2004 Open Championship
The 2004 Open Championship, formally known as the 133rd Open Championship, was a major professional golf tournament held from July 15 to 18 at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland, where American underdog Todd Hamilton claimed the Claret Jug by defeating South Africa's Ernie Els in a four-hole playoff after both finished regulation play at 10-under-par 274 on the par-71 course.[1][2] Hamilton, a 38-year-old journeyman and former University of Oklahoma Sooner, PGA Tour rookie at 500-to-1 pre-tournament odds ranked 56th in the world who had primarily competed on the Japan Golf Tour and secured his first PGA Tour victory earlier that year, stunned the golf world with his triumph, using his innovative Sonartec MD hybrid (17° loft, bent to 14°) effectively for many approach and chipping shots to navigate the challenging links layout.[3][4][5][6][1][7][8] The tournament featured a field of 156 players and a total purse of $7,154,642, with Hamilton earning $1,348,272 as champion.[2] Notable highlights included Els's ace on the infamous par-3 8th hole, known as the Postage Stamp, during the first round, alongside an albatross by Gary Evans on the par-5 4th that same day, though conditions deteriorated with wind and rain in the third round, testing the field's resilience.[7][1] Hamilton's final-round 69 included a bogey on the 72nd hole to force the playoff, where he posted a 15 to Els's 16 across holes 1, 2, 17, and 18, highlighted by Els's missed birdie putt on the last.[2][7] The final leaderboard underscored the surprise nature of the result, with third place going to Phil Mickelson at 275 (-9), followed by Lee Westwood at 278 (-6), and ties for fifth at 279 (-5) including Davis Love III, Thomas Levet, Jim Furyk, and Vijay Singh; prominent contenders like Tiger Woods finished tied for ninth at 281 (-3).[2] Els's loss marked a rare repeat feat, having posted four sub-70 rounds without winning the title, as he did in 1993 at Royal St George's.[1] This edition continued a trend of unexpected American winners, following Ben Curtis's victory in 2003, and highlighted Royal Troon's demanding back nine, particularly the "Graveyard" holes from 8 to 11.[7]Background
Venue and History
The 2004 Open Championship was held at Royal Troon Golf Club, a renowned links course situated in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. Founded in 1878 with an initial six-hole layout designed by Charlie Hunter, a protégé of Old Tom Morris, the club expanded to 18 holes by 1884 under the guidance of George Strath.[9] The Old Course, which hosted the tournament, exemplifies classic links golf with its undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and exposure to coastal winds, contributing to its status as one of the most challenging venues in professional golf.[10] Royal Troon first hosted The Open Championship in 1923 and returned for the 2004 edition, marking the eighth time the club had been selected for the event; previous hostings occurred in 1923, 1950, 1962, 1973, 1982, 1989, and 1997.[11] As part of The Open's rotation among historic Scottish and English links courses, Royal Troon's inclusion underscores its enduring prestige and suitability for testing the world's top players under variable conditions. The club received its "Royal" designation in 1978 from Queen Elizabeth II during its centenary celebrations, further elevating its historical significance.[9] Notable past winners at Royal Troon include Arthur Havers in 1923, who claimed the inaugural title there by a single stroke; Bobby Locke in 1950, successfully defending his previous year's victory; Arnold Palmer in 1962, dominating with a six-shot margin; Tom Weiskopf in 1973, securing his sole major in wire-to-wire fashion; Tom Watson in 1982, earning his fourth Open title; Mark Calcavecchia in 1989, prevailing in a dramatic four-hole playoff; and Justin Leonard in 1997, rallying with a final-round 65 to win by three.[12][13][14][15][16][17] These victories highlight the course's tradition of producing memorable championships, often decided by clutch putting and strategic play. Since its debut Open in 1923, Royal Troon has evolved through targeted renovations to maintain its challenge, including a 1922 redesign by James Braid that refined bunkering and green complexes in preparation for the tournament, and subsequent extensions to accommodate modern distances while preserving its links character.[9] This progression has ensured the course remains a pivotal stop in The Open's rotation, balancing historical integrity with the demands of contemporary professional golf.[10]Course Layout
