The Open Championship - wikipedia The Open Championship `` British Open '' and `` The Open '' redirect here. For other uses, see British Open ( disambiguation ) and The Open ( disambiguation ). The Open Championship Tournament information Location United Kingdom, varies Established 17 October 1860 ( 1860 - 10 - 17 ) 157 years ago Course ( s ) Royal Birkdale Golf Club Southport, England ( in 2017 ) Par 70 ( in 2017 ) Length 7,173 yd ( 6,559 m ) ( in 2017 ) Organized by The R&A Tour ( s ) European Tour PGA Tour Japan Golf Tour Format Stroke play Prize fund $ 10.25 million Month played July Tournament record score Aggregate 264 * Henrik Stenson ( 2016 ) * record for all majors To par − 20 * Henrik Stenson ( 2016 ) * equals record for all majors Current champion Jordan Spieth 2017 Open Championship The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. Held in the United Kingdom, it is administered by The R&A and is the only major outside the United States. The Open is currently the third major of the year, between the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship, and is played in mid-July. The current champion is Jordan Spieth, who won the 146th Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017 with a score of 268. Contents 1 History 2 Format 2.1 Timeline of format changes 3 Trophies and medals 4 Host courses 4.1 Future venues 5 Qualification 5.1 Timeline of qualification changes 6 Tournament name 7 Tour status 8 Prize money 9 Records 10 Champions 11 Silver Medal winners 12 Broadcasting 12.1 United Kingdom 12.2 United States 13 Notes and references 14 External links History This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( October 2011 ) The Open was first played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. The inaugural tournament was restricted to professionals and attracted a field of eight golfers who played three rounds of Prestwick 's twelve - hole course in a single day. Willie Park Sr. won with a score of 174, beating Old Tom Morris, by two strokes. The following year the tournament was opened to amateurs ; eight of them joined ten professionals in the field. Prestwick Golf Club, site of the first Open Championship in 1860 Willie Park Sr. wearing the Challenge Belt, the winner 's prize at The Open from 1860 to 1870 James Ogilvie Fairlie was the principal organiser of the first Open Championship held at Prestwick in 1860. With the untimely death of Allan Robertson, aged 43 in 1859, Prestwick members decided to conduct a challenge the following year that would determine the land 's greatest golfer. In a proposed competition for a `` Challenge Belt '', Fairlie sent out a series of letters to Blackheath, Perth, Edinburgh, Musselburgh and St Andrews, inviting a player known as a `` respectable caddie '' to represent each of the clubs in a tournament to be held on 17 October 1860. Originally, the trophy presented to the event 's winner was the Challenge Belt, a red leather belt with a silver buckle. The Challenge Belt was retired in 1870, when Young Tom Morris was allowed to keep it for winning the tournament three consecutive times. Because no trophy was available, the tournament was cancelled in 1871. In 1872, after Young Tom Morris won again for a fourth time in a row, he was awarded a medal. The present trophy, The Golf Champion Trophy, better known by its popular name of the Claret Jug, was then created. Prestwick administered The Open from 1860 to 1870. In 1871, it agreed to organise it jointly with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. In 1892 the event was doubled in length from 36 to 72 holes, four rounds of what was by then the standard complement of 18 holes. The 1894 Open was the first held outside Scotland, at the Royal St George 's Golf Club in England. Because of an increasing number of entrants, a cut was introduced after two rounds in 1898. In 1920 full responsibility for The Open Championship was handed over to The Royal & Ancient Golf Club. The early winners were all Scottish professionals, who in those days worked as greenkeepers, clubmakers, and caddies to supplement their modest winnings from championships and challenge matches. The Open has always been dominated by professionals, with only six victories by amateurs, all of which occurred between 1890 and 1930. The last of these was Bobby Jones ' third Open and part of his celebrated Grand Slam. Jones was one of six Americans who won The Open between the First and Second World Wars, the first of whom had been Walter Hagen in 1922. These Americans and the French winner of the 1907 Open, Arnaud Massy, were the only winners from outside Scotland and England up to 1939. The first post-World War II winner was the American Sam Snead, in 1946. In 1947, Northern Ireland 's Fred Daly was victorious. While there have been many English and Scottish champions, Daly was the only winner from Ireland until the 2007 victory by Pádraig Harrington. There has never been a Welsh champion. In the early postwar years The Open was dominated by golfers from the Commonwealth, with South African Bobby Locke and Australian Peter Thomson winning the Claret Jug in eight of the 11 championships from 1948 and 1958 between them. During this period, The Open often had a schedule conflict with the match - play PGA Championship, which meant that Ben Hogan, the best American golfer at this time, competed in The Open just once, in 1953 at Carnoustie, a tournament he won. Another South African, Gary Player was Champion in 1959. This was at the beginning of the `` Big Three '' era in professional golf, the three players in question being Player, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Palmer first competed in 1960, when he came second to the little - known Australian Kel Nagle, but he won the next two years. While he was far from being the first American to become Open Champion, he was the first that many Americans saw win the tournament on television, and his charismatic success is often credited with persuading leading American golfers to make The Open an integral part of their schedule, rather than an optional extra. The improvement of trans - Atlantic travel also increased American participation. Nicklaus ' victories came in 1966, 1970, and 1978. Although his tally of three wins is the least of his majors, it greatly understates how prominent Nicklaus was at the Open throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He finished runner - up seven times, which is the record and had a total of sixteen top - 5 finishes, which is tied most in Open history with John Henry Taylor and easily the most in the postwar era. Nicklaus also holds the records for most rounds under par ( 61 ) and most aggregates under par ( 14 ). At Turnberry in 1977 he was involved in one of the most celebrated contests in golf history, when his duel with Tom Watson went to the final shot before Watson emerged as the champion for the second time with a record score of 268 ( 12 under par ). Watson won five Opens, more than anyone else has since the 1950s, but his final win in 1983 brought down the curtain on an era of U.S. domination. In the next 11 years there was only one American winner, with the others coming from Europe and the Commonwealth. The European winners of this era, Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, who was the first Scottish winner in over half a century, and the Englishman Nick Faldo, were also leading lights among the group of players who began to get the better of the Americans in the Ryder Cup during this period. Logo from 1995 through 2002. Previously, the Open Championship did not have an official logo beyond the Claret Jug. In 1995, John Daly 's playoff win over