You’ve heard the term whispered with reverence by broadcasters and fellow golfers, seen the pros battling unpredictable weather for iconic trophies, and wondered what makes The Open so different from any other tournament. The name itself suggests accessibility, a chance for anyone, yet it represents the absolute peak of the sport. This guide cuts through the confusion to explain exactly what an Open tournament is in golf, why these events are the stuff of legends, and what makes them such a compelling part of the game.
At its core, the term "Open" means the tournament is open to all golfers, professional and amateur, who meet the qualifying criteria. It’s a come-one, come-all declaration, provided you have the game to earn your spot. This sits in direct contrast to "invitational" tournaments, where the field is composed mainly of players who are specifically invited to play based on a set of criteria, like past wins or world ranking. The most famous invitational, of course, is The Masters.
This "open" format is the heartbeat of these championships. It’s the ultimate meritocracy in golf. It doesn't matter who you are, who sponsors you, or what tour you play on. If you can pass the grueling test of qualifying, you can tee it up alongside the legends of the game. This creates the potential for incredible underdog stories - the local club pro who qualifies and plays with a childhood hero, or the college amateur who finds themselves in contention on a Sunday afternoon. It's a reminder that at its heart, golf is a game played on the course, not on paper.
Here’s where a little confusion can creep in. When golfers talk about "The Open," they are typically referring to one of two major championships. While there are many national opens around the world, these two are the undisputed titans that every professional golfer dreams of winning.
When someone in Europe says "The Open," they mean this one. Officially called The Open Championship, it is the oldest golf tournament in history, first played in 1860 on the west coast of Scotland. It is administered by The R&A, one of golf's governing bodies.
The winner is not just a champion, they are crowned the "Champion Golfer of the Year." This title is a nod to its incredible history and status as the original championship. Winning The Open means etching your name onto a timeline that includes giants of the game like Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
First presented in 1873, the Golf Champion Trophy, universally known as the Claret Jug, is arguably the most recognizable and coveted prize in the sport. Lifting this silver jug is a moment that defines a golfer’s career.
The Open is always played on a links course, a specific type of coastal, sandy course where the game of golf was born. These courses present a unique test unlike any other:
Unlike The Masters, which is played at Augusta National every year, The Open Championship works on a "rota," or rotation, of select links courses throughout the United Kingdom. These include sacred grounds like the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland, Royal St. George's in England, and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
When an American says "The Open," they are almost certainly referring to the U.S. Open. As America's national championship, it has been run by the United States Golf Association (USGA) since 1895 and has cultivated a reputation for being the most difficult and demanding examination in golf.
The USGA's philosophy for the U.S. Open can be summarized as a test of everything. They are known for preparing host courses with fiery-fast greens, narrow fairways lined with punishingly thick, deep rough, and a course length that challenges even the longest hitters. It is not just a test of ball-striking, it’s a severe test of mental fortitude, patience, and resolve. Par is an exceptional score, and survival is often the main goal.
While all Opens have qualifying, the U.S. Open embodies the spirit perhaps more visibly than any other major. Every year, about half of the 156-player field earns their spot through qualifying. Thousands of amateurs and professionals enter, hoping to navigate two stages: a one-day, 18-hole local qualifier, followed by "Golf's Longest Day" - a one-day, 36-hole final qualifier where a small handful of players emerge from a large field to punch their ticket to the championship. It's a brutal, beautiful process.
The U.S. Open rotates among many of America’s most revered and historic courses. Places like Pebble Beach, Winged Foot, Shinnecock Hills, and Oakmont Country Club have hosted some of the most memorable and dramatic championships in golf history.
The spirit of Open competition is just as fierce in the women's game. Two of the five majors in women's professional golf are Opens, holding the same level of prestige for female players. The U.S. Women's Open, also run by the USGA, is the oldest and most prestigious major in women's golf, mirroring the U.S. Open with its tough course setups and qualifying process. Likewise, the AIG Women's Open is the UK's counterpart, played on Britain's legendary links courses and holding the distinction of being the most international major.
This is where the magic of "Open" really hits home. The path is extraordinarily difficult, but it exists. If you are an amateur golfer with an exceptional game, you can attempt to qualify. Here's a simplified look at what it takes:
First, you must have an official Handicap Index that meets the tournament's requirement. For the 2023 U.S. Open, the maximum index for male amateur entrants was 1.4. For The Open Championship, it's typically even lower, around 0.4 or scratch. This places you in the elite-tier of amateur players.
Held at over 100 locations across the U.S., local qualifying is a one-day, 18-hole knockout event. A small number of players from each site (typically 5-7%) advance. You have one round to post a low number, with no room for error.
If you make it through local, you move on to what's famously called "Golf's Longest Day." Final qualifiers are 36-hole events held at a handful of sites in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. You compete against a field that includes touring professionals not otherwise exempt. An incredibly small number of golfers advance from here. It is a true war of attrition.
Emerge from Final Qualifying, and you have done it. You have earned a spot in a major championship field. The journey is part of the story, and it gives fans an even greater appreciation for every player in the field.
So why are these tournaments must-watch television every year? Because they push players to their absolute limits and expose the truest nature of their game and character.
An "Open" competition is far more than just another tournament, it celebrates the core spirit of golf, where skill, heart, and determination grant you a shot at a place in history. It puts every facet of a player’s game under the microscope, crowning a champion who has truly proven themselves against the best players and the toughest conditions.
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