The Old Course at Royal Troon, a classic links-style layout, measured 7,175 yards at par 71 for the 2004 Open Championship, presenting a stern test with its undulating dunes, pot bunkers, and dense gorse rough that severely penalizes inaccuracies.[18] The course's design emphasizes strategic shot-making, where players must navigate wind-swept fairways, firm and fast greens that demand precise approach control, and out-of-bounds risks such as the railway line bordering several holes.[9] Since the previous Open at Troon in 1997, the course underwent modifications to heighten the challenge, including an overall lengthening of 96 yards through new tees on holes like the 1st (+6 yards), 6th (+24 yards), 11th (+27 yards), and 15th (+26 yards).[19] These adjustments aimed to counter advances in equipment technology while preserving the course's natural links character, forcing competitors to favor accuracy over power amid variable coastal winds.[18] Among the standout holes, the par-3 8th, known as the Postage Stamp, played at just 123 yards but gained notoriety for its minuscule, elevated green—flanked by deep pot bunkers and gorse, where even a slight misjudgment could lead to disaster.[18] The hole's narrow tee shot over a chasm-like valley rewarded a controlled trajectory but punished fades or pulls into the surrounding hazards, often resulting in high scores despite its brevity.[20] The 11th through 15th holes formed a formidable stretch known for its relentless demands, blending long par 4s and a reachable par 5 amid tightening fairways and strategic bunkering.[21] The 11th (Railway, par 4, 478 yards) required a precise drive to avoid the out-of-bounds railway on the left, while the 15th (Crosbie, par 4, 487 yards) featured blind approaches over dunes to a green guarded by gorse, testing resolve under pressure. This sequence, with its exposure to crosswinds and firm run-offs, frequently unraveled contenders' scores.[18] The closing 18th (Home, par 4, 457 yards) provided a dramatic finish, doglegging right along the Firth of Clyde with bunkers pinching the fairway and a green sloping severely toward the burn, where players balanced aggression with caution to secure pars or better.[18] Overall, the layout's strategic essence lay in its demand for adaptability—shaping shots around natural contours and hazards—rather than brute distance, amplifying the psychological toll of links golf.[9]Participants
Qualification Process
The qualification process for the 2004 Open Championship featured a combination of exemptions and competitive qualifying events to assemble a 156-player field at Royal Troon Golf Club. Approximately 96 players were exempt from qualifying under the R&A's modified conditions for the year, which prioritized leading professionals based on recent achievements and rankings.[22] Exemptions encompassed past Open champions aged 65 or under on the final day of the tournament, the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking as of May 27, 2004, the winner of the 2003 Open Championship (Ben Curtis), the top 10 finishers (and ties) from each of the 2003 major championships, the first 20 money winners on the 2004 PGA Tour and European Tour money lists (excluding those already exempt), and winners of specified tournaments on those tours during the season.[23][24] Non-exempt players could qualify through a multi-stage system. Regional qualifying events were held at 16 venues across Britain and Ireland earlier in the summer, with top performers advancing to local final qualifying. The local final qualifying took place over two days (July 10-11) at four Scottish venues—Glasgow Gailes, Western Gailes, Irvine, and Kintyre—awarding 12 spots in total (three per site) to the lowest scorers in 36-hole stroke play competitions.[22][24] A new international final qualifying pathway was introduced for 2004 to broaden global access, allocating 36 spots across five 36-hole events on different continents. These included Saujana Golf & Country Club in Malaysia (January 8), a venue in South Africa (January 8), Kingston Heath Golf Club in Australia (February 23-24), Sunningdale Golf Club in England (June 28), and Congressional Country Club in the United States (June 28). Each event was limited to a maximum of 120 entrants, selected primarily by Official World Golf Ranking points if oversubscribed, with at least four spots per continental event except for Europe and America (minimum 12 each). Players on the Japan Golf Tour received special consideration, with four additional spots via the season's money list, exempting them from regional and local qualifying.[22][24] The remaining 12 spots were allocated at the discretion of the Championship Committee, often filling vacancies from withdrawals or late entries by inviting the highest-ranked eligible players from the Official World Golf Ranking not already qualified. Alternates were drawn from the top non-qualifiers at the international and local final events to replace any withdrawals before the tournament started on July 15. This structure ensured a balance between established elites and emerging talent from around the world.[22][24]Field Composition