Italian Costantino Rocca began another era of American domination. Tiger Woods won three Championships, two at St Andrews in 2000 and 2005, and one at Hoylake in 2006. There was a dramatic moment at St Andrews in 2000, as the ageing Jack Nicklaus waved farewell to the crowds, while the young challenger to his crown watched from a nearby tee. Nicklaus later decided to play in The Open for one final time in 2005, when the R&A announced St Andrews as the venue, giving his final farewell to the fans at the Home of Golf. There have also been wins by previously little known golfers, including Paul Lawrie 's playoff win after the 72nd - hole collapse of Jean van de Velde in 1999, Ben Curtis in 2003 and Todd Hamilton in 2004. Logo for 2003 − 2014 In 2007, the Europeans finally broke an eight - year drought in the majors when Pádraig Harrington of Ireland defeated Sergio García by one stroke in a four - hole playoff at Carnoustie. Harrington retained the Championship in 2008. In 2009, 59 - year - old Tom Watson turned in one of the most remarkable performances ever seen at The Open. Leading the tournament through 71 holes and needing just a par on the last hole to become the oldest ever winner of a major championship, Watson bogeyed, setting up a four - hole playoff, which he would lose to Stewart Cink. In 2013, Phil Mickelson won his first Open Championship at Muirfield. His victory meant that he had won 3 of the 4 majors in pursuit of the career grand slam, just needing the U.S. Open, where he has finished runner - up six times. In 2015, Zach Johnson denied Jordan Spieth his chance of winning the Grand Slam by winning an aggregate playoff over Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman at the Old Course at St Andrews. Format The Open is a 72 - hole stroke play tournament contested over four days, Thursday through Sunday. Since 1979 it has been played in the week which includes the 3rd Friday in July. Currently, 156 players are in the field, mostly made up of the world 's leading professionals, who are given exemptions, along with winners of the top amateur championships. Further places are given to players, amateurs and professionals, who are successful in a number of qualifying events. There is a cut after 36 holes after which only the leading 70 players ( and ties ) play in the final 36 holes on the weekend. In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a four - hole aggregate playoff is held ; if two or more players are still tied, it continues as sudden - death until there is a winner. Timeline of format changes 1860 : Contested over 36 holes, played on a single day 1892 : Extended to 72 holes, played over two days 1898 : Cut introduced after 36 holes. Those 20 or more strokes behind the leader were excluded 1904 : Extended to a third day with 18 holes on each of the first two days. Cut rule unchanged 1905 : Cut rule changed to exclude those 15 or more strokes behind the leader 1907 : Qualifying introduced, replacing the 36 - hole cut and the contest reduced again to two days 1910 : Cut reintroduced instead of qualifying, play being extended to three days again. Top 60 and ties made the cut. 1911 : With an increase in the number of entries, the first two rounds were spread over three days, with 36 holes on the fourth day 1912 : Qualifying reintroduced to replace the cut. Contest reduced again to two days 1926 : Cut reintroduced. First Open with both qualifying and a cut. Extended again to a third day with 18 holes on the first two days. Those 15 or more strokes behind the leader were excluded from the final day. Days standardised as Wednesday to Friday 1929 : Cut rule changed to ensure that at least 60 made the cut even if 15 or more strokes behind the leader 1930 : Cut rule changed to top 60 and ties 1937 : Cut rule changed to top 40 and ties 1938 : Cut rule changed to be a maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place did not make the cut 1939 : Cut rule changed to be a maximum of 44 players. Ties for 44th place did not make the cut 1946 : Cut rule changed to be a maximum of 40 players. Ties for 40th place did not make the cut 1951 : Cut rule changed to be a maximum of 50 players. Ties for 50th place did not make the cut 1957 : Leaders after 36 holes go off last, replacing the random draw 1963 : Cut rule changed to top 45 and ties 1964 : Playoff reduced from 36 holes to 18, followed by sudden - death if still level 1966 : Play extended to four days, 18 holes per day from Wednesday to Saturday. Cut rule changed to top 55 and ties 1968 : Cut rule changed to top 70 and ties after 36 holes and then top 45 and ties after 54 holes 1970 : Cut rule changed to top 80 and ties after 36 holes and then top 55 and ties after 54 holes 1971 : Cut rule changed to top 80 and ties after 36 holes and then top 60 and ties after 54 holes 1973 : Play in groups of three introduced for the first two rounds 1974 : Use of `` bigger ball '' ( 1.68 in, 42.67 mm ) made compulsory 1978 : `` 10 - shot rule '' introduced so that players within 10 shots of the leader make the cut even if outside the top 80 / 60 1980 : Play from Thursday to Sunday 1986 : 54 - hole cut discontinued. Cut rule changed to top 70 and ties after 36 holes. Four - hole playoff introduced 1996 : `` 10 - shot rule '' dropped Trophies and medals The Claret Jug There are a number of medals and trophies that are, or have been, given for various achievements during The Open. The Challenge Belt -- awarded to the winner from 1860 until 1870, when Young Tom Morris won the belt outright by winning the Championship for the third year in a row. The Golf Champion Trophy ( commonly known as the Claret Jug ) -- replaced the Challenge Belt and has been awarded to the winner since 1873 although Young Tom Morris, the winner in 1872, is the first name engraved on it. ( The Open was not held in 1871. ) Gold medal -- awarded to the winner. First given out in 1872 when the Claret Jug was not yet ready, and since awarded to all champions. Silver medal -- awarded since 1949 to the leading amateur completing the final round. Bronze medal -- awarded since 1972 to all other amateurs completing the final round. The Professional Golfers ' Association ( of Great Britain and Ireland ) also mark the achievements of their own members in The Open. Ryle Memorial Medal -- awarded since 1901 to the winner if he is a PGA member. Braid Taylor Memorial Medal -- awarded since 1966 to the highest finishing PGA member. Tooting Bec Cup -- awarded since 1924 to the PGA member who records the lowest single round during the championship. The Braid Taylor Memorial Medal and the Tooting Bec Cup are restricted to members born in, or with a parent or parents born in, the UK or Republic of Ireland. Host courses See also : List of The Open Championship venues Carnoustie St Andrews Muirfield Turnberry Royal Troon Active venues in Scotland The 2018 venue ( Carnoustie ) is shown in green Royal Birkdale Royal Liverpool ( Hoylake ) Royal St George 's Royal Lytham Active venues in England The 2017 venue ( Royal Birkdale ) is shown in green Royal Portrush Active venue in Northern Ireland The common factor in the venues is links courses. The Open has always been played in Scotland, northwest England, and southeast England, along with one course in Northern Ireland which will again stage the competition in 2019. From 1860 to 1870 The Open was organised by and played at Prestwick Golf Club. From its revival in 1872 until 1891 it was played on three courses in rotation : Prestwick, The Old Course at St Andrews, and Musselburgh Links. In 1892 the newly built Muirfield replaced Musselburgh in the rotation. In 1893 two English courses, Royal St George 's and Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, were invited to join the rotation with Royal St George 's being allocated the 1894 Open and Royal Liverpool having the 1897 event. At a meeting in 1907 Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club became the sixth course on the rota, being allocated the 1909 Open. With three courses in both England and Scotland, the meeting also agreed that the Championship was to be played in England and Scotland alternately. The alternation of venues in England and Scotland continued until the Second World War. The rotation of the six courses was reinstated after the First World War with Royal Cinque Ports hosting the first post-war Open in 1920. It had been chosen as the venue for the cancelled 1915 Open. In 1923 Troon was used instead of Muirfield when `` some doubts exists as to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers being desirous of their course being used for the event ''. Muirfield returned as the venue in 1929. Serious overcrowding problems at Prestwick in 1925 meant that the course was never again used for the Open and was replaced by Carnoustie as the third Scottish course. While Royal St George 's and Royal Liverpool continued to be used at six - year intervals the third English course varied. After Royal Cinque Ports in 1920, Royal Lytham was used in 1926 and then Prince 's in 1932. Royal Cinque Ports was intended as the venue in 1938 but in February of that year abnormal high tides caused severe flooding to the course leaving it like `` an inland sea several feet deep '' and the venue was switched to Royal St George 's. Birkdale was chosen as the venue for 1940, although the event was cancelled because of the Second World War. There are ten courses in the current rota, five in Scotland, four in England and one in Northern Ireland. In recent times the Old Course has hosted the Open every five years. The remaining courses host the Open roughly every 10 years but the gaps between hosting Opens may be longer or shorter than this. In 2014, it was announced by The R&A that Royal Portrush was returning to the active rota and in October 2015 Portrush was confirmed as the venue for the 2019 Open. The most recent course to be removed from the active rota was Muirfield in May 2016, following The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers refusal to permit female members to join their club. On 14 March 2017, the members voted to admit females ; the R&A subsequently stated that Muirfield would be welcomed back to the Open rota. From 1894 ( when it was first played in England ) to 2016, it has been played 62 times in Scotland, 49 times in England and once in Northern Ireland. It was not until 2011 and 2012 that England hosted consecutive Opens. Future venues Year Edition Course Town County Country Dates Last hosted Ref 2018 147th Carnoustie Golf Links Carnoustie Angus Scotland 19 -- 22 July 2007 2019 148th Royal Portrush Golf Club Portrush Antrim Northern Ireland 18 -- 21 July 1951 2020 149th Royal St George 's Golf Club Sandwich Kent England 16 -- 19 July 2011 Qualification See also : 2017 Open Championship The field for the Open is 156, and golfers gain a place in a number of ways. Most of the field is made up of leading players who are given exemptions. Further places are given to players who are successful in The Open Qualifying Series and in Final Qualifying. Any remaining places, and places made available because qualified players are not competing, are made available to the highest ranked players in the Official World Golf Ranking. There are currently 28 exemption categories. Among the more significant are : The top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking. This category means that no member of the current elite of world golf will be excluded. The top 30 in the previous season 's European Tour Race to Dubai and the 30 qualifiers for Tour Championship. Most of these players will also be in the World top 50. All previous Open Champions who will be age 60 or under on the final day of the tournament. Each year a number of past champions choose not to compete. All players who have won one of the other three majors in the previous five years. The top 10 from the previous year 's Open Championship. The winners of The Amateur Championship and the U.S. Amateur ( provided the winners maintain their amateur status prior to the tournament ). International qualifying is through the `` Open Qualifying Series ''. Ten tournaments are selected each year. These currently consist of one event from the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, the Sunshine Tour and the Japan Golf Tour and three from the European Tour and the PGA Tour. A pre-allocated number of places are made available at these tournaments ( from 1 to 4 ) which are given to the leading players in those events who are not, at that point, qualified for the Open, provided they finish in a high - enough position. A total of 32 places are available. Local qualifying was the traditional way for non-exempt players to win a place at The Open. In recent years it has comprised a number of `` Regional Qualifying '' competitions around Britain and Ireland with successful competitors, joined by those players exempt from regional qualifying, playing in 36 - hole `` Final Qualifying '' tournaments. There are 15 places available through Final Qualifying, three at each of the five venues. Timeline of qualification changes Up to 1920 a variety of qualification systems were used. From 1921 to 1962 ( except 1926 ) local qualifying was used. All those who entered played 18 holes on one of two courses and then played 18 holes on the other course the following day. Qualifying took place immediately before the Championship itself. In 1963 a system of exemptions for the leading players was introduced with local qualifying continuing for the remaining players. Since then a large number of changes have been made to the exemption criteria and to the qualifying system for the remaining players. 1907 : Qualifying introduced for the first time. Players play 36 holes on one of two days. Top 30 and ties qualify on each day 1908 : Players play on either the first morning and second afternoon or the first afternoon and second morning. Top 30 and ties qualify from each group 1909 : Same but each of the two groups has to contain at least 30 professionals 1910 : Qualifying dropped 1912 : Qualifying reintroduced. Players play 36 holes on one of three days. Top 20 and ties qualify on each day 1914. Qualifying over two days using two courses. Exactly 100 players qualify. 18 - hole playoff the following day for those tied for final places. This was the first occasion on which qualifying did not take place on the championship course. 