British Masters
The British Masters is a professional golf tournament on the DP World Tour, established in 1946 as the Dunlop Masters and recognized as one of the oldest events in European golf.[1] Originally sponsored by Dunlop, the tournament evolved through various name changes, including the Silk Cut Masters in 1983 and the Dunhill British Masters from 1985 to 1994, before adopting its current title under Betfred sponsorship since 2018.[2] It features a 72-hole stroke play format with a restricted field and has been held annually except for interruptions, such as the 1984 cancellation and a suspension from 2009 to 2014 due to sponsorship issues.[2] The event returned to the tour in 2015 and now carries a €3.5 million prize fund, typically scheduled in late summer at prestigious English venues.[3] Throughout its history, the British Masters has showcased iconic moments and elite competition, with venues rotating among historic courses like Woburn Golf Club, The Belfry, and Close House to highlight British golf heritage.[1] Notable milestones include the first televised hole-in-one in British golf history by Tony Jacklin in 1967 at Royal St George's, and its role in the 2020 "UK Swing" series as the first full-field European Tour event post-COVID-19 restrictions.[2] The tournament has been hosted by prominent British golfers in recent years, including Danny Willett in 2022 and Sir Nick Faldo since 2023, adding prestige and drawing top international talent.[4] In 2025, it took place from August 21–24 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield, marking the fifth consecutive year at this Ryder Cup venue.[3] The event's legacy is defined by its roster of legendary winners, who have included multiple major champions and European Tour stalwarts. Early triumphs featured South African Bobby Locke, who co-won the inaugural 1946 edition alongside Jimmy Adams, while later victors encompassed Australian Peter Thomson (1950s), Englishman Tony Jacklin (1967, 1973), and Welshman Ian Woosnam (1983, 1994).[1] Spaniard Seve Ballesteros secured wins in 1986 and 1991, and Englishman Sir Nick Faldo claimed the title in 1989, underscoring the tournament's appeal to global stars.[4] More recent champions include Swede Alex Noren (2016, 2025), American Matt Fitzpatrick (2015), and Italian Renato Paratore (2020), reflecting the event's continued competitiveness and its position as a key fixture in the DP World Tour schedule.[1]Tournament Format
Eligibility and Qualification
The Betfred British Masters is a DP World Tour event open to full members of the tour and selected invitees, ensuring a competitive field of professional golfers eligible under the tour's membership criteria. Players must hold DP World Tour membership, which is granted through exemption categories such as prior season Race to Dubai rankings, tournament wins, or performance in Qualifying School.[5] The qualification process for the tournament field prioritizes the leading available players from the current season's Race to Dubai Rankings, followed by additional spots allocated via the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for top-ranked players not otherwise exempt, and tournament-specific exemptions.[6] Past champions of the British Masters receive exemptions, while host exemptions are granted when the event is hosted by a prominent figure, such as Sir Nick Faldo in recent editions.[5] Sponsor exemptions, limited to up to 10 per event, further fill the field to include promising talents or special invitees.[5] Historically, eligibility for the British Masters evolved from broader open invitations in the pre-2015 era, which allowed more discretionary entries, to a more structured ranking-based system post-2015, aligning with the DP World Tour's (formerly European Tour) reforms to emphasize performance metrics like the Race to Dubai.[7] This shift reduced reliance on open spots and increased priority for ranked professionals, reflecting the tour's focus on global competition.[8] For the 2025 edition, the field consists of 156 players, drawn primarily from DP World Tour members and international invitees via OWGR and exemptions.[9] The tournament features a cut after 36 holes to the leading 65 players and ties, and, if more than 78 players advance, a secondary cut after 54 holes to the top 78 and ties, maintaining a manageable weekend field while rewarding consistent performance.[10] This structure integrates with the broader DP World Tour season, where strong finishes contribute to Race to Dubai points and potential Ryder Cup qualification.[11]Scoring and Structure
The British Masters employs a standard 72-hole stroke play format contested over four consecutive days, with players completing 18 holes each day to determine the champion based on the lowest cumulative score.[10] This structure aligns with typical DP World Tour events, where the full field of 156 professionals who meet eligibility criteria begins the tournament on Thursday and continues through Sunday.[9] After the initial 36 holes (Friday's play), a cut is applied to reduce the field for the weekend rounds, advancing the top 65 players and ties to compete in the final 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday.[9] If more than 78 players qualify after this cut, a secondary cut may further limit the field to the low 78 and ties for the final round, ensuring manageable pairings and pace of play.[12] Players not making the cut receive no official prize money beyond potential appearance fees, emphasizing the importance of strong early performance. In cases of ties for the outright lead following 72 holes, the tournament resolves the championship through a sudden-death playoff format, where tied players return to the course immediately and compete hole-by-hole until one records the lowest score on a playoff hole.[9] The playoff typically begins on the 18th hole at the host venue, repeating as necessary on designated holes to break the deadlock, with all other prize money positions settled by 72-hole scores.[9] Course configurations vary by host venue to suit the layout's characteristics, influencing par and overall yardage; for instance, recent editions at The Belfry's Brabazon Course have featured a par-72 setup stretching 7,356 yards, demanding precision on its parkland challenges.[13] These adjustments ensure the format remains adaptable while maintaining the event's competitive integrity across different sites.History
