Who is the youngest ever winner of The Open?

Young Tom Morris is the youngest ever winner of The Open. He was 17 when he won the 1868 championship at Prestwick Golf Club, a record that remains unmatched in the history of golf’s oldest major championship.

Born Thomas Morris in St Andrews, he was the son of Old Tom Morris, one of the central figures in early professional golf. Young Tom defeated his father by three strokes in 1868, an extraordinary family result in a tournament that had only been established in 1860. He went on to win again in 1869, 1870 and 1872; there was no Open in 1871.

His four consecutive titles were achieved by the age of 21. Young Tom’s early victories came before the modern Claret Jug was introduced: he won the original Challenge Belt, while his 1872 victory made him the first champion whose name was engraved on the Claret Jug. Bobby Jones and later major winners were outstanding young champions, but none won The Open at a younger age.