1920 : Separate qualifying for amateurs and professionals. Amateurs qualify at the Open venue ( total of 8 places with the Amateur Champion receiving automatic entry ). Professionals qualified using two courses in Surrey. Top 72 and ties qualify 1921 : Local qualifying reintroduced using two courses. Generally the Championship course is used together with a nearby course. Top 80 and ties qualify 1926 : Regional qualifying used. Total of 101 and ties qualify at one of three venues ( southern, central, northern ) 1927 : Local qualifying reintroduced. Top 100 and ties qualify 1937 : Top 140 and ties qualify 1938 : Maximum of 130 players qualify. Ties for 130th place did not qualify 1946 : Maximum of 100 players qualify. Ties for 100th place did not qualify 1961 : Maximum of 120 players qualify. Ties for 120th place did not qualify 1963 : Exemption from qualifying introduced for the leading players including past 10 Open champions. Local qualifying continues for the remainder of the field but now two separate competitions are held with a preallocated number of places available. Two courses near the Open venue are used but not the Open venue itself. Playoff for those tied for final places. Total of 120 qualify 1965 : Total of 130 qualify 1968 : Exemption extended to all previous Open champions 1971 : Total of 150 qualify 1984 : Exemption for previous Open champions aged under 65 1995 : Exemption for previous Open champions extended to those aged 65 or under 2004 : International Final Qualifying introduced 2008 : Exemption for previous Open champions restricted to those aged 60 or under ( with transitional arrangement for those born between 1942 and 1948 ) 2014 : Open Qualifying Series introduced replacing International Final Qualifying Tournament name In Britain, the tournament is best known by its official title, The Open Championship, or simply the Open. Outside of the United Kingdom, the tournament is often referred to as the `` British Open '' to disambiguate the tournament from other national open golf tournaments, such as the U.S. Open. Likewise, the Masters and PGA Championship are often referred to as the `` U.S. Masters '' and `` U.S. PGA Championship '' outside of the United States, the latter being distinguished in the UK from the European Tour 's BMW PGA Championship. In recent years, the R&A has worked to discourage media outlets from referring to the event as the British Open ; for instance, the tournament 's current television deal with U.S. network NBC contractually forbids the broadcaster from doing so. Lead personality Johnny Miller admitted that he had `` trouble '' with the mandate during NBC 's first year, sometimes having to correct himself on - air when accidentally referring to the event as the British Open. The Open 's women 's counterpart, however, is officially titled the Women 's British Open. Some U.S. critics have argued that the insistence of referring to the tournament as `` The Open '' expresses an opinion of exceptionalism for the event by the R&A in comparison to other open golf tournaments, albeit one that is justified due to its history. Alastair Johnston of IMG, who markets the tournament and its media rights internationally, remarked that negotiations in some regions had been complicated by local executives who did not believe it was appropriate to refer to the event as simply `` The Open Championship ''. Tour status It has been an official event on the PGA Tour since 1995, which means that the prize money won in The Open by PGA Tour members is included on the official money list. In addition, all Open Championships before 1995 have been retroactively classified as PGA Tour wins, and the list of leading winners on the PGA Tour has been adjusted to reflect this. The European Tour has recognised The Open as an official event since its first official season in 1972 and it is also an official money event on the Japan Golf Tour. Prize money The 2015 edition had a total prize money fund of £ 6.3 million and a first prize of £ 1.15 million, which equated to about $ 9.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The other three major championships in 2015 had prize money of $10.0 million and first prizes of $1.8 million, so that all four majors had similar prize money. Prize money is given to all professionals who make the cut and, since the number of professionals making the cut changes from year to year, the total prize money varies somewhat from the advertised number ( currently £ 6.3 million ). The prize fund in 2016 was £ 6.5 million, with a winner 's share of £ 1.175 million ; about $8.6 million and $1.55 million. The other majors had prize money of at least $10.0 million and first prizes of at least $1.8 million. The relative decline in prize money, in dollar terms, was attributable to a fall in the £ / $ exchange rate. For the first time in 2017, the prize money was denominated in U.S. dollars. With total prize money of $10.25 million ( £ 7.89 million ), it was somewhat lower than the $11 million at the Masters and $12 million for the U.S. Open. There was no prize money in the first three Opens. In 1863, a prize fund of ten pounds was introduced, which was shared between the second -, third -, and fourth - placed professionals, with the champion keeping the belt for a year. Old Tom Morris won the first champion 's cash prize of six pounds in 1864. Until the late 1990s, The Open prize fund was significantly lower than the other three majors ; by 2002, it was the highest. Records Oldest winner : Old Tom Morris ( 7004169030000000000 ♠ 46 years, 102 days ), 1867. Youngest winner : Young Tom Morris ( 7003636600000000000 ♠ 17 years, 156 days ), 1868. Most victories : 6, Harry Vardon ( 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914 ). Most consecutive victories : 4, Young Tom Morris ( 1868, 1869, 1870, 1872 -- there was no championship in 1871 ). Lowest score after 36 holes : 130, Nick Faldo ( 66 - 64 ), 1992 ; Brandt Snedeker ( 66 - 64 ), 2012 Lowest score after 54 holes : 198, Tom Lehman ( 67 - 67 - 64 ), 1996 Lowest final score ( 72 holes ) : 264, Henrik Stenson ( 68 - 65 - 68 - 63, 264 ), 2016. Lowest final score ( 72 holes ) in relation to par : − 20, Henrik Stenson ( 68 - 65 - 68 - 63, 264 ), 2016. Greatest victory margin : 13 strokes, Old Tom Morris, 1862. This remained a record for all majors until 2000, when Woods won the U.S. Open by 15 strokes at Pebble Beach. Old Tom 's 13 - stroke margin was achieved over just 36 holes. Lowest round : 62, Branden Grace, 3rd round, 2017 ; a record for all majors. Lowest round in relation to par : − 9, Paul Broadhurst, 3rd round, 1990 ; Rory McIlroy, 1st round, 2010. Wire - to - wire winners ( after 72 holes with no ties after rounds ) : Ted Ray in 1912, Bobby Jones in 1927, Gene Sarazen in 1932, Henry Cotton in 1934, Tom Weiskopf in 1973, Tiger Woods in 2005, and Rory McIlroy in 2014. Most runner - up finishes : 7, Jack Nicklaus ( 1964, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1979 ) Champions See also : List of The Open Championship champions Year Dates Champion Country Venue Winning score Winning margin Runner ( s ) - up Winner 's share ( £ ) 2017 20 -- 23 Jul Jordan Spieth United States Royal Birkdale 268 ( − 12 ) 3 strokes Matt Kuchar 1,420,000 2016 14 -- 17 Jul Henrik Stenson Sweden Royal Troon 264 ( − 20 ) 3 strokes Phil Mickelson 1,175,000 2015 16 -- 20 Jul Zach Johnson United States St Andrews 273 ( − 15 ) Playoff Marc Leishman Louis Oosthuizen 1,150,000 2014 17 -- 20 Jul Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland Royal Liverpool 271 ( − 17 ) 2 strokes Rickie Fowler Sergio García 975,000 2013 18 -- 21 Jul Phil Mickelson United States Muirfield 281 ( − 3 ) 3 strokes Henrik Stenson 945,000 2012 19 -- 22 Jul Ernie Els ( 2 ) South Africa Royal Lytham & St Annes 273 ( − 7 ) 1 stroke Adam Scott 900,000 2011 14 -- 17 Jul Darren Clarke Northern Ireland Royal St George 's 275 ( − 5 ) 3 strokes Dustin Johnson Phil Mickelson 900,000 15 -- 18 Jul Louis Oosthuizen South Africa St Andrews 272 ( − 16 ) 7 strokes Lee Westwood 850,000 2009 16 -- 19 Jul Stewart Cink United States Turnberry 278 ( − 2 ) Playoff Tom Watson 750,000 2008 17 -- 20 Jul Pádraig Harrington ( 2 ) Ireland Royal Birkdale 283 ( + 3 ) 4 strokes Ian Poulter 750,000 2007 19 -- 22 Jul Pádraig Harrington Ireland Carnoustie 277 ( − 7 ) Playoff Sergio García 750,000 2006 20 -- 23 Jul Tiger Woods ( 3 ) United States Royal Liverpool 270 ( − 18 ) 2 strokes Chris DiMarco 720,000 2005 14 -- 17 Jul Tiger Woods ( 2 ) United States St Andrews 274 ( − 14 ) 5 strokes Colin Montgomerie 720,000 15 -- 18 Jul Todd Hamilton United States Royal Troon 274 ( − 