The quest to crown the 2024 Champion Golfer of the Year is nearly here! This weekend, the golf world heads to Royal Troon for the . Golf’s biggest names will compete for the oldest prize in the sport. Who will come away with the Claret Jug?
Can last year’s winner Brian Harman defend his title? Will Rory McIlroy snap his winless streak in majors after his near miss at Pinehurst this season in the U.S. Open and his runner-up finish at the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews? These questions and more will be answered this weekend at Royal Troon for the .
Open Championship Full History Of Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1860 | Willie Park, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1861 | Tom Morris, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1862 | Tom Morris, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1863 | Willie Park, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1864 | Tom Morris, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1865 | Andrew Strath (Scotland) |
| 1866 | Willie Park, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1867 | Tom Morris, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1868 | Tom Morris, Jr. (Scotland) |
| 1869 | Tom Morris, Jr. (Scotland) |
| 1870 | Tom Morris, Jr. (Scotland) |
| 1871 | Not Held |
| 1872 | Tom Morris, Jr. (Scotland) |
| 1873 | Tom Kidd (Scotland) |
| 1874 | Mungo Park (Scotland) |
| 1875 | Willie Park, Sr. (Scotland) |
| 1876 | Bob Martin (Scotland) |
| 1877 | Jamie Anderson (Scotland) |
| 1878 | Jamie Anderson (Scotland) |
| 1879 | Jamie Anderson (Scotland) |
| 1880 | Bob Ferguson (Scotland) |
| 1881 | Bob Ferguson (Scotland) |
| 1882 | Bob Ferguson (Scotland) |
| 1883 | Willie Fernie (Scotland) |
| 1884 | Jack Simpson (Scotland) |
| 1885 | Bob Martin (Scotland) |
| 1886 | David Brown (Scotland) |
| 1887 | Willie Park, Jr. (Scotland) |
| 1888 | Jack Burns (Scotland) |
| 1889 | Willie Park, Jr. (Scotland) |
| 1890 | John Ball (England) |
| 1891 | Hugh Kirkaldy (Scotland) |
| 1892 | Harold Hilton (England) |
| 1893 | William Auchterlonie |
| 1894 | J.H. Taylor (England) |
| 1895 | J.H. Taylor (England) |
| 1896 | Harry Vardon (England) |
| 1897 | Harold Hilton (England) |
| 1898 | Harry Vardon (England) |
| 1899 | Harry Vardon (England) |
| 1900 | J.H. Taylor (England) |
| 1901 | James Braid (Scotland) |
| 1902 | Sandy Herd (Scotland) |
| 1903 | Harry Vardon (England) |
| 1904 | Jack White (Scotland) |
| 1905 | James Braid (Scotland) |
| 1906 | James Braid (Scotland) |
| 1907 | Arnaud Massy (France) |
| 1908 | James Braid (Scotland) |
| 1909 | J.H. Taylor (England) |
| 1910 | James Braid (Scotland) |
| 1911 | Harry Vardon (England) |
| 1912 | Ted Ray (England) |
| 1913 | J.H. Taylor (England) |
| 1914 | Harry Vardon (England) |
| 1915–19 | Not Held |
| 1920 | George Duncan (Scotland) |
| 1921 | Jock Hutchison (USA) |
| 1922 | Walter Hagen (USA) |
| 1923 | Arthur Havers (England) |
| 1924 | Walter Hagen (USA) |
| 1925 | Jim Barnes (USA) |
| 1926 | Bobby Jones (U.S.) |
| 1927 | Bobby Jones (USA) |
| 1928 | Walter Hagen (USA) |
| 1929 | Walter Hagen (USA) |
| 1930 | Bobby Jones (USA) |
| 1931 | Tommy Armour (USA) |
| 1932 | Gene Sarazen (USA) |
| 1933 | Denny Shute (USA) |
| 1934 | Henry Cotton (England) |
| 1935 | Alf Perry (England) |
| 1936 | Alf Padgham (England) |
| 1937 | Henry Cotton (England) |
| 1938 | Reg Whitcombe (England) |
| 1939 | Dick Burton (English) |
| 1940–45 | Not Held |
| 1946 | Sam Snead (USA) |
| 1947 | Fred Daly (Ireland) |
| 1948 | Henry Cotton (England) |
| 1949 | Bobby Locke (South Africa) |
| 1950 | Bobby Locke (South Africa) |
| 1951 | Max Faulkner (England) |
| 1952 | Bobby Locke (South Africa) |
| 1953 | Ben Hogan (USA) |
| 1954 | Peter Thomson (Australia) |
| 1955 | Peter Thomson (Australia) |
| 1956 | Peter Thomson (Australia) |
| 1957 | Bobby Locke (South Africa) |
| 1958 | Peter Thomson (Australia) |
