The Open Championship

The Open is the only one of Golf's four majors played outside of the United States. The event takes place every year on one of nine historic links courses in Scotland or England, and was first played on 17 October, 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, in Ayrshire, Scotland. There are nine courses being used on a rotation basis, with the Old Course at St Andrews used every five years.

The Open's prize money was consistently the least of the four majors but it has been growing year-on-year. A unique feature of the Open is its four-hole playoff format if there is a tie at the end of regulation, followed by sudden death if required.

Various medals and trophies are awarded, with the famous "Claret Cup" going to the winner.

This Year

The 2011 Open Championship will have a prize fund of £5 million, with £900,000 going to the winner, the most in its history. 156 professionals will compete, who gained qualification through exemptions, local qualifying or international qualifying tournaments.

The championship takes place over the customary four days, commencing on 11 July 2011.

Picking a winner is no easy task, but with his recent win in the US Open and the absence of Tiger Woods, it is little surprise that Northern Irishman, Rory McilRoy, starts as the outright favorite. Donald Wood, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer and Padraig Harrington are the the closest competition according to most bookies. As with most majors though, a bolter often wins. Head to Head betting often presents good value for punters.

Tom Morris holds both the record for oldest and youngest winner (46 years and 99 days, 17 years and 181 days respectively).

Scotland and the United States have both had 42 wins, followed by England with 27, Australia with 9 and South Africa with 9 wins. Harry Vardon still holds the record with six wins (since 1914).