Which country has produced the most Open Championship winners?

The United States has produced the most Open Championship winners. Through the 2025 championship, American golfers had collected 48 Open victories, more than any other country.

The United States’ rise came mainly during the 20th century. Walter Hagen became the first American-born winner in 1922, and American-based players won every Open held from 1923 through 1933. That era included three victories by amateur Bobby Jones and one by Gene Sarazen.

American success continued through stars such as Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods. Their wins helped make The Open a major sporting event for American audiences and encouraged more golfers from the United States to compete overseas.

Scotland and England have deep historical connections to the championship and have produced many celebrated winners, but neither leads the nationality table. Nationality counts can require care when a golfer was born in one country and represented another; the published championship lists use their own nationality classifications.