6 Cool Things That Are Completely Unique About The Open Championship

The Open Championship, also known as The Open, is not only the oldest Major in golf but also one of the most prestigious events in the sport. This tournament stands out for its rich history, distinctive traditions, and the unparalleled challenge it offers to players. Here are six aspects that make The Open Championship truly unique.

1. **A Historic Legacy**

The Open Championship is the oldest golf tournament in the world, having first been played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. This inaugural event featured just eight players competing over three rounds of a 12-hole course. Willie Park Sr. emerged as the first champion, winning by two strokes. The Open’s rich history sets it apart from other golf tournaments, making it a cornerstone of the sport’s legacy. It is not just a competition but a celebration of the game’s origins and its evolution over more than a century.

2. **The Essence of Links Golf**

The Open is synonymous with links golf, a style of play that is considered the purest form of the sport due to its deep roots in Scotland. Links courses are located on coastal land, shaped by natural forces and characterized by their exposed, undulating terrain. This environment presents unique challenges, including unpredictable winds and weather conditions that can dramatically affect play. Links golf requires a high level of skill and adaptability, offering a test that is both demanding and rewarding. Tiger Woods, a three-time Open champion, once remarked on his fascination with links golf, noting its distinctiveness and the unique strategies it demands.

3. **The Champion Golfer of the Year**

One of the unique traditions of The Open is the title bestowed upon its winner: the Champion Golfer of the Year. This designation carries significant prestige and is a testament to the winner’s skill and fortitude. Jordan Spieth, who won The Open in 2017, highlighted the honor and distinction of being introduced with this title at various events throughout the year. The title encapsulates the spirit of the tournament and its role in celebrating excellence in golf.

4. **The Coveted Claret Jug**

The winner of The Open is awarded the Claret Jug, officially known as the Golf Champion Trophy, which is one of the most iconic and sought-after prizes in sports. Introduced in 1872, the Claret Jug replaced the original Challenge Belt, which had to be won three times consecutively to be kept permanently. This happened in 1870 when Young Tom Morris secured his third consecutive victory. The Claret Jug has since become a symbol of golfing excellence and tradition, handed to champions who etch their names into the history of the game.

5. **The Four-Hole Playoff**

In the event of a tie, The Open Championship uses a unique playoff format to determine the winner. Unlike the sudden-death playoffs common in other tournaments, The Open employs a four-hole aggregate-score playoff. The player with the lowest score over these four holes wins the championship. If a tie remains, the playoff then shifts to sudden death. The first use of this format occurred in 1989 when Mark Calcavecchia triumphed over Greg Norman and Wayne Grady. This format reflects The Open’s commitment to a fair and rigorous determination of the champion.

6. **Medals and Additional Honors**

In addition to the Claret Jug, the winner of The Open receives a gold medal, a tradition that began in 1872 before the Claret Jug was available. This medal, unlike the trophy, is kept by the winner as a permanent keepsake. The tournament also recognizes the best amateur player with a silver medal, provided they make the cut, highlighting the event’s celebration of emerging talent. The Tooting Bec Cup is awarded to the PGA member who records the lowest single round of the tournament, further enriching the legacy and tradition of The Open.

These unique features make The Open Championship not only a test of golfing prowess but also a celebration of the sport’s heritage, tradition, and enduring appeal.