The Oldest Major and Your Ultimate Golf Pool Experience

Every July, The Open Championship—commonly referred to as the British Open—brings the world’s best golfers to historic links courses across the UK. As the oldest major in golf, The Open is steeped in tradition, unpredictable weather, and challenging conditions that test every aspect of a golfer’s game. The 2025 Open promises to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments as players battle for the Claret Jug.

For fans, The Open is a must-watch event. For those running a golf pool, it’s the perfect opportunity to make the championship even more engaging and competitive. Let’s explore why The Open is an ideal tournament for a golf pool and how to create a thrilling experience for your group.

Why The Open Championship is Perfect for Golf Pools

1. The Unpredictability of Links Golf

Unlike other majors, The Open is played on links courses featuring deep bunkers, undulating fairways, and firm greens. The ever-changing weather conditions—ranging from calm and sunny to wind and rain—add another layer of unpredictability, making every round an adventure. This uncertainty makes golf pools especially exciting, as even top-ranked players can struggle under harsh conditions.

2. A Unique and International Field

The Open brings together a mix of PGA Tour stars, DP World Tour players, qualifiers, and past champions. This international field ensures a wide range of choices for pool participants, making it essential to balance picks between proven major winners and potential underdogs.

3. Iconic Venues with Rich History

From St Andrews to Royal Birkdale, The Open is played at some of golf’s most iconic and historic courses. These legendary venues create memorable moments year after year, adding extra significance to the tournament and making every shot count for your pool picks.

Tips for Running an Open Championship Golf Pool

1. Use the Tiered Selection System

Most golf pool platforms offer a tiered selection system, allowing you to divide the field into different groups. You can adjust how many golfers per tier participants select, ensuring a mix of elite players and possible surprise contenders. Given The Open’s unpredictable nature, choosing wisely across all tiers is key.

2. Consider Weather and Course Conditions

Weather plays a massive role in The Open, so researching players who excel in windy, firm, and fast conditions can give pool participants an edge. Past performances at links courses and experience in The Open should also be factors when making selections.

3. Keep the Format Simple

Given The Open’s challenging conditions, keeping the pool format straightforward is best. The most common option is to total the scores of selected players, with the lowest combined score winning. Alternatively, using cumulative earnings from the tournament can add another fun dimension to the competition.

4. Engage Participants Throughout the Tournament

With The Open taking place across different time zones, pool participants may not watch every round live. Providing daily updates, leaderboard standings, and fun facts about the course or weather conditions keeps everyone involved and excited throughout the tournament.

5. Offer Unique Prizes

Enhance the competition with Open-themed prizes, such as Claret Jug replicas, golf shop gift cards, or even traditional British treats. Creative rewards make the pool more enjoyable and memorable for all participants.

The Excitement of The Open Championship

The Open is unlike any other major, offering unpredictable conditions, a deep field, and historic moments at legendary venues. The mix of elite players, past champions, and surprising contenders ensures that no lead is ever safe and no outcome is guaranteed.

A golf pool only amplifies the excitement, making every shot, bunker escape, and birdie putt more meaningful. Watching an underdog climb the leaderboard or your top pick battle the wind on Sunday adds to the thrill of the event.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Open Championship is set to be another incredible chapter in golf history, and running a golf pool is the perfect way to elevate the experience. With a flexible tiered selection system and the drama of links golf, The Open offers the ultimate test for both players and pool participants.

So gather your friends, analyze the field, and make your picks—because The Open is always full of surprises, and your golf pool will make it even more thrilling.