The Open Championship is held annually and only on genuine links, the oldest style of golf course. A golf links is a stretch of land near the coast characterised by undulating terrain, often associated with dunes, infertile sandy soil and indigenous grasses which can produce a fine textured, tight turf.

Exposed to vagaries of maritime weather, the course endures winds and sudden storms that typically add an element of chance to any particular shot. This is why success at The Open Championship, more than anywhere else, demands an emphasis on self-control, adaptability and creativity.