1860 British Open: The First Major
The 1860 British Open is one of the most significant golf tournaments ever played, because it was the very first of what we now call the major championships. In fact, it was the first time any of the professional golf tournaments that exist today was played.
Winner: Willie Park Sr., 174
Where it was played: Prestwick Golf Club, Ayrshire, Scotland
Tournament dates: Oct. 17, 1860
Leader after first round: Willie Park Sr., 55
Leader after second round: Willie Park Sr., 114
Notable Notes: Only eight golfers entered, all of them professionals. Willie Park Sr. finished first, two strokes in front of Old Tom Morris. The 1860 Open was played at Prestwick, a 12-hole golf course. The golfers played three rounds, 36 holes total, in one day.
The Claret Jug did not yet exist; the winner received the Challenge Belt. There was no prize money at this first Open.
Final Scores
| Willie Park Sr. | 55-59-60—174 |
| Tom Morris Sr. | 58-59-59—176 |
| Andrew Strath | 180 |
| Robert Andrew | 191 |
| George Brown | 192 |
| Charlie Hunter | 195 |
| Alexander Smith | 196 |
| William Steel | 232 |