The Open Championship is the oldest of the four golf major championship tournaments, and is often referred to as the British Open outside of the United Kingdom. Unlike The Masters, which is held at Augusta National Golf Club every year, The Open Championship is held at a different course each year. This is similar to the other two majors which are the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open. The winner receives 750,000 British pounds in prize money (approx $1.5 million) and the Claret Jug. http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i9pMnRyBJeMQVSCQNmL6koM5A7Ow

Stewart Cink won the 2009 event, defeating Tom Watson in a four-hole playoff. Tiger Woods failed to make the cut, finishing with a plus-five score.

First played in 1860 at the Prestwick Golf Club, the tournament has grown over the following decades. The first tournament was only open to just eight professional golfers, with no cash prize. Becoming a regular tournament on the PGA Tour schedule in 1995, the modern Open hosts more than 150 golfers competing for a prize purse worth more than $8.5 million. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Open_Championship

The 2009 British Open was played at Turnberry and was won by Stewart Cink from the United States. His total score for the four rounds was 278 and his best single round score was 66.http://www.opengolf.com/en/History/PreviousOpens.aspx?eventid=2009055&view=

In 2008, the tournament was held at Birkdale. Padraig Harrington of Ireland was the winner for the second time in a row with a best round of 68. His total score was 283; four shots ahead of runner-up Ian Poulter. Padraig pulled out of practice before the tournament started due to an issue with his right wrist and almost didn't play.http://www.opengolf.com/en/History/PreviousOpens.aspx?venue=Turnberry¤tyear=2009&view=year&eventid=2008060

Carnoustie was the course chosen for the 2007 British Open. Padraig Harrington had the first of his two win streak on this course with a best round of 67 and a total score of 277. He tied with Sergio Garcia and faced him in a playoff. It was a first time an Irishman has one the Open since 1947.http://www.opengolf.com/en/History/PreviousOpens.aspx?venue=Royal+Birkdale¤tyear=2008&view=year&eventid=2007060http://www.opengolf.com/en/History/PreviousOpens.aspx?selecteditem=843f97cf-8a28-4b4f-b7c3-a35c5159a0ed&eventid=2007060&view=year

Ticket prices for championship days start at £60 per day. Practice days are available for less, but you can also buy full packages that cost right up to £600. Note that many of the expensive packages for the 2010 tournament are already sold out.http://tickets.randa.org/

1. Harry Vardon, 6 wins
2. Tom Watson, 5 wins
3. Peter Thomson, 5 wins
4. Walter Hagen, 4 wins
5. Tiger Woods, 3 wins
6. Nick Faldo, 3 wins
7. Lee Trevino, 2 wins
8. Jack Nicklaus, 2 wins
9. Padraig Harrington, 2 wins