History of The Open Championship in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest golf tournament in the world and one of the sport's four major championships. Founded in 1860, it is played annually on iconic links courses across the United Kingdom. Unlike other majors, which are primarily held in the United States, The Open is unique for its testing seaside conditions, unpredictable weather, and firm, undulating fairways. The tournament is governed by The R&A and attracts the elite of professional golf to compete for the prestigious Claret Jug. Its long history, dating back to Prestwick Golf Club, makes it a cornerstone of golf tradition, requiring players to demonstrate creative shot-making and adaptability to elements. The event remains a pinnacle of achievement for professional golfers, symbolizing the roots and enduring global legacy of the sport.

1907: Arnaud Massy's Historical Win

In 1907, Arnaud Massy became the first continental European to win The Open Championship, a record that stood until the late 20th century.

1907: First Non-British Open Winner

In 1907, Arnaud Massy from France made history by becoming the first non-British player to win The Open Championship.

1909: New Host Course at Royal Cinque Ports

In 1909, the Royal Cinque Ports course in England was established as the sixth different venue to ever host The Open Championship.

1911: Largest Field Record

The 1911 Open Championship saw the largest field in the tournament's history up to that point, with 226 participants competing, which occasionally required the event to be spread across four days.

1914: Conclusion of the Great Triumvirate's Dominance

By 1914, the era of the Great Triumvirate—Harry Vardon, John Henry Taylor, and James Braid—had reached its peak, marking the final year of a period spanning 1894 to 1914 during which they collectively secured 16 Open Championship titles.

1920: Resumption of The Open Championship

Following the disruption caused by the First World War, The Open Championship resumed in 1920; however, this year marked the end of the Great Triumvirate's winning streak, as none of the three legends won an Open after this date.

1920: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Assumes Sole Control

In 1920, the Open Championship resumed following a hiatus, marking the year that The Royal and Ancient Golf Club officially became the sole governing body responsible for organizing the tournament.

1921: The American campaign and Jock Hutchison's victory

In 1921, eleven U.S.-based golfers traveled to Scotland for The Open Championship, supported by the "British Open Championship Fund" initiated by Golf Illustrated. During this visit, a precursor to the Ryder Cup took place between American and British teams, and naturalized American citizen Jock Hutchison secured a victory at St Andrews in 1921.

1922: Walter Hagen's Historic Victory

In 1922, Walter Hagen secured his first of four Open Championship titles, marking a historic moment as he became the first American-born player to win the tournament.

1923: Beginning of American Dominance

Starting in 1923, a period of American-based dominance in The Open Championship began, with players based in the U.S. winning every year for the next decade.

1923: Troon Makes Hosting Debut

Troon was added to the list of golf courses hosting The Open Championship, successfully holding the event for the first time in 1923.

1925: Prestwick Decommissioned from Open Rota

In 1925, following significant overcrowding and logistical challenges at Prestwick, the venue was deemed unsuitable for the growing scale of The Open Championship due to its short course layout and excessive blind shots, leading to its removal from the championship rotation.

1925: End of 36-hole Cut/Qualifying Era

In 1925, the tournament concluded a period lasting since 1898 during which the competition format featured either a cut after 36 holes or a separate qualifying event.

1926: Standardization of the Open Championship Format

In 1926, the tournament format was officially standardized to span three days, consisting of 18 holes on the first and second days followed by 36 holes on the third day, while also introducing qualifying rounds and a cut system.

1926: Royal Lytham & St Annes Hosting Debut

Royal Lytham & St Annes expanded the championship footprint by hosting The Open for the first time in 1926.

1931: Carnoustie Hosts First Open

Carnoustie joined the rotation of The Open Championship venues for the first time in 1931, serving as a replacement for the original venues that could no longer accommodate the event's popularity.

1932: Prince's Sole Open Hosting

In 1932, Prince's golf club hosted The Open Championship, which marked the only time the venue would serve as the host site for the tournament.

1933: Conclusion of American-Based Winning Streak

The year 1933 marked the final year of a continuous streak lasting from 1923, during which American-based players, including amateurs like Bobby Jones, claimed victory at The Open Championship.

1934: Return of English Dominance

In 1934, the tide turned in The Open Championship as English players began a winning streak that would continue annually through 1939.

1938: Flooding Impacts Royal Cinque Ports

In 1938, severe flooding prevented Royal Cinque Ports from hosting The Open, an event that contributed to its later removal from the championship rota.

1939: End of English Winning Era

The year 1939 concluded a successful stretch for English golfers at The Open Championship, a period which included two notable victories by Henry Cotton.

1948: Henry Cotton's Third Open Victory

In 1948, Henry Cotton achieved his third career victory at The Open Championship, adding to the two titles he previously secured during the 1934-1939 period.

1949: Bobby Locke Wins His First Open Title and Royal Cinque Ports Removed

In 1949, South African golfer Bobby Locke secured his first victory at The Open Championship. During the same year, the Royal Cinque Ports venue was removed from the Open rota after flooding prevented the tournament from being hosted there as originally planned.

1951: Open Championship Held at Royal Portrush

The Open Championship was hosted at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in 1951, marking the first time the tournament was played outside of England and Scotland.

