Editing The Open Championship (section)

===Overview===
A total of 14 courses have hosted the Open, with ten currently active as part of the rotation, and four have been retired from the rotation (shown in '''''italics'''''). The year the golf course was originally built is shown in parentheses.

'''''[[Prestwick Golf Club]] (1851)''''':<ref name="Prestwick">{{Cite web|url=https://www.prestwickgc.co.uk/history/the-club/|title=Prestwick Golf Club|website=PrestwickGC|access-date=10 January 2019|archive-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121339/https://www.prestwickgc.co.uk/history/the-club/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prestwick is The Open's original venue, and hosted 24 Opens in all, including the first 12.<ref name="List of Winners/Venues"/> [[Old Tom Morris]] designed the original 12 hole course,<ref name="Prestwick"/> but it was subsequently redesigned and expanded to be an 18-hole course in 1882.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theopen.com/Heritage/OpenVenues/Prestwick |title=A short history of Prestwick |website=The Open |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623005032/https://www.theopen.com/Heritage/OpenVenues/Prestwick |url-status=live }}</ref> Serious overcrowding problems at Prestwick in 1925 meant that the course was never again used for the Open, and was replaced by [[Carnoustie Golf Links]] as the third Scottish course.<ref name="Open - 1925"/><ref name="Open - 1931"/>