The 2004 Open Championship field comprised 156 players qualified through various categories, predominantly professionals from the PGA Tour, European Tour, and other international circuits. Leading the pre-tournament favorites were top-ranked players including world number one Tiger Woods and world number two Ernie Els, alongside Phil Mickelson, who had recently captured the 2004 Masters Tournament title. The defending champion, Ben Curtis—the surprise winner of the 2003 Open in his major debut—returned to compete for back-to-back victories. The field included several past Open champions seeking to add to their legacies, such as three-time winner Nick Faldo and two-time winner Greg Norman, though both missed the 36-hole cut. Other notable former champions in the lineup were Ernie Els (2002), Mark Calcavecchia (1989), John Daly (1995), Paul Lawrie (1999), Tom Lehman (1996), and Justin Leonard (1997). International representation was robust, with a strong contingent from the United States and Europe, complemented by players from South Africa like Retief Goosen, Australians, and competitors from Japan and elsewhere. A small group of amateurs also featured in the field, but none advanced past the cut after two rounds. Among the less-favored entrants was Todd Hamilton, ranked 56th in the Official World Golf Ranking and experiencing his first full season as a PGA Tour member after years primarily on the Japan Golf Tour.Tournament Conditions
Weather Overview
The 2004 Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club was played under relatively benign weather conditions compared to the event's traditional challenges, featuring mild temperatures typically ranging from 15–20°C and variable winds that were calmer overall than in many prior editions at the venue. Occasional rain occurred during the third round, but the tournament avoided the extreme gales or prolonged storms that often define Open play, allowing for consistent play without significant delays. These conditions were notably less severe than the 1982 Open at Troon, where sustained winds of 40 mph turned the course into a formidable test.[25] The first round on July 15 unfolded under mostly sunny skies with only a light breeze, providing calm conditions that favored low scoring and saw leader Paul Casey post a 6-under-par 66.[26] The second round on July 16 remained relatively benign, though southwest winds picked up slightly, maintaining accessible scoring opportunities as Todd Hamilton and others advanced up the leaderboard.[7] Saturday's third round brought overcast conditions with increasing winds and brief showers, including a short wintry spell of rain and chill that tested players but quickly gave way to more typical summer weather, splitting the field and heightening the challenge on Troon's exposed layout.[7][27] The final round on July 18 featured gusty winds, particularly impacting the back nine, where shifting breezes complicated approach shots and contributed to the tense playoff between Todd Hamilton and Ernie Els.[7] Winds, varying from light to around 10–25 mph and stronger along the coast, enabled birdie runs in the early rounds but toughened the test later, influencing strategic decisions without causing play suspensions; this variability amplified difficulties on holes like the par-4 11th, as referenced in course descriptions.[25]Cut and Format
The Open Championship follows a standard format of 72 holes of stroke play, contested over four rounds of 18 holes each on a links course. After 36 holes, the field is reduced via a cut to the top 70 scores and ties, plus any players within 10 shots of the leader, ensuring a manageable size for the weekend rounds while allowing all players within that threshold to continue.[28] The 2004 edition at Royal Troon followed this structure, as the 10-shot rule was in effect until its abolition in 2021.[29] For the 2004 tournament, the cut fell at 3 over par (145), with 73 players advancing to the final two rounds, marking the lowest cut line since 1995.[30] This relatively lenient threshold was influenced by benign weather conditions during the opening rounds, which permitted lower scoring across the field compared to more wind-affected Opens.[30] In the event of a tie after 72 holes, the championship employs a four-hole aggregate playoff, typically using holes 1, 2, 17, and 18, with the lowest cumulative score determining the winner; if still tied, play proceeds to sudden-death format starting on the 18th hole.[31] Additional rules stipulate that all participants must walk the course without motorized carts, emphasizing the traditional links experience, and any ties in final positions are resolved by comparing scorecards from the lowest score outward until a distinction is made.Round Summaries
First Round
