The British Open, often referred to as The Open Championship, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Over the last 20-30 years, it has provided some of the most memorable moments in golfing history. In 1995, John Daly claimed victory at St Andrews in a dramatic playoff against Costantino Rocca. Five years later, in 2000, Tiger Woods delivered a historic performance at the same venue, securing his first British Open title and completing his career Grand Slam. Phil Mickelson’s win in 2013 at Muirfield remains another standout, as he staged a stunning final-round comeback to capture his first British Open title. Henrik Stenson’s 2016 win at Royal Troon is remembered as one of the best performances in Open history, as he set a record score of 264 while fending off an intense challenge from Mickelson.

Some of the best players in modern golf have triumphed at The Open in recent decades. Tiger Woods stands out with three titles (2000, 2005, 2006), solidifying his status as one of the tournament’s greatest champions. Ernie Els, with two victories in 2002 and 2012, is another key figure from this era. Rory McIlroy, one of the brightest stars of the sport, won in 2014 and continues to be a favourite for future titles. Henrik Stenson’s unforgettable duel with Mickelson in 2016 remains etched in history as one of the most exciting finishes ever. In 2023, Brian Harman secured his first major championship at Royal Liverpool, marking a new chapter in the tournament’s long history of dramatic finishes.

Although the Open is an individual competition, certain nationalities have consistently performed well over the years. Players from the United States, including Woods, Mickelson, and Harman, have captured numerous titles, while Europe has seen its share of champions as well. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, Henrik Stenson from Sweden, and Padraig Harrington from Ireland have all lifted the Claret Jug in recent decades, showcasing the global nature of this competition.