The Open or The British Open Championship is the oldest event of the golf. Prestwick Golf Club in Scottland, a twelve hole golf course, was the host for the inaugural tournament in 1860, It’s history spans over 159 years and it has seen 3 centuries. There were only eight players in the first edition, and they were caddies and staff of Musselburgh Club, St. Andrews, Prestwick, and Blackheath. It was an invitation match, James Ogilvie Fairlie was the chief organizer of the club. Willi Park was the winner of the maiden edition, he played 174 in 36 holes. 12 holes were played 3 times in one day. Willi Park received Challenge Belt; the only trophy for the winner at that time. The British Open championship was not held in 1871 because there was no trophy for the winner. In 1872, on the eleventh edition of The Open, a Medal was given to the champion, Young Morris. The medal was inducted as a replacement of the trophy which was not ready at that time. Later, Young Morris received that trophy too. The trophy is known as Claret Jug. This led to three things to the winner, The Medal, The Challenge Belt, and The Claret Jug. In 1863, a purse of 10 British pounds was included in the tournament, it was divided into the top three as £6 for the winner, £3 for the runner-up, and £1 for the second runner-up. In 1664, the prize money was £16.

From 1860 to 1891, The Open Championship was held for 36 holes single day match, in 1892, the tournament was converted to 4 rounds; 72 holes in 4 days. In 1898, a cut was placed to reduce the number of players for the final 2 days, A cut which eliminates those who could not stand in top 70 golfers. Since then it is played with the same format. Amateur category was inducted in the second edition of the open championship but the first amateur won the open title in 1890; England John Ball was the first amateur and Bobby Jones, the founder of Augusta Golf Club, Georgia, was the last amateur to do so. Bobby won it three times; in 1926, 1927, and 1930.

Tom Morris is the youngest winner of the tournament, he did it at the age of 17, his father, Tom Morris Sr. Is the oldest one to win at 46. Harry Vardon is one with the most victories. He lifted trophy record 6 times. Jack Nicklaus has the record of the most second finishes in the tournament. The lowest final score in the Open tournament is twenty under par, Sweden born Henrik Olof Stenson did it in 2016. In 1995, The Open Championship was added into PGA tour’s annual schedule and John Daly won this edition when he outpointed Costantino Rocca within four holes in a playoff. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have won The Open wire-to-wire fashion.

They took lead on the first day and maintained it till the final hole, they achieved this milestone in 2005 and 2014 respectively. Bobby Jones did win this tournament in the same way in 1927. Bobby is the only amateur to win the tournament wire-to-wire.

Every professional golfer wants his name on the Claret Jug, Jack Nicklaus is the biggest fan of the Open tournament, although he has won it thrice But could not set the record in this event like he did in other tournaments. Jack wanted to end his career in The Open tournament and he did same in 2005 when he missed the cut with a birdie on the 18th hole at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Like many others, Jack also describes winning golf at the home of golf is the most favorite moment in his life.

Francesco Molinari is the current champion, he is going to defend his title at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Antrim, Northern Ireland. The upcoming event is the 148th edition of the championship in 159 years. The competition will be held between 156 professional golfers who have passed special criteria to qualify for the Open Championship. Francesco is the top dog to defend his tournament. He has shown his form in Ryder cup 2018 when he won his all five matches. He excelled till semi-final in Dell Technology match play and in The Masters Open 2019, he was leader till the third day but could not maintain his position and Tiger Woods managed to win a Major after 11 years. Along with Molinari, Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson are favorite to win.