The first round of the 2004 Open Championship was played on July 15 at Royal Troon Golf Club under calm winds and pleasant conditions that favored low scoring on the par-71 layout. Paul Casey of England and Thomas Levet of France shared the lead with identical 5-under-par rounds of 66, establishing a two-stroke advantage over the field after Casey birdied the 18th and Levet surged with five birdies in his final seven holes.[32][33] Ernie Els of South Africa posted a 2-under 69, highlighted by a hole-in-one on the treacherous par-3 8th hole known as the Postage Stamp. In contrast, defending Masters champion Phil Mickelson endured an early struggle, carding a 2-over 73 that left him seven strokes back after bogeys on several front-nine holes. Another standout moment came from Gary Evans of England, who recorded an albatross on the par-5 4th hole by holing a 5-iron from 227 yards, contributing to his 4-under 67.[32] The opening leaderboard reflected the benign weather, with Michael Campbell of New Zealand in solo third at 67, followed by a large group at 68 including Evans, K.J. Choi, Carl Pettersson, Mathew Goggin, Kenneth Ferrie, amateur Stuart Wilson of Scotland, Marten Olander, and Vijay Singh. While most amateurs finished over par amid the competitive field, Wilson's 68 marked a strong debut performance for the 19-year-old local.[32][34]Second Round
The second round of the 2004 Open Championship took place on July 16 at Royal Troon Golf Club in Troon, Scotland, under conditions that saw increasing winds compared to the calmer first day, which began to challenge players' accuracy and control on the links course.[1] American Skip Kendall seized the outright lead with a brilliant second-round 66, highlighted by a 60-foot eagle putt on the par-5 16th hole, to stand at 7 under par (135) after 36 holes.[35] Frenchman Thomas Levet sat one stroke back at 6 under (136), while K.J. Choi of South Korea and England's Barry Lane shared third at 5 under (137).[35] Emerging as strong contenders, Todd Hamilton fired a 67 to join a group tied for fifth at 4 under (138), demonstrating exceptional scrambling ability with multiple up-and-downs to save par.[1] South Africa's Ernie Els maintained his steady form with a 69, also reaching 4 under and positioning himself well among the favorites.[34] Phil Mickelson, starting the day at 2 under, surged up the leaderboard with a bogey-free 66 featuring five birdies, finishing at 3 under (139) and showcasing his adaptability to the windy conditions.[35] Other notables in contention included Vijay Singh and Colin Montgomerie, both at 4 under after rounds of 68-70 and 69-69, respectively.[1] The 36-hole cut fell at 3 over par (145), with 73 players advancing to the weekend, including world number one Tiger Woods at 1 under (141) after a 71.[1] Among those eliminated were recent Irish Open winner Pádraig Harrington, who finished at 5 over (147), and Sergio García at 4 over (146), underscoring the tournament's demanding nature amid the gusting winds that pushed average scores higher than the opening day.[1]Third Round
The third round of the 2004 Open Championship, played on July 17 at Royal Troon Golf Club, saw increased wind and rain that tested the field's resilience, turning it into a classic "moving day" where contenders vied for position ahead of the final round.[7] After reaching 4-under par (138) and tying for fifth following his second-round 67, Todd Hamilton carded another 67 to reach 8-under 205, seizing a one-shot advantage over the field.[34] His consistent play, marked by strong scrambling and effective use of a hybrid club on the tricky layout, allowed him to navigate the deteriorating conditions without major setbacks, solidifying his unexpected surge as a 38-year-old PGA Tour rookie.[7][36] Ernie Els, Hamilton's co-leader after 36 holes, posted a 68 to finish at 7-under 206, staying just one stroke back with steady ball-striking that kept him in contention despite the weather's challenges.[34] Phil Mickelson, starting three shots off the pace, fired a 68 to climb to 6-under 207, tying for third and positioning himself as a serious threat with his precise iron play on a demanding day.[7] Retief Goosen also shot 68 to join Mickelson at 207, while Tiger Woods matched the score but remained four back at 4-under 209 after an early birdie flurry gave way to pars in the tougher back nine.[37] The leaderboard saw measured shifts in the top 10, with no dramatic collapses but several players capitalizing on birdie opportunities on the front nine amid gusts, including birdie runs that helped Hamilton and others pull away from mid-pack contenders like Vijay Singh (71, 3-under 210).[7] Hamilton's lead set up intense Sunday pressure, as Els and Mickelson lurked closely, ensuring the Claret Jug remained very much in play.[36]Final Round
