The Open Golf Tournament: The Met Gala of Golf
The Open Golf Tournament (Twitter)
The Open Championship, often simply called "The Open," is the oldest golf tournament in the world. It is like the Beyoncé of golf tournaments—iconic, legendary, and always setting the standard. Held annually in the UK, it’s one of the four major championships in professional golf and arguably the most revered. Imagine if Wimbledon, the Oscars, and the Super Bowl had a British cousin who was really into plaid—that's The Open.
The Open was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. Back then, there were just eight players, fewer people than you'd find in line for the latest iPhone. Willie Park Sr. won the inaugural tournament, probably securing his spot as the OG influencer of golf.
Bobby Jones, 1927 (Topical Press Agency)
Through the years, The Open has seen a parade of legendary winners, from the dapper Bobby Jones in the 1920s—think the Jay Gatsby of golf—to modern-day dominators like Tiger Woods, who’s like the Michael Jordan of golf with a dash of LeBron James’ comeback vibes.
Players to Watch
Rory McIlroy – The Harry Styles of Golf
Rory Mcllroy (Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy is like Harry Styles with a golf club – charming, talented, and always bringing a bit of flair to the course. He's a fan favorite with his boyish good looks and easy-going personality. Rory’s already won The Open once, in 2014, and he’s always in the mix to do it again. Like Harry’s post-One Direction solo career, Rory’s got that star power that makes you want to tune in.
Jordan Spieth – The Taylor Swift of the Fairways
Jordan Spieth (Getty Images)
Jordan Spieth burst onto the scene like Taylor Swift at a country music awards show – young, talented, and ready to take over the world. Spieth won The Open in 2017, showcasing nerves of steel and undeniable talent. Much like Taylor’s knack for storytelling through music, Spieth has a way of making every shot feel like part of an epic narrative.
Brooks Koepka – The Rock of Golf
Brooks Koepka (Golf Digest)
Brooks Koepka is the Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson of golf – built like a tank and seemingly unstoppable. With multiple significant championships, Koepka’s presence at The Open is always a big deal. He brings an intense focus akin to The Rock’s relentless and impressive workout regimen.
Collin Morikawa – The Zendaya of the Greens
Collin Morikawa (Golf)
Collin Morikawa is the fresh-faced phenom taking the golf world by storm, much like Zendaya does in Hollywood. With a calm demeanor and a talent that belies his years, Morikawa won The Open in 2021, making everyone sit up and take notice. His precision and poise on the course are as mesmerizing as Zendaya’s red carpet looks.
Why Watch The Open?
Watching The Open is like tuning into a blockbuster movie premiere—drama, skill, and a rich history add layers to every moment. The courses are rugged and stunning, often set against the backdrop of the UK’s breathtaking landscapes—like a Game of Thrones episode but with less fighting and more plaid pants.
So, grab some popcorn, a scone, and a cup of tea to get into the British spirit and tune into The Open, which starts July 18!