| 1959 | Gary Player (South Africa) |
| 1960 | Kel Nagle (Australia) |
| 1961 | Arnold Palmer (USA) |
| 1962 | Arnold Palmer (USA) |
| 1963 | Bob Charles (New Zealand) |
| 1964 | Tony Lema (USA) |
| 1965 | Peter Thomson (Australia) |
| 1966 | Jack Nicklaus (USA) |
| 1967 | Roberto de Vicenzo (Argentina) |
| 1968 | Gary Player (South Africa) |
| 1969 | Tony Jacklin (England) |
| 1970 | Jack Nicklaus (U.S.) |
| 1971 | Lee Trevino (USA) |
| 1972 | Lee Trevino (USA) |
| 1973 | Tom Weiskopf (USA) |
| 1974 | Gary Player (South Africa) |
| 1975 | Tom Watson (USA) |
| 1976 | Johnny Miller (USA) |
| 1977 | Tom Watson (USA) |
| 1978 | Jack Nicklaus (USA) |
| 1979 | Seve Ballesteros (Spain) |
| 1980 | Tom Watson (USA) |
| 1981 | Bill Rogers (USA) |
| 1982 | Tom Watson (USA) |
| 1983 | Tom Watson (USA) |
| 1984 | Seve Ballesteros (Spain) |
| 1985 | Sandy Lyle (Scotland) |
| 1986 | Greg Norman (Australia) |
| 1987 | Nick Faldo (England) |
| 1988 | Seve Ballesteros (Spain) |
| 1989 | Mark Calcavecchia (USA) |
| 1990 | Nick Faldo (England) |
| 1991 | Ian Baker-Finch (Australia) |
| 1992 | Nick Faldo (England) |
| 1993 | Greg Norman (Australia) |
| 1994 | Nick Price (Zimbabwe) |
| 1995 | John Daly (USA) |
| 1996 | Tom Lehman (USA) |
| 1997 | Justin Leonard (USA) |
| 1998 | Mark O’Meara (USA) |
| 1999 | Paul Lawrie (Scotland) |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods (USA) |
| 2001 | David Duval (USA) |
| 2002 | Ernie Els (S.Af.) |
| 2003 | Ben Curtis (USA) |
| 2004 | Todd Hamilton (USA) |
| 2005 | Tiger Woods (USA) |
| 2006 | Tiger Woods (USA) |
| 2007 | Padraig Harrington (Ireland) |
| 2008 | Padraig Harrington (Ireland) |
| 2009 | Stewart Cink (USA) |
| 2010 | Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa)) |
| 2011 | Darren Clarke (N. Ireland) |
| 2012 | Ernie Els (South Africa) |
| 2013 | Phil Mickelson (USA) |
| 2014 | Rory McIlroy (N. Ireland) |
| 2015 | Zach Johnson (USA) |
| 2016 | Henrik Stenson (Sweden) |
| 2017 | Jordan Spieth (USA) |
| 2018 | Francesco Molinari (Italy) |
| 2019 | Shane Lowry (Ireland) |
| 2020 | Cancelled |
| 2021 | Collin Morikawa (USA) |
| 2022 | Cameron Smith (Australia) |
| 2023 | Brian Harman (USA) |
Open Championship History
The Open Championship, the world’s oldest golf tournament, boasts a rich history steeped in tradition, drama, and sporting excellence. Its origins trace back to 1860 when eight professional golfers contended at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. Willie Park Sr. emerged victorious, marking the birth of a golfing legend.
The tournament evolved, welcoming amateurs in 1861 and introducing prize money in 1863. Tom Morris Jr.’s dominance in the late 1860s led to the creation of the iconic Claret Jug as the championship trophy in 1872. The expansion to 72 holes in 1892 and the introduction of a cut in 1898 further shaped the tournament’s format.
The early 20th century witnessed the reign of the “Great Triumvirate”: Harry Vardon, John Henry Taylor, and James Braid, who collectively claimed 16 Open titles. Their rivalry elevated the championship to new heights.
The Open’s influence extended beyond its borders, shaping the modern game and setting standards for professional golf. The unique challenges of links golf, demanding precision, power, and mental fortitude, have tested the greatest players.
The tournament’s legacy is adorned with iconic moments. Tom Watson’s near-miss at Turnberry in 2009, at age 59, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the championship. Tiger Woods’ dominance in the early 2000s, including his record-breaking performance at St. Andrews in 2000, solidified his status as a golfing legend.
From its humble beginnings to its position as one of golf’s most prestigious events, The Open Championship has captivated audiences worldwide. Its rich history, iconic venues, and dramatic finishes continue to make it a highlight of the golfing calendar, a timeless celebration of the sport.
