The Open Championship is the oldest of golf's four what?

The Open Championship is the oldest of golf’s four major championships. It is also commonly called The Open, or the British Open outside the United Kingdom.

The tournament began in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. It was initially a competition for professional golfers, although the modern event includes a limited number of top amateurs. The other three men’s majors are the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.

The Open is played on links courses in the United Kingdom and is traditionally the final major of the calendar year. Its rotating venue schedule includes historic courses such as St Andrews, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Troon and Royal Liverpool.

A common mix-up is calling The Open a “major tournament.” That phrase is understandable, but “major championship” is the standard golfing term. The winner is officially titled the Champion Golfer of the Year and receives the Claret Jug.