1952: Bobby Locke Secures Third Open Victory

By 1952, Bobby Locke concluded a dominant period where he captured three Open Championship titles in the span of four years.

1953: Ben Hogan's Major Triple Crown

In 1953, Ben Hogan achieved the historic feat of winning the Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship all within a single calendar year.

1954: Peter Thomson Begins Streak of Open Victories

In 1954, Peter Thomson began an exceptional run of form, becoming the first Australian to win The Open, eventually securing four titles within five years by 1958.

1957: Bobby Locke Wins Fourth Open Title

In 1957, Bobby Locke solidified his legendary status by winning his fourth career Open Championship title.

1957: Implementation of Leader Seeding

Starting in 1957, the tournament format was updated so that the leaders after 36 holes would tee off last, a practice that continues to the modern era.

1958: Peter Thomson Claims Fourth Open Title

As of 1958, Peter Thomson successfully reached a milestone by winning his fourth Open Championship title within a five-year period.

1959: Gary Player's First Open Victory

In 1959, the South African golfer Gary Player secured his first Open Championship title, marking the beginning of his successful history at the event.

1960: Arnold Palmer's Open Debut

In 1960, Arnold Palmer traveled to Scotland to compete in The Open following wins at the Masters and the U.S. Open, ultimately finishing second to Kel Nagle.

1961: Arnold Palmer's First Open Win

In 1961, Arnold Palmer returned to The Open and successfully won the tournament, gaining massive popularity among American television viewers.

1962: Arnold Palmer's Second Consecutive Open Win

In 1962, Arnold Palmer defended his title to win The Open for the second consecutive year, further fueling the interest of American golf fans in the tournament.

1965: Peter Thomson Wins Fifth Open Title

In 1965, Peter Thomson further extended his legacy in golf by winning his fifth career Open Championship title.

1966: Jack Nicklaus Wins The Open Championship

In 1966, Jack Nicklaus secured a victory at The Open Championship as part of his storied rivalry with Palmer and Player.

1966: Introduction of Four-Day Play

In 1966, The Open Championship expanded its format to be played over four days, marking a significant change in the tournament's duration.

1967: Roberto De Vicenzo's Trophy Oversight

In 1967, champion golfer Roberto De Vicenzo returned the Claret Jug trophy without having his name engraved on it, which had been the winner's responsibility at the time. This incident led to a change in protocol, as it was subsequently decided that the winner's name would be engraved on the trophy before it is presented to them, starting from 1967.

1969: PGA Championship Schedule Shift

In 1969, the PGA Championship was permanently moved to August, preventing it from clashing with the scheduling of The Open Championship.

1970: Jack Nicklaus Wins The Open Championship

During the 1970 season, Jack Nicklaus achieved his second victory of this period at The Open Championship.

1971: Lee Trevino Wins The Open Championship

In 1971, American golfer Lee Trevino won The Open Championship, marking the first of his consecutive victories.

1972: Lee Trevino Defends The Open Championship Title

In 1972, Lee Trevino successfully defended his title at The Open Championship, notably preventing Jack Nicklaus from completing a calendar year Grand Slam.

1974: Mandatory Bigger Ball Specification

Beginning in 1974, tournament officials mandated that all players utilize the larger-sized ball during the competition.

1975: Establishment of the Modern Majors

By 1975, the structure of the modern golf majors was firmly established, characterized by a cohesive schedule that ensured the world's best players competed against one another without date conflicts.

1975: Tom Watson's First Open Victory

In 1975, American golfer Tom Watson secured his first career victory at The Open Championship.

1976: Seve Ballesteros Breaks Through

In 1976, 19-year-old Seve Ballesteros captured international attention by finishing second at The Open Championship, signaling the start of his legendary career.

1977: Duel in the Sun at Turnberry

During the 1977 Open Championship, which was held at Turnberry for the first time, Tom Watson won his second title after a legendary final-shot duel against Jack Nicklaus.

1977: The Duel in the Sun

In 1977, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson engaged in an iconic competitive match at The Open Championship known as the 'Duel in the Sun', which served as a historical benchmark for the 2016 duel between Stenson and Mickelson.

1978: Jack Nicklaus Wins The Open Championship

Jack Nicklaus claimed his third Open Championship title of this era in 1978, further cementing his dominance in the sport.

1979: Seve Ballesteros' First Open Win

In 1979, Seve Ballesteros secured his first career victory at The Open Championship.

1980: Tournament Schedule Adjustment

Following 1980, the tournament moved away from the traditional Wednesday to Saturday scheduling that had been in place since the four-day format was adopted in 1966.

1980: Tom Watson's Third Open Title

Tom Watson continued his dominance in links golf by winning his third Open Championship title in 1980.

1982: Tom Watson's Fourth Open Title

In 1982, Tom Watson claimed his fourth overall victory at The Open Championship, further cementing his legacy in the sport.

1983: Tom Watson's Fifth Open Title

With his win in 1983, Tom Watson achieved his fifth Open Championship title, bringing him closer to Harry Vardon's record and solidifying his status as an all-time great.

