The Open Championship is held every July on one of the UK's iconic links courses, and is one of golf's four "Majors". The oldest of the Majors, the Open offers a unique test of golfing skills, with high winds, exposed courses and the need for inventive shots - all of which help to make it one of the most entertaining spectacles in the golfing world.
The Open Championship: Some background
Ever since the first Open Championship teed off in October 1860, the Claret Jug is been one of sport's greatest prizes. Nowadays, it shares Major status with the three great American competitions, but has lost none of its appeal. The greatest players in the world still fly into Scotland or England in mid-July, hoping to capture the Jug, and over a hundred thousand fans line the fairways and greens, watching them battle it out.
The Open changes venue every year, within a set of elite links courses. This group includes some of the most famous courses in the world: Turnberry, Troon, St. Andrews, Royal Birkdale, Lytham St. Annes and Sandwich, to name a few. What they all have in common is a coastal location and sandy soil - two key ingredients that make the Open unique.
Linksland (as that kind of soil is known) tends to produce extremely entertaining golf, with big hitters being brought down to size by the wind and the need for a sharp, intelligent short game. To win the Open, players need to be patient and imaginative - and to deal with setbacks when they arrive. It all means that the Open Championship tickets provide a feast of golfing action.
Great moments in the history of the Open Championship
In 150 years of history, the Open has seen some incredible contests. The most famous of all was probably the "Duel in the Sun", when Tom Watson squared up to Jack Nicklaus in 1977, and managed to defeat the great man in an epic encounter.
2016 was almost as memorable, with Sweden's Henrik Stenson locked in battle with Phil Mickelson, almost until the very last hole. Then there was 1999 at Carnoustie, when France's Jean Van de Velde had a three stroke lead on the last tee - then took a triple bogey and lost to Paul Lawrie in a play-off.
There have also been some dominant performances, where players have been miles ahead of the pack. Tiger Woods (a three-time champion) won by eight shots in 2000 and Arnold Palmer won by six in 1962. However, it's usually a close run thing, which is why the Open Championship tickets are always worth the investment.
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