Entering the final round on July 18, 2004, at Royal Troon Golf Club, Todd Hamilton held a one-shot lead over Ernie Els, both positioned strongly after Hamilton's third-round 67.[1] Hamilton, the unheralded American ranked 56th in the world, carded a steady 69 in the final round to finish at 10 under par (274), while Els fired a 68 to match the total, setting up a playoff.[1] Phil Mickelson, starting three shots back, posted a brilliant 68 to claim solo third at nine under (275).[38] The round unfolded with intense drama, as Hamilton navigated early pressure with a bogey on the second hole before steadying his position. He birdied the 11th and then executed a pivotal 30-foot downhill chip-in for birdie on the par-4 14th, using his hybrid club to roll the ball into the cup and extend his lead to two shots over Els. This moment shifted momentum, allowing Hamilton to reach 11 under after a 12-foot birdie putt on the 16th, while saving par on the 15th with a chip to within inches.[39] Meanwhile, Els suffered a double bogey on the 10th but mounted a strong back-nine rally with birdies on the 13th, 16th, and 17th, closing the gap to one shot entering the 18th.[38] As the leaders approached the closing holes, the gallery at Royal Troon created an electric atmosphere, with roars echoing across the links as Els' birdie on the 17th—a 15-foot putt—ignited hopes of an outright victory.[7] Hamilton, leading by two after the turn and maintaining composure amid the swelling crowd, faltered slightly with a bogey on the 18th after failing to save par, dropping to 10 under.[40] Els, matching the drama, missed a crucial 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th that broke left, leaving both tied and forcing extra holes.[1] The tense Sunday showdown highlighted Hamilton's resilience against major champions, captivating spectators with its back-and-forth tension.[7]Results and Playoff
Final Leaderboard
Todd Hamilton won the 2004 Open Championship at 10 under par (274) after defeating Ernie Els in a four-hole playoff, posting rounds of 71, 67, 67, and 69.[41][1] Els finished runner-up at the same regulation score of 274 but was eliminated in the playoff after a bogey on the final playoff hole.[1] The top 10 finishers on the final leaderboard were as follows:| Position | Player | Country | Total | To Par |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Todd Hamilton | USA | 274 | -10 |
| 2 | Ernie Els | RSA | 274 | -10 |
| 3 | Phil Mickelson | USA | 275 | -9 |
| 4 | Lee Westwood | ENG | 278 | -6 |
| T5 | Thomas Levet | FRA | 279 | -5 |
| T5 | Davis Love III | USA | 279 | -5 |
| T7 | Scott Verplank | USA | 280 | -4 |
| T7 | Retief Goosen | RSA | 280 | -4 |
| T9 | Tiger Woods | USA | 281 | -3 |
| T9 | Mike Weir | CAN | 281 | -3 |
Playoff Summary
The 2004 Open Championship concluded with a four-hole aggregate playoff between Todd Hamilton and Ernie Els on holes 1, 2, 17, and 18 at Royal Troon Golf Club, after both finished regulation play at 10-under-par 274.[1][45] The format required the lowest combined score over the specified holes to determine the champion.[1] Both players parred the par-4 first hole and the par-4 second hole, keeping the playoff level at even par through two extra holes.[45][38] On the par-3 17th hole, Hamilton hit a tee shot to 15 feet and two-putted for par, while Els pulled his tee shot left into rough, chipped to 10 feet, and missed his par putt for a bogey.[45][38] This gave Hamilton a one-stroke lead with one hole remaining. On the par-4 18th, Hamilton pushed his tee shot into rough but received a free drop due to grandstands; he then executed a precise chip-and-run to three feet and made the par putt.[45] Els responded with strong approach shots to leave himself a 12-foot birdie putt that would have tied the playoff, but he missed it to settle for par.[45][46] Hamilton thus won the playoff with a total of 15 (even par) to Els's 16 (one over par), securing his only major championship in surprising fashion as a 38-year-old ranked 56th in the world.[1][46]Aftermath
Prize Money Distribution
The 2004 Open Championship featured a record total prize purse of £4,000,000, an increase of £100,000 from the £3,900,000 offered in 2003.[47][48] This amount equated to approximately $7.15 million USD at prevailing exchange rates.[41] The champion, Todd Hamilton, received £720,000, which represented a £20,000 rise from the previous year's winner's payout and equated to $1,348,272 USD.[49][48][41] The runner-up, Ernie Els, earned $805,218 USD, while third-place finisher Phil Mickelson collected $514,965 USD.[41] Payouts were shared among the 70 players and ties who advanced past the 36-hole cut, with the extra funding delivering an average 2.6% boost to those shares compared to 2003.[48] The following table outlines the earnings for the top 10 finishers in USD equivalents:| Position | Player | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Todd Hamilton (USA) | 1,348,272 |
| 2 | Ernie Els (RSA) | 805,218 |
| 3 | Phil Mickelson (USA) | 514,965 |
| 4 | Lee Westwood (ENG) | 337,000 |
| T5 | Davis Love III (USA) | 298,680 |
| T5 | Thomas Levet (FRA) | 298,680 |
| T7 | Scott Verplank (USA) | 220,031 |
| T7 | Retief Goosen (RSA) | 220,031 |
| T9 | Mike Weir (CAN) | 167,598 |
| T9 | Tiger Woods (USA) | 167,598 |