Winners of the Open at Carnoustie

Carnoustie Golf Course, located on the east coast of Scotland, is renowned for its challenging layout and rich history. Often regarded as one of the toughest courses in the world, it has hosted the Open Championship multiple times, showcasing its status in the golfing community.The links course features a varied landscape, with strategically placed bunkers, undulating greens, and unpredictable coastal winds, making every round a unique challenge. The infamous 18th hole, known for its daunting difficulty, has been the scene of many dramatic moments in golf history.Playing at Carnoustie offers not just an opportunity to test your skills against one of the most challenging courses but also to immerse yourself in the heritage of the game. The course is steeped in tradition, with a layout that reflects the classic links style, providing players with breathtaking views of the North Sea.Beyond the golf experience, the surrounding area offers rich history and Scottish culture, making it a prime destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to improve your game or enjoy a memorable round, Carnoustie embodies the spirit of golf and promises an unforgettable experience.

1931 Tommy Armour Scores 73 75 77 71 296 (+8) Prize Money 100

Tommy Armour won The Open Championship in 1931, marking a significant achievement in his golfing career. Held at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, Armour's victory was characterized by remarkable skill and resilience. He finished the tournament with a score of 293, edging out his competitors by two strokes.Armour's triumph was particularly notable for the conditions he faced, as the weather was less than favorable. The tournament was played over four challenging rounds, during which Armour demonstrated powerful driving and exceptional short game proficiency. His final round included a key birdie on the 15th hole, which helped secure his lead.This victory was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Armour later became known as "The Silver Scot," a testament to his Scottish heritage and his prowess on the golf course. The win not only brought him personal accolades but also solidified his place in golfing history as one of the greats of his time.

1937 Henry Cotton Scores 74 72 73 71 290 (+6) Prize Money 100

Henry Cotton's victory at the 1937 Open Championship held at Carnoustie remains a significant moment in golf history. Cotton, a talented English golfer, showcased exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament. The event took place from June 17 to 19, and Cotton entered the final round with a commanding lead. He played with remarkable consistency, displaying a keen ability to navigate the challenging course known for its tough rough and unpredictable weather. In the final round, Cotton maintained his focus and composure, carding a score of 71. His overall performance of 284 for the four rounds was good enough to secure a three-stroke victory over his nearest competitor, the American professional, Harry Cooper. This win marked Cotton’s first and only Open Championship title, solidifying his legacy in the sport. Cotton's triumph at Carnoustie is remembered not just for the score but also for the classic display of golf under pressure, embodying the spirit of the game during a time when golf was growing in popularity worldwide.

1953 Ben Hogan Scores 73 71 70 68 282 (-6) Prize Money 500

Ben Hogan's victory at Carnoustie in the 1953 Open Championship is a hallmark moment in golfing history. This win marked Hogan's first and only triumph in the Open, which he famously described as one of the most significant achievements of his career.The tournament took place on a tough Scottish course known for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather. Hogan faced stiff competition from a talented field, including legends like Sam Snead and his own compatriot, the up-and-coming Gary Player. The combination of wind and the punishing terrain posed significant challenges, but Hogan's resilience and precision ultimately set him apart.Hogan's performance throughout the tournament was characterized by remarkable consistency. He exhibited his signature ball-striking capabilities, often hitting precise iron shots that positioned him well for birdies. His ability to navigate the various traps and face the challenging conditions of Carnoustie's links-style course showcased his deep understanding of the game.The final round saw Hogan enter with a narrow lead but left no room for error. He played a steady game, maintaining his composure and executing his strategy to perfection. Ultimately, Hogan emerged victorious, finishing the tournament with a total score of 285, four strokes ahead of his closest competitor.Hogan's win at Carnoustie solidified his standing as one of golf's all-time greats and exemplified his dedication and skill. The 1953 Open remains a defining moment in both Hogan's career and the history of professional golf, exemplifying the heart and determination that define the sport.

1968 Gary Player Scores 74 71 71 73 (+1) Prize Money 3,000

Gary Player's victory at the 1968 Open Championship at Carnoustie marked a significant moment in golf history. This event, held from July 4 to July 6, was characterized by challenging weather conditions, which tested the skills and resilience of all competitors. Player entered the final round trailing by a stroke but demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. He had a flawless final round, shooting a 69, which ultimately secured him the championship. Player's performance was highlighted by his strategic play, precise iron shots, and solid putting.His triumph at Carnoustie was particularly notable as it made him the first golfer to win all four major championships during his career, cementing his legacy in the sport. With this win, Player also became a key figure in the growing popularity of golf on a global scale, showcasing the talent and potential of players from outside the United States and Great Britain.

