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From Park to Woods: The best at the British Open

By Bill Felber

British golfer Henry Cotton (1907 - 1987), right, congratulating American player Walter Hagen (1892 - 1969) on breaking the record at the last hole at the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, watched by their caddies. Original Publication: People Disc - HH0235 (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
British golfer Henry Cotton (1907 - 1987), right, congratulating American player Walter Hagen (1892 - 1969) on breaking the record at the last hole at the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, watched by their caddies. Original Publication: People Disc - HH0235 (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) /
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Tiger Woods chips onto the 17th green during the second round of the 2000 British Open Golf Championships at the Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland. Mandatory Credit: Paul Severn/ALLSPORT
Tiger Woods chips onto the 17th green during the second round of the 2000 British Open Golf Championships at the Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland. Mandatory Credit: Paul Severn/ALLSPORT /

Best of the British Open: #10-12

12. Walter Hagen, -13.91, 1920-1937: Hagen was a four-time champion in the 1920s, winning at St. George’s (twice), Hoylake and Muirfield. He was at his best in 1928 and 1929, following up a six-stroke victory in 1928 with a two-stroke victory over Gene Sarazen a year later. Between 1921 and 1929 Hagen competed in seven British Opens, never finishing outside the top 10 and only once coming in worse than third.

11. Tiger Woods, -14.35, 1997, 2018: It will surprise Woods fans that he does not rank higher on this list. The reality is that with the exception of his 2018 runner-up, Tiger’s positive experience at the Open largely condenses down to a one-decade period between 1997 and 2006. So while his 2000, 2005 and 2006 victories all stand out, he simply has not been able to amass the same volume that propels the career ratings of those who rank above him.

10. Roberto deVicenzo, -17.78, 1948-1971: The first great South American player, deVicenzo debuted in the Open as a 25-year-old in 1948; he tied for third. He repeated that place in 1949, was nosed out for the title by Bobby Locke in 1950, and in seven sporadically placed starts between 1951 and 1966 finished among the top six five times. Finally in 1967 the Argentinian, by then 44, tasted glory. He held off a charge by Jack Nicklaus to win by two strokes.

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