On October 17 in golf history — 1860: The first Open Championship is held, plus 4 more moments from 1860–2004.
The inaugural Open Championship was played at Prestwick in Scotland on October 17, 1860, with Willie Park Sr. winning over 36 holes to become golf's first champion.
Willie Park Sr.Willie Park Sr. defeated Old Tom Morris by two strokes to win the very first Open Championship at Prestwick, launching the world's oldest major championship.
Willie Park Sr.Ernie Els, the 'Big Easy' who won four major championships including two U.S. Opens and two Open Championships, was born on this day in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Ernie ElsBorn in 1969, Ernie Els emerged from South Africa's strong amateur ranks to become one of the most successful international players of his generation.
Ernie ElsIn the autumn of 2004 Vijay Singh ended Tiger Woods's long reign at World No. 1 during a remarkable season in which the Fijian won nine PGA Tour events.
Vijay Singh