Southport, UK. Only one of the four annual major championships in golf is played outside the United States. The oldest and most impactful is The Open Championship.
Amazingly, the championship dates back to 1860 — just prior to the beginning of the presidency of American President Abraham Lincoln.
The genesis of The Open comes from its foundation of golf played on a links layout. Testing players to overcome a range of challenges — the wind, the rain at times, the bounce of the ball both favorably and unfavorably. These are the defining metrics of not only high golf skills but mental tenacity to see matters through to the end.
The Open evolved from a small gathering of players and then saw its prestige grow via the great triumvirate of Harry Vardon, James Braid and J.H. Taylor. The trio would garner 16 titles.
The arrival of the Americans in the post-World War I period accelerated its stature. Names such as Walter Hagen, Bob Jones and Gene Sarazen pushed The Open’s grandeur even higher.
Dark times took place with the arrival of World War II. In the post war years The Open was aided by single wins by Sam Snead at St. Andrews in 1946 and with Ben Hogan’s only visit in 1953 via his stirring victory at Carnoustie. Yet, even with those wins by two of golf’s most notable champions, it appeared The Open would simply languish in the shadows and remain a second-tier event with more of a past than future.
The Open seemed destined to remain in the shadows until the arrival of a dashing charismatic golfer named Arnold Palmer. It was Palmer who single handedly reinvigorated the stature and premise of what The Open means. Palmer’s success in nearly winning the 100th championship at St. Andrews was followed by wins in consecutive years in 1961 — at Royal Birkdale — and then in 1962 at Royal Troon with a then record four-round score of 276.
The momentum from Palmer’s wins brought to the forefront a rebirth of The Open. From the American side came such stars as Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson. On the global side came the likes of South African Gary Player and then years later the Australian Greg Norman and the Spaniard Seve Ballesteros.
Star players also emerged from the immediate area of the United Kingdom and Ireland with the likes of Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo and more recently Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.
The Open is now back at the top of the stature pyramid. True and lasting greatness cannot be conferred on any golfer failing to capture the Claret Jug at some point in their careers.
When Phil Mickelson won The Open in 2013 at Muirfield, he raised his profile considerably with his stellar final round 66. Securing the title when he overcame a five shot deficit with just 18 holes to play.
Mickelson’s golfing prowess had been a product of his time playing nearly exclusively in the States. His win in The Open pushed his standing to a far greater appreciation.
The Open Championship now occupies the final position in the annual major championship calendar. The golfer able to hoist the Claret Jug when play concludes at Royal Birkdale will join a gathering of golf’s greatest champions.
Greatness is a word in sports bandied about to the point of utter silliness and mindless meaning. The legitimate and ultimate connection is when a golfer has been able to demonstrate the highest degree of golfing skills.
Golf’s roots come from the links.
The wherewithal to adjust one’s game as circumstances require is what elevates The Open. The importance of what an Open means has been mentioned countless times by those in possession of the Claret Jug.
Nicklaus completed the career Grand Slam with his win in 1966 at Muirfield. In the years to follow, the Golden Bear would name his home course in Columbus, OH — Muirfield Village – in honor of that significant career milestone.
The Open encapsulates and defines what golf is about. The tradition of the championship and the manner by which the R&A has taken the necessary steps in ensuring the connection from storied past to present times is maintained and enhanced.
How appropriate and fitting the words when the Claret Jug is presented to the winner —
Champion golfer of the year.
Related: The most memorable Opens since 2000
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”