The British Open

Welcome to the home of the British Open golf tournament - more properly called the Open Championship - on About.com. The British Open golf tournament is one of the four golf majors, and the oldest, dating back to the 1860s.

2013 Tournament
• When: July 18-21
• Where: Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland

Previous Opens at Muirfield
Here is the list of previous British Open played at Muirfield. Click on the year to read a recap and view the final scores:
1892 1896 1901 1906 1912 1929 1935 1948 1959 1966 1972 1980 1987 1992 2002

2012 British Open
Ernie Els won the Claret Jug after Adam Scott collapsed down the stretch at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Els played well throughout the final round, and a birdie on the 18th hole got him in the clubhouse at 7-under 273. Scott, who led for most of the final round by five or four strokes, went in the opposite direction. He bogied each the final four holes, dropping to second place, one stroke behind Els. It is Els' fourth win in a major championship. Recap/Scores

Final Leaders
Ernie Els, 273
Adam Scott, 274
Tiger Woods, 277
Brandt Snedeker, 277
Luke Donald, 278
Graeme McDowell, 278
Final Scores
Official Website
2013 British Open

Previous Opens at Royal Lytham & St. Annes
The 2012 British Open will be the 11th Open played at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Click on a year to view the scores and read a recap of the previous 10 tournaments:
1926 1952 1958 1963 1969 1974 1979 1988 1996 2001

Photo Tour of the Course
Check out this Royal Lytham & St. Annes photo gallery to view Holes 1 through 18.

2011 British Open Golf Tournament
Ten years since his last Top 10 finish in a major, 42-year-old Darren Clark claimed a 3-stroke victory, earning his first major championship win. Phil Mickelson surged early in the final round, tying the score at one point, but dropped back on the back nine. Dustin Johnson was in position after the 13th hole to challenge Clarke, but hit an approach on 14 out of bounds. Johnson and Mickelson tied for third. Recap/Scores

British Open Golf Tournament - Facts, Figures, Trivia

British Open Past Champions
The British Open dates back to 1860, and you can see every champion through the years on this list.
See also: British Open playoffs

British Open Records
Wondering about the oldest and youngest winners? The tournament scoring record? Browse through some of the British Open records.

British Open Golf Courses
What links have hosted the Open Championship? Here's the list of every golf course used as a site for the championship.

British Open FAQ
Who won the first British Open and when was it played? Why is the trophy called the Claret Jug? What is the cut rule? Who won the most Opens? These and many other questions are addressed and answered.

Take a British Open Quiz
How well do you know your British Open trivia? Try one of our Open Championship quizzes to test your knowledge. They're not easy, but if you don't the answers you'll wind up learning lots of new facts.

Poll: Aside from The Old Course, which links in the Open rota would you most want to play? (click your choice to cast vote)
1) Carnoustie
2) Muirfield
3) Royal Birkdale
4) Royal Liverpool
5) Royal Lytham & St. Annes
6) Royal St. George's
7) Royal Troon
8) Turnberry

Future Sites
• 2013: Muirfield
• 2014: Royal Liverpool
• 2015: The Old Course at St. Andrews

Futures dates/sites: 2013 British Open | 2014 British Open | 2015 British Open