The Open Championship is an annual golf tournament hosted by the R&A at some of the finest links courses in the world. While there isn’t an “official” Open Championship rota, since 1933, 10 courses have consistently hosted the prestigious tournament. These courses make up the Open Championship rota, and they have witnessed some of the most iconic moments in major championship history. Golf fans around the globe are familiar with these courses and eagerly anticipate the tournament each year.
One of the most well-known courses in the Open Championship rota is St. Andrews (Old Course) in Fife, Scotland. Having hosted 30 Open Championships, this course is steeped in history and tradition. In 2022, Cameron Smith claimed victory at St. Andrews and took home a first-place prize of $2,500,000. The course is also highly ranked on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, currently sitting at number 3.
Another famous course in the rota is Muirfield in East Lothian, Scotland. With 16 Open Championships hosted, this course has seen legends like Phil Mickelson claim victory. Muirfield is currently ranked 12th on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list and continues to attract top golfers from around the world. The prestige and history of Muirfield make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, England is another notable course in the Open Championship rota. With 15 championships hosted, the course has seen recent winners like Collin Morikawa in 2021. The first-place prize for the champion at Royal St. George’s was $2,070,000 in 2021, reflecting the tournament’s high stakes and elite competition. With a ranking of 33 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Royal St. George’s continues to be a challenging and captivating course for players and spectators alike.
Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England is a historic course that has hosted 13 Open Championships. The most recent winner at Royal Liverpool was Brian Harman in 2023, who took home a first-place prize of $3,000,000. Ranked 93 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Royal Liverpool offers a unique and challenging experience for players, making it a favorite among golfers and fans of the sport.
Royal Lytham and St. Annes in Lytham St. Annes, England, is another course with a rich history of hosting the Open Championship. With 11 championships under its belt, the course has seen winners like Ernie Els in 2012. The first-place prize for the champion at Royal Lytham and St. Annes was $900,000 in 2012, showcasing the tournament’s significant rewards. Ranked 74 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, this course continues to attract top talent and provide a challenging test for golfers.
Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, is a course that has hosted 10 Open Championships. With winners like Jordan Spieth in 2017, Royal Birkdale offers a unique and challenging experience for players. The first-place prize for the champion at Royal Birkdale was $1,845,000 in 2017, highlighting the tournament’s prestigious nature and high stakes. Ranked 42 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Royal Birkdale remains a favorite among golfers and fans alike.
Royal Troon (Old) in Troon, Scotland, has hosted nine Open Championships and has seen champions like Henrik Stenson in 2016. The first-place prize for the champion at Royal Troon was $1,175,000 in 2016, reflecting the tournament’s significant rewards and elite competition. Ranked 66 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Royal Troon continues to provide a challenging and captivating experience for players and spectators.
Carnoustie in Carnoustie, Scotland, has hosted eight Open Championships and has seen champions like Francesco Molinari in 2018. The first-place prize for the champion at Carnoustie was $1,890,000 in 2018, showcasing the tournament’s high stakes and prestigious nature. Ranked 40 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Carnoustie remains a challenging and captivating course for players of all skill levels.
Turnberry (Ailsa) in Turnberry, Scotland, has hosted four Open Championships and has seen champions like Stewart Cink in 2009. The first-place prize for the champion at Turnberry was $1,221,000 in 2009, reflecting the tournament’s significant rewards and elite competition. Ranked 18 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Turnberry continues to provide a challenging and captivating experience for players and spectators.
Royal Portrush in Portrush, Northern Ireland, has hosted two Open Championships and has seen champions like Shane Lowry in 2019. The first-place prize for the champion at Royal Portrush was $1,935,000 in 2019, showcasing the tournament’s high stakes and prestigious nature. Ranked 16 on GOLF’s Top 100 in the World list, Royal Portrush remains a favorite among golfers and fans, offering a challenging and captivating experience for players of all levels.
