Royal St Georges - The Open returns to South East England

During this year’s coverage you may hear the area to the left of the 18th green described as “Duncan’s Hollow”, in reference to George Duncan, who’s tilt at the 1922 Open came short when he failed to get up-and-down from there to tie with Walter Hagen. It also is known as “Sandy’s Swale”, as in 1985 victor Sandy Lyle also failed to secure par from the same spot. However, Lyle had two shots to play with and so his bogey secured a one-stroke win over American Payne Stewart.

This year marks the 15th time that the Kent venue has held The Open, dating back to 1894 when it became the first course outside of Scotland to host the championship. The Amateur Championship has been contested 14 times at Royal St Georges.

James Braid became the first player to break 70 in The Open at Royal St Georges in the 1904 edition with a 69 in the third round.

In 1993, Ernie Els became the first man to shoot four rounds in the sixties (68-69-69-68) in an Open Championship. However, he did not clinch the Claret Jug as not long later Greg Norman followed suite with a 64 to follow rounds of 66-68-69.

The worst round of three-times Open Champion Jack Nicklaus’ professional career (83) came during the opening round of the 1981 Open.

Prior to Royal Portrush’s recent return to hosting duties, Royal St George’s featured the only par-3 on the Open rota not to feature a bunker – the short third hole.