Origins and Early Development
The British Masters was established in 1946 as the Dunlop Masters, marking its debut at Stoneham Golf Club in Southampton, England, where Scottish golfer Jimmy Adams and South African Bobby Locke shared the title after tying at 10-under-par 286 over 72 holes of stroke play.[14] This inaugural event, with a prize fund of £300, positioned the tournament as a prominent fixture in post-World War II European professional golf, attracting top British and international talent.[15] Sponsored by the British rubber and sports equipment manufacturer Dunlop from 1946 until 1982, the tournament underscored strong connections to the UK's industrial heritage, as Dunlop—founded by Scottish inventor John Boyd Dunlop—had long produced golf balls and clubs, enhancing the event's prestige among professionals.[14] Early editions rotated among notable British courses, including Little Aston Golf Club in 1947, where England's Arthur Lees claimed victory with a score of 283, and Sunningdale Golf Club in 1948, won by Australian Norman Von Nida at 272.[2] Irish golfer Harry Bradshaw emerged as a notable figure, winning in 1953 at Sunningdale (272) and 1955 at Little Aston (277), while South African Bobby Locke secured a win in 1954 at Prince's Golf Club (291), contributing to the tournament's growing reputation as a test of precision and consistency.[2][15] By the 1960s, the Dunlop Masters had solidified its stroke-play format, evolving into a cornerstone of the emerging European professional circuit without the match-play qualifiers seen in some contemporaneous events.[14] A milestone came in 1967 at Royal St George's Golf Club, the first year the tournament was televised live in the UK, where England's Tony Jacklin captured the title at 275 and achieved golf's first televised hole-in-one—a 7-iron ace on the par-3 16th hole during the final round—captivating a national audience and boosting the event's visibility.[16] Through the 1970s, the tournament continued to grow in stature, hosting fields of up to 120 players and prize funds exceeding £20,000, laying the groundwork for its integration into the formalized European Tour in 1972.[15]Sponsorship Evolution and Hiatus
Following the end of Dunlop's long-term sponsorship in 1982, the 1983 edition was held as the Silk Cut Masters at St Pierre Golf & Country Club, won by Welshman Ian Woosnam. The British Masters then underwent a period of instability, with the tournament skipped entirely in 1984 due to difficulties in securing a new title sponsor. It returned in 1985 as the Dunhill British Masters, backed by Alfred Dunhill Ltd., marking the start of frequent sponsorship rotations that reflected the evolving commercial landscape of professional golf in the 1980s and 1990s. These changes often coincided with shifts in venues, as organizers sought to align the event with sponsor preferences and logistical needs; Woburn Golf & Country Club emerged as a frequent host during this era, staging the tournament from 1985 to 1994, while other locations like Collingtree Park Golf Club (1995–1996) and Forest of Arden (1997–1998) were used briefly to accommodate varying sponsorship demands. This era built on the foundational Dunlop period from 1946 to 1982, which had established the event as a staple on the European Tour calendar. Notable performances highlighted the tournament's prestige amid these transitions. In 1989, England's Nick Faldo claimed victory at Woburn with a dominant 72-hole total of 267, securing a four-stroke margin over runners-up including Ronan Rafferty. Spanish star Seve Ballesteros, already a multiple major winner, triumphed in 1991 at the same venue, finishing at 275 despite a final-round 74 marred by bogeys, edging out competitors like Mark McNulty. Welsh golfer Ian Woosnam also shone, winning in 1994 at Woburn with a 17-under-par 271, four strokes ahead of Ballesteros himself, underscoring the event's appeal to Europe's top talents during a time of sponsorship flux. Woosnam had previously won the 1983 Silk Cut Masters at St Pierre. By the late 2000s, economic pressures intensified the challenges. The global financial crisis of 2008 eroded corporate willingness to invest in golf events, leading to the end of Quinn Direct Insurance's title sponsorship after three years (2006–2008), with no replacement found despite efforts to integrate or merge with other European Tour stops like the Omega European Masters. The tournament was held for the last time in 2008 at The Belfry, after which it was temporarily removed from the European Tour schedule, contributing to a leaner calendar that prioritized more financially secure events. This six-year hiatus from 2009 to 2014 stemmed directly from the recession's impact on sponsorship availability, as tour officials cited the inability to secure a viable title partner amid broader cutbacks in sports funding.Revival and Modern Era
