St. Andrews - The 2015 British Golf Open

This year, the 144th British Golf Open begins on the Thursday 16th July and concludes on Sunday 19th July. It returns to the iconic St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. The 2014 winner of the Claret Jug was Rory McIlroy, 2015 is down to who can hold their own and sink their puts. Originally before the Claret Jug was created, the winner of the open won a Championship Belt but as Tom Morris won the event 3 times in a row, he was allowed  to keep it. He is the first name on the claret jug when it was created way back in 1873.

Did you know that other golf awards are awarded?

Not only does the winner get wins the Claret Jug (Golf Champion Trophy) but they also receive a gold medal. More recently in the common day era, a silver medal is awarded to the leading amateur who completes the final round. More recently, all amateurs who complete the final round receive a bronze medal.

How times have changed since its beginning where winners would win nothing. Prize money only became part of the British Open at the 5th Championship and was a staggering £6 back in 1864. Since then, the prize money increased to £100 by 1930, £1,000 by 1955, £10,000 by 1977, £100,000 by 1993, £250,000 by 1997, £500,000 by 2000, £750,000 by 2007 and this year, the winner receives £975,000

Past winners include Tiger Woods (3 times), Nick Faldo (3 times), Greg Norman (twice), Rory McIlroy, Seve Ballesteros (3 times) are to name a few but none have acheived more than the 'old timers'. Harry Vardon won the open 6 times, oldest winner (old) Tom Morris, youngest winner (young) Tom Morris, all pre 1914. 

Will records be broken? Will Jordan Spieth win his 3rd major of the year, a record in itself. Will anyone get a hole in one? Who will have the longest drive and get nearest to the pin?

Tune in to find out.