'''[[Old Course at St Andrews]] (1552)''':<ref name="Scot GC Age">{{cite web |url=http://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/oldest-golf-courses/ |title=Scottish Golf History – Oldest Golf Sites |access-date=19 February 2013 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308041305/https://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/oldest-golf-courses/ |url-status=live }}</ref> considered the oldest golf course in the world, and referred to as "the home of golf".<ref>{{cite news |title=St. Andrews, Scotland: See the place where golf was born and Will and Kate fell in love |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2019/10/24/st-andrews-scotland-where-golf-born-will-and-kate-fell-love/4067547002/ |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=USA Today |quote=Tiny St. Andrews has a huge reputation, known around the world as the birthplace and royal seat of golf. The chance to play on the world's oldest course – or at least take in the iconic view of its 18th hole – keeps the town perennially popular among golfing pilgrims |archive-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630135829/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2019/10/24/st-andrews-scotland-where-golf-born-will-and-kate-fell-love/4067547002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1764, the Society of St Andrews Golfers reduced the course from 22 to 18 holes and created what became the standard round of golf throughout the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=St Andrews Old |url=https://www.golfscotland.com/courses/7/st-andrews-old |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Golf Scotland |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107090132/https://www.golfscotland.com/courses/7/st-andrews-old |url-status=live }}</ref> Famous features include the "Hell Bunker" (14th) and the Road Hole (17th).<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sbnation.com/golf/2015/7/15/8969361/st-andrews-old-course-guide-history-2015-british-open |title=Why a British Open at St. Andrews is the best event in golf |last=Reaske |first=Trevor |date=15 July 2015 |work=SBNation |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110235144/https://www.sbnation.com/golf/2015/7/15/8969361/st-andrews-old-course-guide-history-2015-british-open |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to its special status St Andrews usually hosts the Open every five years in the modern era.<ref name="List of Winners/Venues"/> It is designed to be played in wind, so can result in low scores in benign conditions.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jul/15/rory-mcilroy-open-st-andrews |title=The Open 2010: Rory McIlroy equals lowest major round at St Andrews |date=15 July 2010 |work=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630135830/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jul/15/rory-mcilroy-open-st-andrews |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''''[[Musselburgh Links]] (c. 1672)''''':<ref name="Scot GC Age"/> a 9-hole course that hosted six Opens as it was used by the [[Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers]], one of the organisers of The Open between 1872 and 1920. When the Honourable Company built their own course in 1891 ([[Muirfield]]), it took over hosting duties.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/oldest-golf-sites/1567-musselburgh-and-seton-house/ |title=1672 Musselburgh – The Lawyer Golfer |publisher=Scottish Golf History |access-date=10 January 2010 |archive-date=21 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821150155/http://www.scottishgolfhistory.org/oldest-golf-sites/1567-musselburgh-and-seton-house/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Musselburgh was unhappy with this and organised [[1892 Open Championship#Musselburgh Open|another rival 'Open]]' competition prior to the Muirfield event, one with greater prize money.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mocgc.co.uk/musselburgh-opens.html |title=The Musselburgh Opens |website=MOCGC |access-date=17 January 2019 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126152403/http://www.mocgc.co.uk/musselburgh-opens.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''[[Muirfield]] (1891)''': built by the [[Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers]] to replace Musselburgh on the rota. Known for the circular arrangement the course has, which means the wind direction on each hole changes, and can make it tricky to navigate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theopen.com/Heritage/OpenVenues/Muirfield |title=A short history of Muirfield |website=The Open |access-date=10 January 2010 |archive-date=5 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905104841/http://www.theopen.com/Heritage/OpenVenues/Muirfield |url-status=live }}</ref> Briefly removed from the rota in 2016–17 due to not having any female members.<ref name="BBC May 2016">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/36331270 |title=Muirfield to lose right to host Open after vote against allowing women members |work=BBC Sport |date=19 May 2016 |access-date=19 May 2016 |archive-date=19 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519112910/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/36331270 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CWJAAAAAIBAJ&pg=1339%2C1888903 |work=Glasgow Herald |date=19 January 1957 |page=9 |title=Change of courses for important events – "Open" switched to St. Andrews |access-date=27 September 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412033310/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CWJAAAAAIBAJ&pg=1339,1888903 |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''[[Royal St George's Golf Club]] (1887)''':<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/courses/top-100-courses/royal-st-georges-golf-club-course-review-60448 |title=Royal St George's Golf Club Course Review |magazine=Golf Monthly |access-date=10 January 2010 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018081402/http://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/courses/top-100-courses/royal-st-georges-golf-club-course-review-60448 |url-status=live }}</ref> often simply referred to as Sandwich. The first venue to host in [[England]], and the only venue on the current rota in [[Southern England]]. It went 32 years without hosting between 1949 and 1981, but returned following the rebuilding of three holes, tee changes to another two holes, and improved road links.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/news-and-events/events/the-open-2011/history-of-royal-st-georges/ |magazine=Today's Golfer |title=History of Royal St George's |date=23 June 2011 |access-date=6 January 2019 |archive-date=6 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153505/https://www.todaysgolfer.co.uk/news-and-events/events/the-open-2011/history-of-royal-st-georges/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Known for having the deepest bunker on the rota (4th hole).<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/features/the-game/golfs-famous-bunkers-138982 |title=7 of Golf's Most Famous Bunkers |magazine=Golf Monthly |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110234858/https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/features/the-game/golfs-famous-bunkers-138982 |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''[[Royal Liverpool Golf Club]] (1869)''':<ref name="R.Liv">{{Cite web |url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-liverpool |title=Royal Liverpool – Cheshire – England |website=top100golfcourses |access-date=10 January 2010 |archive-date=10 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710015532/http://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-liverpool |url-status=live }}</ref> often simply referred to as Hoylake. Royal Liverpool went 39 years without hosting between 1967 and 2006,<ref name="List of Winners/Venues" /> but returned following changes to tees, bunkers, and greens.<ref name="R.Liv"/> In 2006, Tiger Woods won by using his driver just once.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/2006-british-open-woods-leaves-wood-in-bag-1565039 |title=2006 British Open: Woods Leaves Wood in the Bag |website=ThoughtCo |access-date=10 January 2010 |archive-date=14 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014181351/https://www.thoughtco.com/2006-british-open-woods-leaves-wood-in-bag-1565039 |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''''[[Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club]] (1892)''''':<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-cinque-ports |title=Royal Cinque Ports – Kent – England |website=top100golfcourses |access-date=10 January 2010 |archive-date=25 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325174120/http://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-cinque-ports |url-status=live }}</ref> hosted the 1909 and 1920 Opens, and was scheduled to host in 1938 and 1949 but both had to be moved to [[Royal St George's Golf Club]] due to abnormally high tides flooding the course. It was removed from the rota but is still used for qualifying.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.royalcinqueports.com/open_rota |title=Royal Cinque Ports and The Open Rota |publisher=Royal Cinque Ports |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=2 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502165650/https://www.royalcinqueports.com/open_rota |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper = The Times |date=14 April 1915 |page=16 |title=The Golf Championship – Official announcement}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |date=14 February 1938 |page=12 |title=Gales and snow – Damage on east coast – Widespread flooding}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |date=12 February 1938 |page=4 |title=Golf – The Open and Amateur Championships – New Conditions}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |date=24 May 1949 |page=6 |title=Open Golf Championship at Sandwich}}</ref>