10 ) Playoff Ernie Els 720,000 2003 17 -- 20 Jul Ben Curtis United States Royal St George 's 283 ( − 1 ) 1 stroke Thomas Bjørn Vijay Singh 700,000 2002 18 -- 21 Jul Ernie Els South Africa Muirfield 278 ( − 6 ) Playoff Stuart Appleby Steve Elkington Thomas Levet 700,000 2001 19 -- 22 Jul David Duval United States Royal Lytham & St Annes 274 ( − 10 ) 3 strokes Niclas Fasth 600,000 2000 20 -- 23 Jul Tiger Woods United States St Andrews 269 ( − 19 ) 8 strokes Thomas Bjørn Ernie Els 500,000 1999 15 -- 18 Jul Paul Lawrie Scotland Carnoustie 290 ( + 6 ) Playoff Justin Leonard Jean van de Velde 350,000 1998 16 -- 19 Jul Mark O'Meara United States Royal Birkdale 280 ( E ) Playoff Brian Watts 300,000 1997 17 -- 20 Jul Justin Leonard United States Royal Troon 272 ( − 12 ) 3 strokes Darren Clarke Jesper Parnevik 250,000 18 -- 21 Jul Tom Lehman United States Royal Lytham & St Annes 271 ( − 13 ) 2 strokes Ernie Els Mark McCumber 200,000 1995 20 -- 23 Jul John Daly United States St Andrews 282 ( − 6 ) Playoff Costantino Rocca 125,000 1994 14 -- 17 Jul Nick Price Zimbabwe Turnberry 268 ( − 12 ) 1 stroke Jesper Parnevik 110,000 1993 15 -- 18 Jul Greg Norman ( 2 ) Australia Royal St George 's 267 ( − 13 ) 2 strokes Nick Faldo 100,000 1992 16 -- 19 Jul Nick Faldo ( 3 ) England Muirfield 272 ( − 12 ) 1 stroke John Cook 95,000 1991 18 -- 21 Jul Ian Baker - Finch Australia Royal Birkdale 272 ( − 8 ) 2 strokes Mike Harwood 90,000 1990 19 -- 22 Jul Nick Faldo ( 2 ) England St Andrews 270 ( − 18 ) 5 strokes Mark McNulty Payne Stewart 85,000 1989 20 -- 23 Jul Mark Calcavecchia United States Royal Troon 275 ( − 13 ) Playoff Wayne Grady Greg Norman 80,000 1988 14 -- 18 Jul Seve Ballesteros ( 3 ) Spain Royal Lytham & St Annes 273 ( − 11 ) 2 strokes Nick Price 80,000 16 -- 19 Jul Nick Faldo England Muirfield 279 ( − 5 ) 1 stroke Paul Azinger Rodger Davis 75,000 1986 17 -- 20 Jul Greg Norman Australia Turnberry 280 ( E ) 5 strokes Gordon J. Brand 70,000 1985 18 -- 21 Jul Sandy Lyle Scotland Royal St George 's 282 ( + 2 ) 1 stroke Payne Stewart 65,000 1984 19 -- 22 Jul Seve Ballesteros ( 2 ) Spain St Andrews 276 ( − 12 ) 2 strokes Bernhard Langer Tom Watson 55,000 14 -- 17 Jul Tom Watson ( 5 ) United States Royal Birkdale 275 ( − 9 ) 1 stroke Andy Bean Hale Irwin 40,000 1982 15 -- 18 Jul Tom Watson ( 4 ) United States Royal Troon 284 ( − 4 ) 1 stroke Peter Oosterhuis Nick Price 32,000 1981 16 -- 19 Jul Bill Rogers United States Royal St George 's 276 ( − 4 ) 4 strokes Bernhard Langer 25,000 1980 17 -- 20 Jul Tom Watson ( 3 ) United States Muirfield 271 ( − 13 ) 4 strokes Lee Trevino 25,000 1979 18 -- 21 Jul Seve Ballesteros Spain Royal Lytham & St Annes 283 ( − 1 ) 3 strokes Ben Crenshaw Jack Nicklaus 15,000 1978 12 -- 15 Jul Jack Nicklaus ( 3 ) United States St Andrews 281 ( − 7 ) 2 strokes Ben Crenshaw Raymond Floyd Tom Kite Simon Owen 12,500 1977 6 -- 9 Jul Tom Watson ( 2 ) United States Turnberry 268 ( − 12 ) 1 stroke Jack Nicklaus 10,000 1976 7 -- 10 Jul Johnny Miller United States Royal Birkdale 279 ( − 9 ) 6 strokes Seve Ballesteros Jack Nicklaus 7,500 9 -- 13 Jul Tom Watson United States Carnoustie 279 ( − 9 ) Playoff Jack Newton 7,500 10 -- 13 Jul Gary Player ( 3 ) South Africa Royal Lytham & St Annes 282 ( − 2 ) 4 strokes Peter Oosterhuis 5,500 1973 11 -- 14 Jul Tom Weiskopf United States Troon 276 ( − 12 ) 3 strokes Neil Coles Johnny Miller 5,500 1972 12 -- 15 Jul Lee Trevino ( 2 ) United States Muirfield 278 ( − 6 ) 1 stroke Jack Nicklaus 5,500 1971 7 -- 10 Jul Lee Trevino United States Royal Birkdale 278 ( − 14 ) 1 stroke Lu Liang - Huan 5,500 1970 8 -- 12 Jul Jack Nicklaus ( 2 ) United States St Andrews 283 ( − 5 ) Playoff Doug Sanders 5,250 1969 9 -- 12 Jul Tony Jacklin England Royal Lytham & St Annes 280 ( − 4 ) 2 strokes Bob Charles 4,250 1968 10 -- 13 Jul Gary Player ( 2 ) South Africa Carnoustie 289 ( + 1 ) 2 strokes Bob Charles Jack Nicklaus 3,000 1967 12 -- 15 Jul Roberto De Vicenzo Argentina Royal Liverpool 278 ( − 10 ) 2 strokes Jack Nicklaus 2,100 1966 6 -- 9 Jul Jack Nicklaus United States Muirfield 282 ( − 2 ) 1 stroke Doug Sanders Dave Thomas 2,100 1965 7 -- 9 Jul Peter Thomson ( 5 ) Australia Royal Birkdale 285 ( − 3 ) 2 strokes Brian Huggett Christy O'Connor Snr 1,750 1964 8 -- 10 Jul Tony Lema United States St Andrews 279 ( − 9 ) 5 strokes Jack Nicklaus 1,500 1963 10 -- 13 Jul Bob Charles New Zealand Royal Lytham & St Annes 277 ( − 3 ) Playoff Phil Rodgers 1,500 1962 11 -- 13 Jul Arnold Palmer ( 2 ) United States Troon 276 ( − 12 ) 6 strokes Kel Nagle 1,400 1961 12 -- 15 Jul Arnold Palmer United States Royal Birkdale 284 ( − 4 ) 1 stroke Dai Rees 1,400 1960 6 -- 9 Jul Kel Nagle Australia St Andrews 278 ( − 10 ) 1 stroke Arnold Palmer 1,250 1959 1 -- 3 Jul Gary Player South Africa Muirfield 284 ( E ) 2 strokes Fred Bullock Flory Van Donck 1,000 1958 2 -- 5 Jul Peter Thomson ( 4 ) Australia Royal Lytham & St Annes 278 ( − 6 ) Playoff Dave Thomas 1,000 1957 3 -- 5 Jul Bobby Locke ( 4 ) South Africa St Andrews 279 ( − 9 ) 3 strokes Peter Thomson 1,000 1956 4 -- 6 Jul Peter Thomson ( 3 ) Australia Royal Liverpool 286 ( + 2 ) 3 strokes Flory Van Donck 1,000 1955 6 -- 8 Jul Peter Thomson ( 2 ) Australia St Andrews 281 ( − 7 ) 2 strokes John Fallon 1,000 1954 7 -- 9 Jul Peter Thomson Australia Royal Birkdale 283 ( − 5 ) 1 stroke Bobby Locke Dai Rees Syd Scott 750 1953 8 -- 10 Jul Ben Hogan United States Carnoustie 282 ( − 6 ) 4 strokes Antonio Cerdá Dai Rees Frank Stranahan ( a ) Peter Thomson 500 1952 9 -- 11 Jul Bobby Locke ( 3 ) South Africa Royal Lytham & St Annes 287 ( − 1 ) 1 stroke Peter Thomson 300 1951 4 -- 6 Jul Max Faulkner England Royal Portrush 285 ( − 3 ) 2 strokes Antonio Cerdá 300 1950 5 -- 7 Jul Bobby Locke ( 2 ) South Africa Troon 279 ( − 9 ) 2 strokes Roberto de Vicenzo 300 1949 6 -- 9 Jul Bobby Locke South Africa Royal St George 's 283 ( − 5 ) Playoff Harry Bradshaw 300 1948 30 Jun -- 2 Jul Henry Cotton ( 3 ) England Muirfield 284 ( E ) 5 strokes Fred Daly 150 1947 2 -- 4 Jul Fred Daly Northern Ireland Royal Liverpool 293 ( + 5 ) 1 stroke Reg Horne Frank Stranahan ( a ) 150 1946 3 -- 5 Jul Sam Snead United States St Andrews 290 ( + 2 ) 4 strokes Johnny Bulla Bobby Locke 150 1940 -- 45 : No Championships because of World War II 1939 5 -- 7 Jul Dick Burton England St Andrews 290 ( − 2 ) 2 strokes Johnny Bulla 100 1938 6 -- 8 Jul Reg Whitcombe England Royal St George 's 295 ( + 15 ) 2 strokes Jimmy Adams 100 1937 7 -- 9 Jul Henry Cotton ( 2 ) England Carnoustie 290 2 strokes Reg Whitcombe 100 1936 25 -- 27 Jun Alf Padgham England Royal Liverpool 287 1 stroke Jimmy Adams 100 1935 26 -- 28 Jun Alf Perry England Muirfield 283 4 strokes Alf Padgham 100 1934 27 -- 29 Jun Henry Cotton England Royal St George 's 283 5 strokes Sid Brews 100 1933 5 -- 8 Jul Denny Shute United States St Andrews 292 Playoff Craig Wood 100 1932 8 -- 10 Jun Gene Sarazen United States Prince 's 283 5 strokes Macdonald Smith 100 1931 3 -- 5 Jun Tommy Armour United States Carnoustie 296 1 stroke José Jurado 100 1930 18 -- 20 Jun Bobby Jones ( a ) ( 3 ) United States Royal Liverpool 291 2 strokes Leo Diegel Macdonald Smith 100 1929 8 -- 10 May Walter Hagen ( 4 ) United States Muirfield 292 6 strokes Johnny Farrell 75 1928 9 -- 11 May Walter Hagen ( 3 ) United States Royal St George 's 292 2 strokes Gene Sarazen 75 1927 13 -- 15 Jul Bobby Jones ( a ) ( 2 ) United States St Andrews 285 6 strokes Aubrey Boomer Fred Robson 75 1926 23 -- 25 Jun Bobby Jones ( a ) United States Royal Lytham & St Annes 291 2 strokes Al Watrous 75 1925 25 -- 26 Jun Jim Barnes United States Prestwick 300 1 stroke Archie Compston Ted Ray 75 1924 26 -- 27 Jun Walter Hagen ( 2 ) United States Royal Liverpool 301 1 stroke Ernest Whitcombe 