Liverpool Golf Club. The site is about ten miles from Liverpool city centre. Hoylake has a strong history, with two of the three amateurs to win The Open being members: John Ball and Harold Hilton.
The Open Championship in 2023 is set to be another spectacular event in the tournament’s long and illustrious history.
Open Championship 2023 – Latest Odds
Although there is plenty of time for the odds to change, the table below lists bet365’s current odds to win the 2023 Open Championship.
| Golfer | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jon Rahm | 8/1 |
| Rory McIlroy | 17/2 |
| Scottie Scheffler | 11/1 |
| Cameron Smith | 18/1 |
| Jordan Spieth | 18/1 |
| Justin Thomas | 18/1 |
| Brooks Koepka | 20/1 |
| Collin Morikawa | 20/1 |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 22/1 |
| Xander Schauffele | 22/1 |
There is likely to be plenty of golf betting activity around Rory McIlroy.
“Although it would be great to see Rory McIlroy win the Open Championship to put his Masters disappointment behind him, my money is on Jon Rahm to succeed in Liverpool. At 8/1, it’s worth the bet now as I can only see the price dropping between now and July.” – Luke Andrews, Betting Expert – UK Market.
The thirty-three-year-old Northern Irish player has won multiple significant events, including the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 PGA Championship and the 2014 British Open.
Rory McIlroy has had an eventful 2022, starting with a near miss at the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic in January, where he fell short by one stroke due to a water hazard on the final hole. However, he bounced back with a runner-up finish at the Masters Tournament in April, thanks to a stellar final round. Then, in June, McIlroy defended his RBC Canadian Open title, winning by two shots over Tony Finau.
At The Open Championship last July, he finished third, ensuring top-10 finishes in all majors of the season. In August, McIlroy claimed his third Tour Championship and FedEx Cup victory, surpassing Tiger Woods and earning a substantial bonus. He narrowly lost to Shane Lowry in September at the BMW PGA Championship, finishing tied for second.
However, he disappointed in the Masters this year, failing to beat the cut, and he’ll see the British Open as the ideal venue to bounce back in.
Other likely contenders include Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Smith, Xander Schauffele and Max Homa.
Tiger Woods is considered one of the rank outsiders for the Open. He is priced a healthy 66/1 at bookmakers.
The 151st Open Championship, set to take place in 2023, is a prestigious golf event scheduled for July 16-23 at the renowned Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Merseyside, England. This marks the 13th occasion in which The Open graces the Royal Liverpool course.