1984: Seve Ballesteros' Second Open Title

Seve Ballesteros claimed his second Open Championship title in 1984, further cementing his dominance in professional golf.

1986: Greg Norman's First Open Victory

Australian golfer Greg Norman achieved his first victory at The Open Championship in 1986.

1987: Nick Faldo's First Open Win

In 1987, English golfer Nick Faldo won his first Open Championship title.

1988: Seve Ballesteros' Third Open Victory

In 1988, Seve Ballesteros achieved his third and final Open Championship win, marking a significant milestone for European golf.

1990: Nick Faldo's Second Open Victory

Nick Faldo added to his professional achievements by winning his second Open Championship in 1990.

1992: Nick Faldo's Third Open Win

In 1992, Nick Faldo secured his third career Open Championship title.

1993: Greg Norman's Second Open Win

In 1993, Greg Norman claimed his second Open Championship title, highlighting a successful period for his career.

1994: Start of Consecutive First-Time Winners Era

Beginning in 1994, The Open Championship entered an eleven-year period that lasted until 2004, during which every single tournament was won by a first-time champion.

1999: Paul Lawrie's Historic Comeback at Carnoustie

In 1999, Paul Lawrie won The Open at Carnoustie after overcoming a 10-stroke deficit, a major championship record, following a dramatic triple bogey collapse by Jean van de Velde on the final hole.

2000: Tiger Woods wins the Open Championship

In 2000, Tiger Woods secured the Open Championship title with a post-war record margin of 8 strokes, making him the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam at 24 years old.

2002: Ernie Els wins and Tiger Woods falters

In 2002, Ernie Els won the Open Championship, while Tiger Woods' bid to win the Open in the same year as the Masters and U.S. Open ended on a Saturday after he shot a career-worst 81 in cold, gusty rain.

2003: Ben Curtis's Unheralded Victory

In 2003, Ben Curtis, ranked 396th in the world, achieved an unexpected victory, continuing the trend of first-time major winners at The Open.

2004: Todd Hamilton Wins The Open

In 2004, 56th-ranked Todd Hamilton won The Open, marking the final year of a streak that saw a first-time winner crowned at every tournament since 1994.

2005: Tiger Woods' second Open Championship win

In 2005, Tiger Woods won the Open Championship, marking his second victory in the tournament.

2006: Tiger Woods wins back-to-back

In 2006, Tiger Woods successfully defended his title to win the Open Championship back-to-back, bringing his total count to three wins.

2007: Pádraig Harrington's first Open Championship

In 2007, Irish golfer Pádraig Harrington claimed his first victory at the Open Championship.

2008: Pádraig Harrington defends his Open title

In 2008, Pádraig Harrington successfully defended his title, marking his second consecutive win at the Open Championship.

2009: Tom Watson's Near Victory at the Open

In 2009, 59-year-old Tom Watson nearly secured a historic victory at The Open, leading through 71 holes before a bogey on the final hole forced a playoff, which he ultimately lost to Stewart Cink.

2012: Ernie Els secures his second Open Championship

In 2012, South African golfer Ernie Els won the Open Championship for the second time in his career.

2013: Phil Mickelson wins first Open Championship

In 2013, American golfer Phil Mickelson secured his first-ever Open Championship victory, marking the fifth major title of his career.

2015: Zach Johnson Wins the 2015 Open Championship

During the 2015 Open Championship, Jordan Spieth attempted to complete a historic triple-crown of majors, but Zach Johnson emerged as the champion while Spieth finished tied for fourth.

2016: Henrik Stenson wins the 2016 Open Championship

During the 2016 Open Championship, Henrik Stenson defeated Phil Mickelson in a historic duel, becoming the first Scandinavian to win a male professional major championship with a record-breaking score of 264 (−20).

2017: Jordan Spieth Wins at Royal Birkdale

In 2017, Jordan Spieth successfully won The Open Championship held at the Royal Birkdale golf course.

2018: Francesco Molinari wins The Open

In 2018, Francesco Molinari secured a victory at The Open Championship held at Carnoustie, winning by a two-shot margin and cementing his status as the first Italian golfer to claim a major championship title.

2019: Shane Lowry wins The Open at Royal Portrush

During the 2019 tournament, which saw The Open return to the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Shane Lowry emerged as the champion, becoming the second golfer from the Republic of Ireland to achieve this milestone.

2019: PGA Championship Rescheduling and Chronological Shift

In 2019, the PGA Championship was moved to May, which resulted in The Open Championship becoming the fourth and final major men's golf tournament of the calendar year.

2020: Cancellation of The Open Championship

In 2020, The Open Championship was officially cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time the tournament had been called off since the era of World War II.

2021: Rescheduling of The Open Championship Venue

In 2021, Royal St George's hosted The Open Championship, serving as the venue originally slated for the previous year, while the R&A confirmed that the Old Course at St Andrews would retain its hosting duties for the 150th iteration of the tournament.

2025: Scottie Scheffler Wins The Open Championship

In 2025, American golfer Scottie Scheffler secured victory at The Open Championship held at Royal Portrush, finishing the tournament with an impressive score of 267, which was 17 under par.