The Open Championship is the oldest and most prestigious Major in the golfing calendar.
Known for its history, tradition and singular ability to challenge the best players in the world, The Open is special for many reasons.
Here are six things that are completely unique about the Open Championship…
History
The Open is not only golf’s original Major, it is also the oldest golf tournament in the world. The first Open was held at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860 over three rounds of the 12-hole links course. Eight golfers contested the Championship, with Willie Park Sr claiming the title by two shots.
Links golf
The Open is a showcase of links golf, in all its unforgiving and unpredictable glory. Links is considered the purest form of golf due to the sport’s origins in Scotland. Links courses are shaped by nature and built on coastal, exposed landscape, which presents a unique experience due to unpredictable wind and weather shifts.
Three-time Open winner Tiger Woods said he fell in love with links golf after his first Championship in 1986. “I thought it was really weird to see the guys bounce balls into the greens because I have never seen that before. It was fascinating to watch but it was so different,” Woods said. “I didn’t really truly understand links golf until I actually got the chance to go out there and play it. Once I got the first chance to play it, I fell in love with it.”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Champion Golfer of the Year
One of the many things that makes The Open unique is its traditions. Among them is the official title given to The Open winner every year: Champion Golfer of the Year. 2017 Open winner Jordan Spieth said it was one of the many things that makes the Major so special.
“The traditions of The Open are special,” he said. “It’s a unique title for their Champion and it’s been an honour being introduced that way throughout the year at different events.”
The Claret Jug
The Golf Champion Trophy, commonly known as the Claret Jug, is one of the most coveted trophies in sport. It was first awarded in 1872, despite the original Championship dating back to 1860. Prior to 1872, winners of The Open were presented with the Challenge Belt, with rules stating that it had to be returned “until it becomes the property of the winner by being won…
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