The Open Championship is the oldest golf tournament in the world and, as such, will always hold a special place in the fabric of the game. It is among the most prestigious events in any sport, too, with its Claret Jug one of the most striking trophies it is possible to lift.
Many of the sport’s greatest players have won The Open during their time while plenty have not – some even letting a golden opportunity to immortalize their name slip by in agonizing fashion.Â
Yet, no one has claimed more Open titles than Harry Vardon (six) and no course is more synonymous with the great championship than St Andrews’ Old having hosted 30 times to date, despite Prestwick being the birthplace and 24-time location.
Played on links courses throughout the British Isles on a rota decided upon by the R&A, the unique nature of the tournament adds a further degree of intrigue to the only men’s Major played outside of the United States.
But what else makes the final men’s Major of the season so special? Ahead of the 152nd running at Royal Troon this week, Golf Monthly asked several Callaway staffers for their opinion on the subject.
INCI MEHMET
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“The Open is such a special event because it just feels like the pinnacle. I might be a little bit biased here because I’m British, but – historically – it’s always given me goosebumps.Â
“The storylines are always incredible, the showdowns we’ve seen are amazing, and the atmosphere – you just cannot replicate that anywhere in the world. It’s got to be at The Open.”
MIN WOO LEE
Min Woo Lee wears a chef’s hat while addressing the crowd on the 17th green at the 2023 Australian PGA Championship
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“You can hear the bagpipes in the background. I mean, that’s pretty special in itself. But just the creativity of the shots you need around a links golf course – putting it from 10-20 yards off the green – something different that you don’t do on most courses. Your creativity here needs to be high.”
Nicolai Hojgaard and Rasmus Hojgaard
Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard
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Nicolai Hojgaard: “It’s just the history. It’s up there as the tournament we all want to win. It’s cool to look through the archives and see all the history. It would be fun to be maybe the first Dane to win it.”
Rasmus Hojgaard:…
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