The Open Past Winners
The Open is the oldest of golf's four majors, first played in 1860, and its roll of honour reads like a history of the sport. For bettors, the value of that history is in pattern rather than prediction: links courses reward a recognisable type of player, and certain nations have a stronger record than others. This guide is an evergreen reference to that history and the South African record. For live odds and the current field, see the golf section of the sportsbook.
A short history of the Open
The Open began at Prestwick in 1860 and is the only major played outside the United States, rotating around a set rota of links courses in Britain and Ireland for the Claret Jug. Because it is held on links rather than parkland, its champions skew towards players who can control ball flight in wind and improvise around firm greens. That long lineage is why the same handful of venues and the same type of winner recur, and why studying past Opens is more useful for spotting player types than for chasing any single name.
The South African record
South Africa has a deep links pedigree at the Open. Bobby Locke won four Open titles, Gary Player won three, Ernie Els lifted the Claret Jug in 2002 and 2012, and Louis Oosthuizen ran away with the 2010 Open at St Andrews. That record is part of why backing a South African each-way is a popular play among local punters. Treat it as context rather than a tip: it tells you SA players have historically travelled well to links, not that any particular golfer will contend this year. For how to structure an each-way bet, see our Open odds and markets guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which South Africans have won the Open?
Bobby Locke won four times, Gary Player three, Ernie Els in 2002 and 2012, and Louis Oosthuizen in 2010 at St Andrews. It is one of the strongest national records in links golf.
Does past form at the Open predict future winners?
Not directly, but it points to a player type. Links courses consistently reward wind control, a sharp short game and patience, so studying past champions helps you identify the kind of player who tends to contend rather than any specific name.