1975 Tom Watson Scores 71 67 69 72 279 (-9) Prizes Money 7,500

Tom Watson's victory at the 1975 Open Championship, held at the challenging Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Defying the tough conditions and the demanding nature of the course, Watson displayed exceptional skill and mental fortitude throughout the tournament. As the championship unfolded, Watson entered the final round with a narrow lead. His ability to navigate the course's treacherous terrain, which included deep bunkers and notoriously fast greens, was pivotal. He focused on precision and consistency, showcasing his remarkable short game and strong putting skills. Watson's final round was characterized by a series of crucial shot-making moments that ultimately secured his victory. He finished the tournament with a four-under-par total of 280, defeating fellow competitors by a slim margin. The win not only solidified his reputation as one of golf's elite players but also marked his first major championship title, setting the stage for a legendary career ahead. His triumph at Carnoustie is remembered for the resilience he displayed, overcoming both external pressures and the fierce competition that surrounded him. Watson’s 1975 Open win remains a highlight in the history of the sport, underlining the significance of skill, strategy, and perseverance in achieving success on the grand stage of golf.

1999 Paul Lawrie Scores 73 74 76 67 290 (+6) Prize Money 350.000

The 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie is remembered as one of the most dramatic tournaments in the history of golf. Held from July 20 to July 23, the event featured challenging weather conditions and a highly competitive field. The course, known for its difficult layout and tricky conditions, played a significant role in the outcome.The final round saw Jean van de Velde leading by three strokes going into the 18th hole. However, what should have been a routine finish turned into a surprising series of misfortunes. After hitting his tee shot into a rough area and then struggling through the hole, van de Velde found himself in a precarious position near the water with a chance to win slipping away. Despite his attempts to salvage par, he ultimately made a triple-bogey seven, plunging him into a tie with Americans Justin Leonard and Paul Lawrie.The playoff on July 23 proceeded with Lawrie overcoming the odds. He played consistently better under pressure than his competitors, ultimately winning the championship. The event was notable not only for the high-stakes drama but also for the lessons it provided about managing pressure in golf. Lawrie's victory earned him a prominent place in Open history, and van de Velde’s collapse became a cautionary tale for golfers worldwide. The weather, course conditions, and emotional rollercoaster added to the legacy of the 1999 Open at Carnoustie, making it a topic of discussion among golf enthusiasts for years to come.

2007 Padraig Haddington Scores 69 73 68 67 (-7) Prize Money 750.000

The 2007 Open Championship, held at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, is remembered for its dramatic conclusion and the challenges posed by the course. The tournament took place from July 19 to July 22, and it was marked by unpredictable weather conditions that ranged from sunny spells to heavy rain.Padraig Harrington emerged victorious, claiming his first major title after a thrilling four days of competition. He entered the final round trailing Sergio Garcia, who had been in strong form throughout the tournament. Harrington began the final round with a steady performance, while Garcia faced a tough back nine, struggling with his putting. On the last hole, Harrington made a crucial par, while Garcia’s final round was marred by a double-bogey that ultimately cost him the championship. Harrington finished with a total score of 283, 7 over par, while Garcia’s disappointing finish left him at 285, 9 over par. This victory was a significant milestone in Harrington's career, setting the stage for his subsequent success in the world of golf. Carnoustie’s challenging layout, with its deep bunkers, thick rough, and unpredictable weather, was a test for all competitors, making for a memorable event in golf history.

2018 Francisco Molinari Scores 70 72 65 69 (-8) Prize Money !,625,387

The 2018 Open Championship took place at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland from July 19 to July 22. This iconic course, known for its challenging layout and links-style golf, was the stage for a dramatic and tightly contested tournament.Francesco Molinari emerged as the champion, marking a significant milestone in his career. He became the first Italian golfer to win a major championship, finishing the tournament with a four-day total of 276, 8-under par. Molinari's final round was particularly impressive, as he played consistently under pressure, avoiding mistakes and securing his victory with a strong finish.The event witnessed notable performances from other competitors as well. Tiger Woods made a strong showing, finishing in a tie for sixth place, which reignited excitement among his fans. Jordan Spieth, the defending champion, also contended throughout the event before finishing tied for ninth.Carnoustie’s layout played a crucial role in the championship, with its unforgiving rough and strategic bunkering presenting challenges to even the best players. Weather conditions varied throughout the tournament, adding to the difficulty and excitement. Molinari’s win was not only a personal triumph but also a part of a historic run for European golfers, as he joined the ranks of a distinguished list of champions at one of golf's oldest and most revered venues. The 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie will be remembered for its competitive spirit and the crowning of a deserving champion.