The Western Open
The Western Open was first played in 1899, making it the third-oldest of all PGA Tour events. It follows only the British Open, which was first played in 1860, and the US Open, first played in 1895. Although the Western Open never attained official PGA Tour recognition as a major, it was widely regarded as one. The final Western Open, won by South African golfer Trevor Immelman, was played in 2006.
The Western Golf Association both founded the Western Open and continued to administer it throughout its history. The same association is participating in governing the BMW Championship, designated as the “renamed” Western Open although it differs substantially in format.
Western Open Winners
The early Western Open tournaments were dominated by Scottish players. Scotsman and professional golfer Willie Smith won the first event, for $50 of a total prize fund of $150. Fellow Scotsman Willie Andersen won the tournament a total of four times, in 1902, 1904, 1908 and 1909.
In more recent times, Western Open winners have included the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper and - in 1999 and 2003, Tiger Woods. Jim Furyk won the 2005 tournament.
By the time that Trevor Immelman won the final event in 2006, the prize fund for the Western Open had climbed to $5 million, with a winner’s share of $900,000.
Western Open Locations
Between the inaugural tournament and 1961, the Western Open was played at different mid-western locations, including courses in Arizona, Utah, and California. From 1962 on, the tournament was played in or around Illinois, Chicago.
Between 1974 and 1990, the Western Open was hosted by the Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook, Illinois. From 1991 up to 2006, it was played at the Dubsdread Course at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. The same club hosted the first BMW Championship, which was won by Tiger Woods in 2007.
For live golf betting and daily special offers, we recommend William Hill, one of the world's largest and most reputable betting companies.
