On October 17, 1860, eight professional golfers gathered at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland, to compete in the first Open Championship. They played three rounds of 12 holes — a total of 36 holes — in a single day.

The winner was a Scotsman named Willie Park Sr., who completed the 36 holes in a total of 174 strokes. He received a red leather belt, called the Challenge Belt, as his prize.

The entry had been open to golfers from anywhere in the world — which is where the name ‘The Open’ comes from. It was open, meaning anyone could enter. This democratic spirit — any golfer from anywhere could compete — has defined The Open ever since.

That first competition of eight men in 1860 has grown into one of the most watched sporting events in the world, held each year at a rotating list of historic links courses. But the spirit is the same: the best golfer wins, whoever they are.