'''[[Royal Troon Golf Club]] (1878)''':<ref name="Troon">{{Cite web |url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-troon-old |title=Royal Troon (Old) – Ayrshire & Arran – Scotland |website=top100golfcourses |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111055003/https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-troon-old |url-status=live }}</ref> first used in 1923 instead of Muirfield when "some doubts exists as to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers being desirous of their course being used for the event".<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |date=22 May 1922 |page=22 |title=The Championships}}</ref> Redesigned, lengthened, and strengthened by [[James Braid (golfer)|James Braid]] shortly before it held its first Open. Famous features include the "Postage Stamp" 8th hole, and the 601 yards 6th.<ref name="Troon"/>

'''[[Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club]] (1886)''':<ref name="Lytham">{{Cite web |url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-lytham-st-annes |title=Royal Lytham & St Annes – Lancashire – England |website=top100golfcourses |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111054943/https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-lytham-st-annes |url-status=live }}</ref> a relatively short course, but has 167 bunkers which demand accuracy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://golfweek.com/2018/08/01/intimidating-bunkers-still-an-effective-defense-at-royal-lytham/ |title=Intimidating bunkers still an effective defense at Royal Lytham |magazine=Golfweek |date=1 August 2018 |first=Beth Ann |last=Nichols |access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> Slightly inland as some coastal homes have been built since the course first opened.<ref name="Lytham"/>

'''[[Carnoustie Golf Links]] (1835)''':'''<ref name="Scot GC Age" />''' replaced Prestwick after it was no longer suitable for the Open.<ref name="Open - 1931"/> It went through modifications prior to the 1999 Open. Thought of as being the toughest of the Open venues, especially the last three holes, and is well remembered for [[Jean van de Velde (golfer)|Jean van de Velde]] triple bogeying on the 18th when he only needed a double bogey to win.<ref name="Open - 1999"/> 
[[File:Turnberry Lighthouse (29972057257).jpg|thumb|Turnberry Lighthouse at sunset surrounded by the golf course]]
'''''[[Prince's Golf Club]] (1906)''''': only hosted once in 1932. Has been redesigned in 1950 due to war damage.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theopen.com/Heritage/OpenVenues/Princes |title=A short history of Prince's |website=The Open |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110235013/https://www.theopen.com/Heritage/OpenVenues/Princes |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''[[Royal Portrush Golf Club]] (1888)''':<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-portrush-dunluce|title=Royal Portrush (Dunluce) – Antrim – Northern Ireland|website=top100golfcourses|access-date=10 January 2019|archive-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111054910/https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-portrush-dunluce|url-status=live}}</ref> the only venue to host the Open outside England and Scotland when it hosted in 1951. With the [[The Troubles|Troubles]] in Northern Ireland significantly diminished since the [[Good Friday Agreement|1998 Good Friday Agreement]], and after the successful hosting of the [[Irish Open (golf)|Irish Open]] it returned as host in 2019. The course underwent significant changes before the 2019 Open, including replacing the 17th and 18th holes, which also provided the space for spectators and corporate hospitality that a modern major requires.<ref name="Royal Portrush 2019"/>

'''[[Royal Birkdale Golf Club]] (1894)''': extensively redesigned by Fred Hawtree and [[JH Taylor]] to create the current layout in 1922, it is known for its sand dunes towering the fairways. Often ranked as England's best Open venue.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-birkdale |title=Royal Birkdale – Lancashire – England |website=top100golfcourses |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630140342/https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/royal-birkdale |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Times |date=21 January 1939 |page=4 |title=Golf Championships for 1940}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hT1AAAAAIBAJ&pg=4232%2C417216 |work=Glasgow Herald |title=Condition of course in Locke's favor |date=5 July 1954 |page=4 |access-date=27 September 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412033312/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hT1AAAAAIBAJ&pg=4232,417216 |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''[[Turnberry (golf course)|Turnberry]] (1906)''': made its Open debut in 1977, when [[Tom Watson (golfer)|Tom Watson]] and [[Jack Nicklaus]] famously played the [[1977 Open Championship|Duel in the Sun]]. Known to be one of the most picturesque Open venues, it was bought by [[Donald Trump]] in 2014, who has spent substantial amounts renovating the course.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/trump-turnberry-ailsa |title=Trump Turnberry (Ailsa) – Ayrshire & Arran – Scotland |website=top100golfcourses |access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> On 11 January 2021, in the aftermath of the [[2021 United States Capitol attack]] the week prior, the R&A announced that it will not stage a championship at Turnberry "in the foreseeable future".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Choma |first1=Russ |title=Pro golf finally cancels Donald Trump |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/01/pro-golf-finally-cancels-donald-trump/ |magazine=Mother Jones |date=11 January 2021 |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111214841/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/01/pro-golf-finally-cancels-donald-trump/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Turnberry Statement |url=https://www.randa.org/News/2021/01/Turnberry-Statement |publisher=The R&A |date=11 January 2021 |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111143005/https://www.randa.org/News/2021/01/Turnberry-Statement |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{OSM Location map
| coord ={{coord|53.75|-3}}
| mark-size1=6
| zoom = 5
| float = right
| height = 250
| width = 250
| caption = Open Championship venues which are currently part of the rotation
| scalemark = 0