75 1923 14 -- 15 Jun Arthur Havers England Troon 295 1 stroke Walter Hagen 75 1922 22 -- 23 Jun Walter Hagen United States Royal St George 's 300 1 stroke Jim Barnes George Duncan 75 1921 23 -- 25 Jun Jock Hutchison United States St Andrews 296 Playoff Roger Wethered ( a ) 75 1920 30 Jun -- 1 Jul George Duncan Scotland Royal Cinque Ports 303 2 strokes Sandy Herd 75 1915 -- 19 : No Championships because of World War I 1914 18 -- 19 Jun Harry Vardon ( 6 ) Jersey Prestwick 306 3 strokes J.H. Taylor 50 1913 23 -- 24 Jun J.H. Taylor ( 5 ) England Royal Liverpool 304 8 strokes Ted Ray 50 1912 24 -- 25 Jun Ted Ray Jersey Muirfield 295 4 strokes Harry Vardon 50 1911 26 -- 30 Jun Harry Vardon ( 5 ) Jersey Royal St George 's 303 Playoff Arnaud Massy 50 1910 21 -- 24 Jun James Braid ( 5 ) Scotland St Andrews 299 4 strokes Sandy Herd 50 1909 10 -- 11 Jun J.H. Taylor ( 4 ) England Royal Cinque Ports 291 6 strokes Tom Ball James Braid 50 1908 18 -- 19 Jun James Braid ( 4 ) Scotland Prestwick 291 8 strokes Tom Ball 50 1907 20 -- 21 Jun Arnaud Massy France Royal Liverpool 312 2 strokes J.H. Taylor 50 1906 13 -- 15 Jun James Braid ( 3 ) Scotland Muirfield 300 4 strokes J.H. Taylor 50 1905 7 -- 9 Jun James Braid ( 2 ) Scotland St Andrews 318 5 strokes Rowland Jones J.H. Taylor 50 1904 8 -- 10 Jun Jack White Scotland Royal St George 's 296 1 stroke James Braid J.H. Taylor 50 1903 10 -- 11 Jun Harry Vardon ( 4 ) Jersey Prestwick 300 6 strokes Tom Vardon 50 1902 4 -- 5 Jun Sandy Herd Scotland Royal Liverpool 307 1 stroke James Braid Harry Vardon 50 1901 5 -- 6 Jun James Braid Scotland Muirfield 309 3 strokes Harry Vardon 50 1900 6 -- 7 Jun J.H. Taylor ( 3 ) England St Andrews 309 8 strokes Harry Vardon 50 1899 7 -- 8 Jun Harry Vardon ( 3 ) Jersey St George 's 310 5 strokes Jack White 30 1898 8 -- 9 Jun Harry Vardon ( 2 ) Jersey Prestwick 307 1 stroke Willie Park, Jnr 30 1897 19 -- 20 May Harold Hilton ( a ) ( 2 ) England Royal Liverpool 314 1 stroke James Braid 30 1896 10 -- 11, 13 Jun Harry Vardon Jersey Muirfield 316 Playoff J.H. Taylor 30 1895 12 -- 13 Jun J.H. Taylor ( 2 ) England St Andrews 322 4 strokes Sandy Herd 30 1894 11 -- 12 Jun J.H. Taylor England St George 's 326 5 strokes Douglas Rolland 30 1893 31 Aug -- 1 Sep William Auchterlonie Scotland Prestwick 322 2 strokes Johnny Laidlay ( a ) 30 1892 22 -- 23 Sep Harold Hilton ( a ) England Muirfield 305 3 strokes John Ball ( a ) Sandy Herd Hugh Kirkaldy 35 1891 6 -- 7 Oct Hugh Kirkaldy Scotland St Andrews 166 2 strokes Willie Fernie Andrew Kirkaldy 10 1890 11 Sep John Ball ( a ) England Prestwick 164 3 strokes Willie Fernie Archie Simpson 13 1889 8, 11 Nov Willie Park, Jnr ( 2 ) Scotland Musselburgh 155 Playoff Andrew Kirkaldy 8 1888 6, 8 Oct Jack Burns Scotland St Andrews 171 1 stroke David Anderson Jr. Ben Sayers 8 1887 16 Sep Willie Park, Jnr Scotland Prestwick 161 1 stroke Bob Martin 8 1886 5 Nov David Brown Scotland Musselburgh 157 2 strokes Willie Campbell 8 1885 3 Oct Bob Martin ( 2 ) Scotland St Andrews 171 1 stroke Archie Simpson 10 1884 3 Oct Jack Simpson Scotland Prestwick 160 4 strokes Willie Fernie Douglas Rolland 8 1883 16 -- 17 Nov Willie Fernie Scotland Musselburgh 159 Playoff Bob Ferguson 8 1882 30 Sep Bob Ferguson ( 3 ) Scotland St Andrews 171 3 strokes Willie Fernie 12 1881 14 Oct Bob Ferguson ( 2 ) Scotland Prestwick 170 3 strokes Jamie Anderson 8 1880 9 Apr Bob Ferguson Scotland Musselburgh 162 5 strokes Peter Paxton 8 1879 27, 29 Sep Jamie Anderson ( 3 ) Scotland St Andrews 169 3 strokes Jamie Allan Andrew Kirkaldy 10 1878 4 Oct Jamie Anderson ( 2 ) Scotland Prestwick 157 2 strokes Bob Kirk 8 1877 6 Apr Jamie Anderson Scotland Musselburgh 160 2 strokes Bob Pringle 8 1876 30 Sep, 2 Oct Bob Martin Scotland St Andrews 176 Playoff Davie Strath 10 1875 10 Sep Willie Park, Snr ( 4 ) Scotland Prestwick 166 2 strokes Bob Martin 8 1874 10 Apr Mungo Park Scotland Musselburgh 159 2 strokes Tom Morris, Jnr 8 1873 4 Oct Tom Kidd Scotland St Andrews 179 1 stroke Jamie Anderson 11 1872 13 Sep Tom Morris, Jnr ( 4 ) Scotland Prestwick 166 3 strokes Davie Strath 8 1871 Championship cancelled as no trophy available 1870 15 Sep Tom Morris, Jnr ( 3 ) Scotland Prestwick 149 12 strokes Bob Kirk Davie Strath 6 1869 16 Sep Tom Morris, Jnr ( 2 ) Scotland Prestwick 157 11 strokes Bob Kirk 6 1868 23 Sep Tom Morris, Jnr Scotland Prestwick 154 3 strokes Tom Morris, Snr 6 1867 26 Sep Tom Morris, Snr ( 4 ) Scotland Prestwick 170 2 strokes Willie Park, Snr 7 1866 13 Sep Willie Park, Snr ( 3 ) Scotland Prestwick 169 2 strokes Davie Park 6 1865 14 Sep Andrew Strath Scotland Prestwick 162 2 strokes Willie Park, Snr 8 1864 16 Sep Tom Morris, Snr ( 3 ) Scotland Prestwick 167 2 strokes Andrew Strath 6 1863 18 Sep Willie Park, Snr ( 2 ) Scotland Prestwick 168 2 strokes Tom Morris, Snr - 1862 11 Sep Tom Morris, Snr ( 2 ) Scotland Prestwick 163 13 strokes Willie Park, Snr - 1861 26 Sep Tom Morris, Snr Scotland Prestwick 163 4 strokes Willie Park, Snr - 1860 17 Oct Willie Park, Snr Scotland Prestwick 174 2 strokes Tom Morris, Snr - ( a ) denotes amateur `` Dates '' column includes all days on which play took place or was planned to take place, including any playoffs The Open began paying in U.S. dollars in 2017, subsequent figures in pounds are rounded estimates. Silver Medal winners Since 1949, the Silver Medal is awarded to the leading amateur, provided that the player completes all 72 holes. In the 69 Championships from 1949 to 2017, it has been won by 44 players on 50 occasions. Frank Stranahan won it four times in the first five years ( and was also the low amateur in 1947 ), while Joe Carr, Michael Bonallack and Peter McEvoy each won it twice. The medal has gone unawarded 19 times. 1949 -- Frank Stranahan 1950 -- Frank Stranahan ( 2 ) 1951 -- Frank Stranahan ( 3 ) 1952 -- Jackie Jones 1953 -- Frank Stranahan ( 4 ) 1954 -- Peter Toogood 1955 -- Joe Conrad 1956 -- Joe Carr 1957 -- Dickson Smith 1958 -- Joe Carr ( 2 ) 1959 -- Reid Jack 1960 -- Guy Wolstenholme 1961 -- Ronnie White 1962 -- Charlie Green 1963 -- none 1964 -- none 1965 -- Michael Burgess 1966 -- Ronnie Shade 1967 -- none 1968 -- Michael Bonallack 1969 -- Peter Tupling 1970 -- Steve Melnyk 1971 -- Michael Bonallack ( 2 ) 1972 -- none 1973 -- Danny Edwards 1974 -- none 1975 -- none 1976 -- none 1977 -- none 1978 -- Peter McEvoy 1979 -- Peter McEvoy ( 2 ) 1980 -- Jay Sigel 1981 -- Hal Sutton 1982 -- Malcolm Lewis 1983 -- none 1984 -- none 1985 -- José María Olazábal 1986 -- none 1987 -- Paul Mayo 1988 -- Paul Broadhurst 1989 -- Russell Claydon 1990 -- none 1991 -- Jim Payne 1992 -- Daren Lee 1993 -- Iain Pyman 1994 -- Warren Bennett 1995 -- Steve Webster 1996 -- Tiger Woods 1997 -- Barclay Howard 1998 -- Justin Rose 1999 -- none 2000 -- none 2001 -- David Dixon 2002 -- none 2003 -- none 2004 -- Stuart Wilson 2005 -- Lloyd Saltman 2006 -- Marius Thorp 2007 -- Rory McIlroy 2008 -- Chris Wood 2009 -- Matteo Manassero 2010 -- Jin Jeong 2011 -- Tom Lewis 2012 -- none 2013 -- Matthew Fitzpatrick 2014 -- none 2015 -- Jordan Niebrugge 2016 -- none 2017 -- Alfie Plant Broadcasting As of 2016, European Tour Productions serves as the host broadcaster for the Open Championship. The host broadcaster, as well as British and American broadcasters Sky Sports and NBC Sports, utilized a total of 175 cameras during the 2016 tournament. For more details on this topic, see List of The Open Championship broadcasters. United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, the Open Championship was historically broadcast by the BBC -- a relationship which lasted from 1955 to 2015. The BBC 's rights to the Open had been threatened by the event 's removal from Category A of Ofcom 's `` listed '' events, a status which