British Open is one of the most important annual tournaments in both men’s and women’s golf. Both British Opens are open to amateur and professional golfers who meet certain qualifications. The tournaments are held over four days, with golfers playing 18 holes each day.
The men’s British Open is one of four important tournaments called the majors, and the last one played each year. The other majors, in the order of play, are the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Professional Golf Association (PGA) Championship, and the United States Open. The women’s majors, in the order in which they are played, are the Chevron Championship (formerly called the ANA Inspiration), the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (formerly called the Ladies Professional Golf Association [LPGA] Championship), the U.S. Women’s Open, the Women’s British Open, and the Evian Championship.
The men’s British Open is the oldest of the four majors. It was first held in 1860. In the United Kingdom, the tournament is officially known as the Open Championship, or more commonly, just the Open. The tournament is held in July and rotates among historic courses in England and Scotland. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland administers the tournament. The winner receives a cash prize and a trophy called the Claret Jug. The British golfer Harry Vardon holds the record for most British Open championships with six.
The women’s British Open was first held in 1976. It became known as a major in 2001, replacing the du Maurier Classic. The tournament was founded and administered by the Ladies’ Golf Union, which governs women’s amateur golf in the United Kingdom. Karrie Webb of Australia and Sherri Steinhauer of the United States share the record for most British Open victories with three.
