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The Open by Numbers

By: | Mon 15 Jul 2019


First played at Prestwick in 1860, when eight players gathered to crown the new Champion Golfer following the death of St Andrews professional Allan Robertson, the Open Championship has been synonymous with the history and continuing story of the game. Legends have seen their name etched on the Claret Jug, achieving golfing immortality. 

As we celebrate the 148th edition, Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out key numbers that set the scene.

1 - Portrush is the only venue outside of Scotland and England to have hosted The Open
2 - this is the second time the tournament has been hosted at Portrush, following Max Faulkner’s win in 1951
3 - if there is a playoff, it will consist of three holes. It is also the number of times Tiger Woods has won The Open
4 - the most consecutive Open wins, by Young Tom Morris from 1868 to 1872 - the championship was not held in 1871
5 - Tom Watson and the late Peter Thomson each won The Open five times
6 - Harry Vardon holds the record for the most Open Championship wins
7 - Jack Nicklaus finished second on seven occasions
8 - entrants to the first Open Championship in 1860 at Prestwick


9 - the best round in relation to par in Open history is nine under, by Paul Broadhurst in 1990 and Rory McIlroy in 2010 - both at St Andrews. McIlroy followed it with an 80
10 - host courses on the current rota - St Andrews, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham and St Anne’s, Royal Portrush, Royal St George’s, Royal Troon and Turnberry
11 - the past 11 Opens have seen 11 different winners
12 - a dozen players earned their places through the four final qualifying tournaments
13 - the record winning margin, by Old Tom Morris in 1872
14 - Open venues throughout the tournament’s history, with Prestwick, Musselburgh, Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s Golf Club no longer on the rotation
15 - number of majors won by Tiger Woods
16 - one of Portrush’s signature holes, the 16th is likely to provide some late drama

17 - Young Tom Morris remains the youngest Open champion, aged 17 years and 156 days in 1868 - a year after his father, Old Tom, had become the oldest ever champion at Prestwick
18 - Faulkner’s win at Portrush in 1951 was the last by a British player for 18 years, until Tony Jacklin at Royal Lytham in 1969



And did you know?

156 - number of players who will tee up in the first round on Thursday
285 - Faulkner's winning total at Portrush in 1951
300 - Faulkner received a cheque for £300 for winning
2014 - the year Rory McIlroy won the last of his four majors


2019 Open Preview & Picks

Royal Portrush Hole by Hole Guide


The oldest & most prestigious major, a trip to The Open is a must for every golf fan. From tickets and transfers to hospitality & golf, Golfbreaks.com can build the perfect package to help you experience The Open in style.


More Open Coverage


What do you think? post your thoughts and feedback on the Golfshake Forum: https://forum.golfshake.com/


Tags: The Open Royal Portrush Northern Ireland Ireland



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