The British Masters was revived in 2015 following a seven-year absence due to sponsorship challenges, marking a fresh chapter for the storied European Tour event. Hosted by Ian Poulter at Woburn Golf Club, the tournament returned with a purse of £2 million, and England's Matt Fitzpatrick claimed victory by two strokes, securing his maiden DP World Tour title at age 21. This resurgence emphasized a new "hosted by" format, where a prominent British professional selects the venue and serves as the event's ambassador, fostering a sense of national prestige and rotating locations to highlight diverse English courses. The innovation aimed to reinvigorate interest by tying the tournament to current stars, with subsequent editions building on this model to enhance fan engagement and media coverage.[17] The hosted by system gained further prominence in 2016 when Luke Donald took the reins at The Grove, where Sweden's Alex Norén prevailed by four strokes. This approach continued through the late 2010s, with hosts like Lee Westwood (2017 at Close House) and Justin Rose (2018 at Walton Heath) selecting venues that showcased challenging parkland layouts, followed by Tommy Fleetwood (2019 at Hillside). The format's flexibility allowed for adaptive scheduling amid growing tour demands, while maintaining the event's core 72-hole stroke-play structure. By 2019, UK bookmaker Betfred stepped in as title sponsor, elevating the purse to £3 million and committing to long-term stability; this partnership extended through multiple renewals, culminating in a $3.5 million purse for 2025, reflecting the tournament's elevated status within the DP World Tour schedule.[18][19] Key moments in the modern era underscore the event's competitive depth and dramatic appeal. Denmark's Thorbjørn Olesen captured the 2019 title at Hillside in a playoff after a tense final round, denying England's Justin Rose on the home stretch. In 2021, England's Richard Bland etched his name in history by winning at The Belfry at age 48—becoming the oldest first-time DP World Tour victor—after 478 starts, a testament to perseverance amid the COVID-19 era's "sterile" protocols, hosted by Justin Rose. The tournament shifted to The Belfry as a semi-permanent home from 2021 onward, with subsequent hosts including Matt Fitzpatrick (2022), Danny Willett (2023), and Sir Nick Faldo (2024 through 2026), which facilitated Ryder Cup qualification pathways. The 2025 edition at The Belfry climaxed with Norén's second career win, carding a final-round 67 for a total of 272 (-16), one stroke ahead of Denmark's Nicolai Højgaard, ending a seven-year drought and bolstering his Ryder Cup prospects. These developments have solidified the British Masters as a cornerstone of British golf, blending tradition with contemporary innovation.[20][21][22]Venues and Hosting
Historical Venues
The British Masters tournament, from its founding in 1946 through 2008, rotated among a diverse array of historic and challenging golf courses primarily in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, showcasing the breadth of British golf architecture and terrain. These venues ranged from classic links courses along the coast, which tested players with wind and firm turf, to inland parkland layouts emphasizing strategic shot-making amid tree-lined fairways. The selection of sites underscored the event's prestige, often featuring designs by renowned architects such as Harry Colt, whose influential work shaped several early hosts.[23][24] No single venue dominated the early years, with the tournament moving annually to promote regional variety and accessibility for British professionals. However, as sponsorship grew in the 1970s and 1980s, repeat hosts emerged, particularly St Pierre Golf & Country Club in Wales, which accommodated the event eight times between 1971 and 1983 due to its reliable facilities and demanding layout designed by C.K. Cotton in 1960. Woburn Golf & Country Club, utilizing its Marquess Course (designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1976), became the most frequent host with 16 appearances from 1979 to 2002, reflecting the tournament's shift toward established resort venues capable of handling larger fields and galleries. Little Aston Golf Club, an inland heathland course laid out by Harry Colt in 1907, hosted five editions between 1947 and 1969, prized for its subtle bunkering and fast greens that rewarded accurate iron play.[25][26][23] Links venues added a traditional element, exposing players to the unpredictable British weather that could dramatically alter play. For instance, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in 1970 presented its signature links-style challenge with wind-swept dunes, deep pot bunkers, and a par-3 16th hole demanding precision, contributing to Brian Huggett's victory in testing conditions. Similarly, Royal Birkdale Golf Club in 1964, redesigned by George Lowe with input from Fred Hawtree, featured firm, bouncy fairways that favored low ball flights, though strong coastal winds occasionally amplified the difficulty for the international field. Sunningdale Golf Club's Old Course, another Colt masterpiece from 1900, hosted four times (1948, 1953, 1960, 1968) and was noted for its elegant routing through Surrey heathland, blending strategic par-5s with treacherous cross-bunkers. The tournament's only Irish hosts, Portmarnock Golf Club in 1959 and 1965, brought a cross-sea flavor with its pure links design by George Crimp, where firm turf and prevailing winds led to low-scoring triumphs by Christy O'Connor Snr. Forest of Arden's Arden Course (Donald Steel, 1988) closed the era with five stagings from 1997 to 2005, its wooded parkland providing a modern contrast with water hazards and elevated greens. The Belfry's Brabazon Course (Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, 1977), a flat parkland layout famed for four Ryder Cup editions, concluded the pre-hiatus run in 2006–2008, emphasizing power and accuracy amid its iconic 10th hole island green. In 2021, the Brabazon Course was lengthened to 7,310 yards (approximately 7,300 yards) with updates to select holes for improved playability. As of 2025, it measures 7,356 yards.[24][27][23][28][29] The following table provides a complete chronological list of historical venues from 1946 to 2008, excluding the 1984 hiatus:| Year | Venue |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Stoneham Golf Club |