legally mandated that the Open be broadcast in its entirety by a terrestrial broadcaster. It had since been moved to Category B, meaning that television rights to the tournament could now be acquired by a pay television outlet, such as BT Sport or Sky Sports, as long as rights to broadcast a highlights programme are given to one of the main terrestrial broadcasters. Former R&A chief executive Peter Dawson had been critical of the quality of the BBC 's television coverage in recent years, stating alongside its final renewal in 2010 that `` They know we 've got our eye on them. You have to stay in practice and keep up with advances in technology. '' The Guardian felt that the R&A was being `` pressured '' to negotiate a more lucrative broadcast deal, as the other three majors have in the United States, but also argued that viewer interest in golf could face further declines in the UK without widely available coverage. On 3 February 2015, the R&A announced that Sky Sports had acquired broadcast rights to the Open beginning in 2017, under a five - year contract valued at £ 15 million per - year, doubling the value of the previous BBC contract. As required by broadcasting regulations, rights to broadcast a nightly highlights programme were also sold : the BBC acquired this highlights package. Dawson praised Sky Sports ' past involvement with televised golf, explaining that `` the way people consume live sport is changing significantly and this new agreement ensures fans have a range of options for enjoying the championship on television and through digital channels ''. The BBC chose to opt out of the final year of its existing contract, making Sky Sports ' broadcast rights begin one year early, in 2016. United States In the United States, ABC had historically held rights to the Open. Beginning in 2010 under an eight - year agreement, the Open moved exclusively to ABC 's sister pay television channel ESPN, with only tape - delayed highlights shown on ABC. In June 2015, it was announced that NBC Sports would acquire rights to the Open Championship under a 12 - year deal beginning in 2017 ; early round coverage airs on Golf Channel, with the main NBC network broadcasting live weekend coverage. The R&A cited NBC 's successful broadcasts of Premier League football, which also primarily airs on weekend mornings in U.S. time zones, as an advantage of NBC 's acquisition of The Open. Similarly to the BBC, ESPN chose to opt out of its final year of Open rights, causing NBC 's rights to begin in 2016 instead. The 2017 edition of the Open Championship had a total of 49.5 hours of coverage in the United States, with 29 hours being on Thursday and Friday, and 20.5 hours being on Saturday and Sunday ; the Golf Channel cable network had a total of 34.5 hours of coverage, with 29 hours on Thursday and Friday, and 5.5 hours on Saturday and Sunday. The NBC broadcast network had a total of 15 hours of coverage on the weekend, with 8 hours Saturday, and 7 hours Sunday. The 49.5 total hours of coverage on Golf Channel and NBC remained unchanged from 2016, with the difference being that Golf Channel 's total coverage went down thirty minutes from 35 hours to 34.5 hours, and NBC 's total coverage went up thirty minutes from 14.5 hours to 15 hours. Notes and references Jump up ^ `` Prestwick Golf Club details ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 23 December 2015. Jump up ^ Joy, David ( June 2003 ). `` Prestwick Golf Club ''. Links Magazine. Retrieved 1 February 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Claret Jug ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 16 June 2016. Jump up ^ `` Ryle Memorial Medal '' ( PDF ). Professional Golfers ' Association. Retrieved 9 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` Braid Taylor Memorial Medal '' ( PDF ). Professional Golfers ' Association. Retrieved 9 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` Tooting Bec Cup '' ( PDF ). Professional Golfers ' Association. Retrieved 9 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` The Open Golf Championship ''. The Times. 10 July 1893. p. 7. Jump up ^ `` The Open Championship ''. The Times. 18 November 1907. p. 12. Jump up ^ `` The Golf Championship - Official announcement ''. The Times. 14 April 1915. p. 16. Jump up ^ `` The Championships ''. The Times. 22 May 1922. p. 22. Jump up ^ `` Gales and snow - Damage on east coast - Widespread flooding ''. The Times. 14 February 1938. p. 12. Jump up ^ `` Golf - The Open and Amateur Championships - New Conditions ''. The Times. 12 February 1938. p. 4. Jump up ^ `` Golf Championships for 1940 ''. The Times. 21 January 1939. p. 4. Jump up ^ `` The Open : Press conference confirms Royal Portrush ''. BBC News. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Royal Portrush to host The 148th Open in 2019 ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 20 October 2015. Jump up ^ `` Muirfield to lose right to host Open after vote against allowing women members ''. BBC Sport. 19 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016. Jump up ^ `` Carnoustie ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 20 October 2015. Jump up ^ `` Royal Portrush ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 20 October 2015. Jump up ^ `` Royal St George 's ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 20 October 2015. Jump up ^ `` The Open Championship -- Entry Form '' ( PDF ). theopen.com. Retrieved 28 January 2015. Jump up ^ `` Qualification ''. theopen.com. Retrieved 16 June 2016. ^ Jump up to : Costa, Brian ( 18 July 2017 ). `` Dear American Twits, This Golf Event Is Properly Called ' The Open ' ''. Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099 - 9660. Retrieved 18 July 2017. ( subscription required ) ^ Jump up to : Ryan, Shane ( 14 July 2015 ). `` Americans : It 's okay to call this major `` The British Open, '' and do n't let anyone tell you otherwise ``. Golf Digest. Retrieved 18 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : Bacon, Shane ( 16 July 2012 ). `` British Open or Open Championship ? The debate stops now ''. CBS Sports. Retrieved 18 July 2017. ^ Jump up to : `` Open Championship : Royal Birkdale prize money to be paid in US dollars, not sterling ''. BBC.com. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2017. Jump up ^ `` Notes : Young Tom Morris gets 20 days older ''. PGA Tour. 1 August 2006. Archived from the original on 5 August 2006. Jump up ^ `` Did you know number 50 ''. The Open Championship. Archived from the original on 25 November 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2011. Jump up ^ `` GBP / USD - Pound to Dollar ''. FX Empire. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2017. Jump up ^ `` Live From The Open Championship : A New Era Begins for the R&A ''. Sports Video Group. Retrieved 31 July 2016. Jump up ^ `` CTV Takes Axon 's Cerebrum Back To The Open Golf Championship ''. TV Technology. Retrieved 31 July 2016. Jump up ^ `` Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events '' ( PDF ). Ofcom. March 2008. Archived ( PDF ) from the original on 25 January 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` BBC could lose exclusive Open coverage rights as R&A ponders new deal ''. The Guardian. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016. ^ Jump up to : Murray, Ewan ( 14 January 2015 ). `` What would it mean for golf if the BBC lost the Open Championship ? ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 26 July 2016. Jump up ^ Gibson, Owen ( 3 February 2015 ). `` Sky Sports wins rights to show Open Championship golf live from 2017 ''. The Guardian. Retrieved 26 July 2016. Jump up ^ `` Open Championship : Sky wins rights ; BBC to show highlights ''. BBC Sport. 