British Open Facts
In the history of the British Open, the oldest winner ever to win the championship was Old Tom Morris in 1867 who was then 46 years old. The youngest winner ever was his own son Young Tom (Tom Morris Jr.) who won the British Open in 1868 at just 17 years of age. Young Tom also holds the record as the youngest competitor to ever the play in the British Open. He first played in 1865 when he was just 14 years old.
Originally, the prize for the winner of British Open was the Challenge Belt which was made of rich Morocco leather and embellished with a silver buckle and emblems. The Claret Jug, officially called the Golf Championship Trophy, was first presented at the British Open in 1873. It was made by Mackay Cunningham and Company of Edinburgh.
The Old Course in St. Andrews has been host to British Open 27 times, including this year's tournament.