| label1 = Carnoustie
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|56.497|-2.717}}
| mark1 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image1 = 
| label-pos1 = right
| label-color1 = black
| label-size1 = 10
| mark-title1 = [[Carnoustie Golf Links|Carnoustie]]

| label2 = St Andrews
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|56.343|-2.803}}
| mark2 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image2 = 
| label-pos2 = left
| mark-title2 = [[Old Course at St Andrews|St Andrews]]

| label3 = Muirfield
| mark-coord3 = {{coord|56.042 |-2.821}} 
| mark3 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image3 = 
| label-pos3 = right
| mark-title3 = [[Muirfield]]

| label5 = Royal Troon
| mark-coord5 = {{coord|55.532 |-4.65}} 
| mark5 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image5 = 
| label-pos5 = top
| mark-title5 = [[Royal Troon Golf Club|Royal Troon]]

| label6 = Royal Birkdale
| mark-coord6 = {{coord|53.622 |-3.033}} 
| mark6 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image6 = 
| label-pos6 = left
| mark-title6 = [[Royal Birkdale Golf Club|Royal Birkdale]]

| label7 = Royal Liverpool (Hoylake)
| mark-coord7 = {{coord|53.385 |-3.190}} 
| mark7 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image7 = 
| label-pos7 = bottom
| mark-title7 = [[Royal Liverpool Golf Club|Royal Liverpool (Hoylake)]]

| label8 = Royal St George's
| mark-coord8 = {{coord|51.274 |1.367}} 
| mark8 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image8 = 
| label-pos8 = left
| mark-title8 = [[Royal St George's Golf Club|Royal St George's]]

| label9 = Royal Lytham
| mark-coord9 = {{coord|53.7497 |-3.0169}} 
| mark9 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image9 = 
| label-pos9 = top
| mark-title9 = [[Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club|Royal Lytham]]

| label4 = Royal Portrush
| mark-coord4 = {{coord|55.200 | -6.635}} 
| mark4 = Blue_pog.svg
| mark-image4 = 
| label-pos4 = top
| mark-title4 = [[Royal Portrush Golf Club|Royal Portrush]]
}}
{{OSM Location map
| coord ={{coord|53.75|-3}}
| mark-size1=6
| zoom = 5
| float = right
| height = 250
| width = 250
| caption = Former Open Championship venues which are no longer part of the rotation
| scalemark = 0

| label1 = Prestwick
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|55.502 |-4.619}}
| mark1 = Red_pog.svg
| mark-image1 = 
| label-pos1 = left
| label-color1 = black
| label-size1 = 10
| mark-title1 = [[Prestwick Golf Club|Prestwick]]

| label2 = Prince's
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|51.2911 |1.3729}}
| mark2 = Red_pog.svg
| mark-image2 = 
| label-pos2 = top
| mark-title2 = [[Prince's Golf Club|Prince's]]

| label3 = Musselburgh
| mark-coord3 = {{coord|55.946667 |-3.036389}} 
| mark3 = Red_pog.svg
| mark-image3 = 
| label-pos3 = right
| mark-title3 = [[Musselburgh Links|Musselburgh]]

| label4 = Royal Cinque Ports
| mark-coord4 = {{coord|51.2395 |1.3965}} 
| mark4 = Red_pog.svg
| mark-image4 = 
| label-pos4 = left
| mark-title4 = [[Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club|Royal Cinque Ports]]

| label5 = Turnberry
| mark-coord5 = {{coord|55.316 |-4.833}} 
| mark5 = Red_pog.svg
| mark-image5 = 
| label-pos5 = bottom
| mark-title5 = [[Turnberry (golf course)|Turnberry]]
}}