The Open Championship is a celebration of the game’s original roots. The core of the challenge intersects with land, sea and Mother Nature.
The mental and physical dimensions are also tested.
Only the finest of players have captured the illustrious Claret Jug and only the most accomplished have done so multiple times.
The names listed are the author’s opinion but those listed are the men who comprise records of consistency and overall impact.
No list will ever satisfy all and some may wonder why other names were either not listed properly or even mentioned at all.
To have the word “great” placed before your name it is critical to have demonstrated success at the game’s oldest and global of major championships.
The men listed below are deserving of such honor and praise.
***
No. 1
Tom Watson had a conversion in his thinking when first playing links golf. Initially he did not understand or appreciate it. That changed in short order.
His first Open title came in 1975 in a playoff against Australian Jack Newton.
Watson won The Open a total of five times – and nearly tied the record of six wins by Harry Vardon. In 2009, at the remarkable age of 59, Tom’s approach to the final hole at Turnberry took an uncharacteristic bounce off the back of the green and he could not two-putt to nail down the title – losing in an aggregate playoff to Stewart Cink.
A true lover of the links and able to fashion remarkable rounds no matter the weather conditions.
Most memorable Open shot: Birdie putt in final round against Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977 at the par-3 15th hole. The putt kept Watson in the hunt and he would finish off the victory with a superb 7-iron approach to the 18th for a concluding short birdie putt.
No. 2
Jack Nicklaus
The gap between No. 1 and No. 2 is narrower than many might imagine. The determining factor in Watson’s favor is his total number of wins and his epic triumph over the Golden Bear in their famed Turnberry “duel in the sun” encounter.
However, no player has had the consistency of Jack Nicklaus in Open Champion ship history.
Between 1963-1980, Nicklaus won three times, 7 times runner-up, 16 top five and 18 top ten finishes. His worst placement in that span – T12 in 1965, with no missed cuts.
Most memorable Open shot: In his final appearance in 2005, Nicklaus birdied the 18th hole at The Old Course at St. Andrews. The appreciative gallery was both happy and sad to see the last time Jack would play in The Open.
No.3
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods made his mark in winning the 2000 Open Championship at The Old Course at St. Andrews and did so in spectacular fashion with an 8-shot winning margin. During that event, Woods successfully negotiated the famed links in not once having to play from any of the bunkers there.
With the win he also became the youngest golfer at age 24 to complete the career Grand Slam.
Tiger would again capture The Open at The Old Course in 2005 and matched the accomplishment Nicklaus had achieved in 1970 and 1978.
Among his finest shotmaking clinics was his win in 2006 at Royal Liverpool. Woods only used his driver once during the 72-holes played.
Most memorable Open shot: Playing the par-4 14th in the second round at Royal Liverpool in 2005 – Woods hit a 2-iron off the tee for placement and then proceeded to hole a 4-iron approach from 215 yards into the cup.
The resulting eagle, as it turned out, was instrumental in giving him a two-shot winning margin and possession of the Claret Jug.
No. 4
Seve Ballesteros
Came onto the scene as a 19-year-old and although he did not win the 1976 Open, it was the start of a blossoming career.
The talented Spaniard won his first Open in 1979 at Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s and much of the attention centered on his wayward driving of the ball. In one specific instance he actually played from the adjoining car park.
The most impactful of his wins came five years later at The Old Course at St. Andrews. Ballesteros battled against the two-time defending champion Tom Watson and the back-and-forth tussle did not conclude until Seve carded a final birdie at the 18th.
The sheer joy in the moment had Ballesteros fist pumping the air several times with a smile that reached the heavens.
Four years later in 1988, Seve would win again at Royal Lytham. This time with a final round 65.
Most memorable Open shot: The final birdie at the closing hole in the 1984 Open at St. Andrews.
No. 5
Pete Thomson
Flies completely under the radar but the talented Australian is worthy of the placement.
Captured the Claret Jug no less than five times in his Open Championship career.
Between 1951-71, along with the five victories were 18 top-ten finishes and three times as runner-up.
His first win came at Royal Birkdale in 1954 and his final would come at the same host venue in 1965. During the second win Thomson beat back the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, among others.
Most memorable Open shot: Thomson closed out his final win in 1965 with a splendid 2nd shot at the par-5 closing hole. A final birdie provided the most satisfying of triumphs and a return of the Claret Jug to Australia.
***
Honorable mention in alphabetical order.
• Nick Faldo (3 wins; 1987,1990 and 1992)
• Bobby Locke (4 wins; 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1957)
• Greg Norman (2 wins; 1986 and 1993)
• Arnold Palmer (2 wins; 1961 and 1962)
• Gary Player (3 wins: 1959, 1968 and 1974)
• Lee Trevino (2 wins; 1971 and 1972)
Related: The most impactful Opens since World War II
For the latest news in the golfing world, follow us on X (Formally Twitter).
