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7 Facts About The British Open

By Chris Kral

Known as the oldest golf tournament in the world, the 143rd British Open is currently underway. A winner will be awarded the trophy on Sunday, July 20th.

Here's 7 facts about the British Open:

1. The Open Championship

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A detailed view of the tee marker on the ninth hole during the second round of The 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool on July 18, 2014 in Hoylake, England. (credit: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) Technically, the tournament is called The Open Championship. Since we have a U.S. Open, Americans call it the British Open to differentiate between the two.

2. The Claret Jug

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The Open Championship trophy (also known as the claret jug) is pictured in front of the clubhouse during The Open Championship. (credit: Andrew Redington/Getty Images) The Golf Champion Trophy (Claret Jug) is awarded to the winner of the British Open.

3. Royal Liverpool Golf Course

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143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool on July 17, 2014 in Hoylake, England. (credit: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) This year, the British Open takes place at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course located in England. There are only 9 links courses within Scotland and England currently used as a host to the British Open.

4. Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews

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The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Clubhouse and the green on the par 4, 18th hole on the Old Course on July 2, 2009 in St Andrews, Scotland. (credit: David Cannon/Getty Images) One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) plans the British Open. This is the ruling body of all tournaments outside the U.S. and Mexico. The R&A is regarded as the 'Home of Golf'.

5. Youngest Winner

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Scottish golfer 'Young' Tom Morris (1851 - 1875) wearing the British Open belt which he won four times. (credit: James Hardie/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The 17-year-old 'Young' Tom Morris won the British Open in 1868.

6. Oldest Winner

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Scottish golfer 'Old' Tom Morris (1821 - 1908) on a golf course. (credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The 46-year-old 'Old' Tom Morris, 'Young' Tom Morris' father, won the British Open in 1867. 'Old' Tom and his son 'Young' Tom became the only father and son to hold successive British Open titles.

7. Gary Player

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South African golfer Gary Player on the 18th and final hole during the Open Golf Championship at Carnoustie, Scotland, 14th July 1968. (credit: Cowper/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Gary Player is the only golfer to win the British Open in three different decades: 1959, 1968, 1974. He has also made the most appearances at the British Open with 46.

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