British Open Golf

The history of the Open Championship dates back to 1860 when Prestwick Golf Club staged an event for leading professionals. Eight players turned up and completed three rounds of the 12-hole course. The following year, in an effort to increase the entry, the event was thrown open to all the world, professionals and amateurs alike. The original winner's trophy was a wide red leather belt heavily decorated with silver. Under the first rules of the competition it became the property of 'young' Tom Morris when he won the title three times in a row. No championship was held in 1871, but resumed the following year when Prestwick, the Royal and Ancient and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers combined to provide the claret jug trophy that is still awarded to the champion golfer every year.

Destination: Southport - "England's Golfing Capital"