3 February 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2016. ^ Jump up to : Ourand, John ( 12 October 2015 ). `` NBC getting British Open a year early ''. Sports Business Journal. Retrieved 12 October 2015. Jump up ^ Stewart, Larry ( 21 July 1995 ). `` ABC getting a major chance with British Open coverage ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 July 2012. Jump up ^ `` All four rounds of British Open shown live on ESPN beginning in ' 10 ''. ESPN. Retrieved 26 July 2016. Jump up ^ Ourand, John ; Lombardo, John ( 8 June 2015 ). `` NBC, Golf Channel ending ABC / ESPN British Open reign ''. Sports Business Journal. Retrieved 8 June 2015. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Open Championship ( golf ). Book : Men 's major professional golf championships Official website Coverage on European Tour.com Coverage on PGA.com Golf Overview History Glossary Outline Rules penalties playoffs etiquette Stroke play scoring handicap Match play four - ball alternate shot Golf course links teeing ground hazards Equipment golf clubs golf ball tee Technical Golf stroke mechanics Instruction Drive Golfers Professional golfer tours Male golfers Female golfers Men 's major winners Women 's major winners Senior major winners Olympic medalists Most wins Asian Tour Australasia Tour Challenge Tour European Tour European Senior Tour Japan Golf Tour Ladies European Tour LPGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour Champions Sunshine Tour Web.com Tour Majors Men Masters Tournament U.S. Open The Open Championship PGA Championship Women ANA Inspiration U.S. Women 's Open Women 's PGA Championship Women 's British Open The Evian Championship Senior The Tradition Senior PGA Championship U.S. Senior Open Senior Players Championship Senior Open Championship International events Multi-sport event Asian Games Inter-Allied Games Island Games Pacific Games Pan American Games Summer Olympics Summer Universiade Youth Olympic Games Team Curtis Cup EurAsia Cup International Crown Presidents Cup Ryder Cup Solheim Cup Walker Cup Rankings Men Women Amateur Countries Australia China India Ireland Philippines Russia Scotland Thailand United States Venues Driving range Lists of golf courses Canada Hawaii India North Dakota Philippines Portugal United Kingdom links courses designed by Jack Nicklaus Years 1353 -- 1850 1851 -- 1945 1945 -- 99 2000 -- 05 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Governing bodies International Golf Federation The R&A United States Golf Association Professional Golfers ' Association ( Great Britain and Ireland ) Professional Golfers ' Association of America LPGA PGA Tour PGA European Tour American Society of Golf Course Architects World Golf Teachers Federation Variations Skins game Shotgun start Speed golf Pitch and putt Indoor golf Miniature golf Long drive Park golf Snow golf Stableford scoring Urban golf Miscellaneous Awards Architects Caddie Greenskeeper World Golf Hall of Fame British Golf Museum USGA Museum Jack Nicklaus Museum Caddie Hall of Fame Evans Scholars Foundation Media Golf Channel personalities Golf Digest Golf Magazine Golf World Golfweek Links Travel + Leisure Golf Video games Commons WikiProject Portal The Open Championship 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 The Open Championship rota courses Current rota courses St Andrews Carnoustie Muirfield Turnberry Royal Troon Royal St George 's ( Sandwich ) Royal Birkdale Royal Lytham & St Annes Royal Liverpool ( Hoylake ) Royal Portrush Former rota courses Prestwick Musselburgh Royal Cinque Ports Prince 's Major golf championships Current Masters Tournament U.S. Open The Open Championship PGA Championship Past British Amateur U.S. Amateur See also Most wins Chronological Grand Slam European Tour events Major championships Masters Tournament U.S. Open The Open Championship PGA Championship Other Race to Dubai tournaments Australian PGA Championship Alfred Dunhill Championship UBS Hong Kong Open BMW SA Open Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Omega Dubai Desert Classic Maybank Championship Malaysia ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth Joburg Open WGC - Mexico Championship Tshwane Open Hero Indian Open WGC - Dell Technologies Match Play Championship Trophée Hassan II Shenzhen International Volvo China Open Open de Portugal Rocco Forte Open BMW PGA Championship Nordea Masters Lyoness Open BMW International Open Open de France Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Porsche European Open WGC - Bridgestone Invitational Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play Fiji International Made in Denmark D + D Real Czech Masters Omega European Masters KLM Open Portugal Masters British Masters Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Italian Open Andalucía Valderrama Masters WGC - HSBC Champions Turkish Airlines Open Nedbank Golf Challenge DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Team events World Cup EurAsia Cup GolfSixes Ryder Cup Other European Tour Qualifying School Former events All events listed in chronological order. PGA Tour events Major championships Masters Tournament U.S. Open The Open Championship ( British Open ) PGA Championship Other tournaments Safeway Open CIMB Classic CJ Cup WGC - HSBC Champions Sanderson Farms Championship Shriners Hospitals for Children Open OHL Classic at Mayakoba RSM Classic Sentry Tournament of Champions Sony Open in Hawaii CareerBuilder Challenge Farmers Insurance Open Waste Management Phoenix Open AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Genesis Open The Honda Classic WGC - Mexico Championship Puerto Rico Open Valspar Championship Arnold Palmer Invitational WGC - Dell Technologies Match Play Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship Houston Open RBC Heritage Valero Texas Open Zurich Classic of New Orleans Wells Fargo Championship The Players Championship AT&T Byron Nelson Dean & DeLuca Invitational Memorial Tournament FedEx St. Jude Classic Travelers Championship The National Greenbrier Classic John Deere Classic Barbasol Championship RBC Canadian Open WGC - Bridgestone Invitational Barracuda Championship Wyndham Championship FedEx Cup playoff events The Northern Trust Dell Technologies Championship BMW Championship Tour Championship Team events Ryder Cup Presidents Cup World Cup Unofficial money events Hero World Challenge QBE Shootout CVS Health Charity Classic Former events List of former events Fall Series All events are listed in chronological order. Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Open_Championship&oldid=807638908 '' Categories : The Open Championship Men 's major golf championships Golf tournaments in England Golf tournaments in Northern Ireland Golf tournaments in Scotland July sporting events 1860 establishments in Scotland Recurring sporting events established in 1860 National championships in the United Kingdom Annual sporting events in the United Kingdom Hidden categories : Pages containing links to subscription - only content Use British English from April 2012 Use dmy dates from April 2012 Articles needing additional references from October 2011 All articles needing additional references Talk Contents About Wikipedia Afrikaans Čeština Dansk Deutsch Ελληνικά Español Euskara Français Gaeilge 한국어 Italiano Magyar Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Polski Português Русский Scots Simple English Suomi Svenska Türkçe Українська Tiếng Việt 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 29 October 2017, at 06 : 22. 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Question: how many players are in the british open
Answer: 156