Why Was the British Open Started?

By Teresa Justine Kelly

The British Open, or "The Open" as it is commonly known, originated to determine the most outstanding golfer in Great Britain.

Identification

The first Open championship was restricted to professional golfers only. These professionals also worked as greenskeepers, club makers and caddies to supplement their meager winnings from golf tournaments.

Time Frame

The first Open Championship was played on Oct. 17, 1860, at the Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Types

Eight professional golfers played three rounds of golf in one single day on Prestwick's 12-hole golf course.

Significance

The prize for the tournament was the Challenge Belt, made of red leather and a huge silver buckle. No money was included in the prize. The winner of The Open was allowed to keep the belt for a year.

History

The first Open Championship was won by Willie Park, who beat out Tom Morris by two strokes with a score of 174. The following year, The Open allowed amateurs to compete for the coveted prize.

Size

The Open grew in size by the turn of the 20th century, expanding to 72 holes and attracting players from Scotland and England.

About The Author

Teresa Kelly graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She was an editor for seven years for several magazines and publishing houses. Kelly is an avid golfer, a well-known children's book and golf author, and is currently the president of Highview Press/Golfing Lady that produces all occasion golf greeting cards.

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