| 1947 | Little Aston Golf Club |
| 1948 | Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) |
| 1949 | St Andrews Links (Old Course) |
| 1950 | Royal Liverpool Golf Club |
| 1951 | Wentworth Club (West Course) |
| 1952 | The Mere Golf & Country Club |
| 1953 | Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) |
| 1954 | Prince's Golf Club |
| 1955 | Little Aston Golf Club |
| 1956 | Prestwick Golf Club |
| 1957 | Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) |
| 1958 | Little Aston Golf Club |
| 1959 | Portmarnock Golf Club |
| 1960 | Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) |
| 1961 | Royal Porthcawl Golf Club |
| 1962 | Wentworth Club (West Course) |
| 1963 | Little Aston Golf Club |
| 1964 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club |
| 1965 | Portmarnock Golf Club |
| 1966 | Lindrick Golf Club |
| 1967 | Royal St George's Golf Club |
| 1968 | Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) |
| 1969 | Little Aston Golf Club |
| 1970 | Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club |
| 1971 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1972 | Northumberland Golf Club |
| 1973 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1974 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1975 | Ganton Golf Club |
| 1976 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1977 | Lindrick Golf Club |
| 1978 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1979 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1980 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1981 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1982 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1983 | St Pierre Golf & Country Club |
| 1985 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1986 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1987 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1988 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1989 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1990 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1991 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1992 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1993 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1994 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 1995 | Collingtree Park Golf Club |
| 1996 | Collingtree Park Golf Club |
| 1997 | Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club (Arden Course) |
| 1998 | Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club (Arden Course) |
| 1999 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 2000 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 2001 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 2002 | Woburn Golf & Country Club (Marquess Course) |
| 2003 | Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club (Arden Course) |
| 2004 | Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club (Arden Course) |
| 2005 | Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club (Arden Course) |
| 2006 | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) |
| 2007 | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) |
| 2008 | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) |
Host System and Recent Locations
Since its revival in 2015 following a seven-year hiatus, the British Masters has adopted a host system where a prominent British professional golfer, often a past champion or major winner, selects the tournament venue based on personal connections, such as club affiliations or significant career milestones.[30] This model, initiated with Ian Poulter hosting at Woburn Golf Club in 2015, allows hosts to infuse the event with their personal narrative, enhancing its appeal and tying it to British golf heritage.[31] Prior to 2015, venues were selected through traditional sponsorship and tour arrangements without this personalized hosting approach.[32] The host format has led to a rotation of prestigious UK venues, each chosen for its quality and the host's affinity, while promoting the event's visibility through the host's profile. Notable examples include Lee Westwood hosting in 2017 at Close House Golf Club in Newcastle upon Tyne, a course with which he has a long-standing association as a director and frequent player.[33] In 2023, Sir Nick Faldo took on the hosting role at The Belfry, leveraging his history of three Ryder Cup victories there to draw crowds and media interest.[34] Faldo extended his tenure as host through 2025 and beyond, solidifying The Belfry as the primary modern venue.[35] This system has boosted media coverage by spotlighting high-profile hosts like Westwood and Faldo, whose involvement generates broader publicity for the DP World Tour event, while also supporting charitable initiatives linked to the tournament, such as donations to organizations like Guide Dogs UK and Prostate Cancer UK through on-site activations and host-endorsed fundraising.[36][37] The following table summarizes key recent venues and their hosts from the revival era:| Year | Host | Venue | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ian Poulter | Woburn Golf Club | Bedfordshire |
| 2016 | Luke Donald | The Grove | Hertfordshire |
| 2017 | Lee Westwood | Close House Golf Club | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| 2018 | Justin Rose | Walton Heath Golf Club | Surrey |
| 2019 | Tommy Fleetwood | Hillside Golf Club | Southport |
| 2020 | Lee Westwood | Close House Golf Club | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| 2021 | Danny Willett | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) | Sutton Coldfield |
| 2022 | Danny Willett | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) | Sutton Coldfield |
| 2023 | Sir Nick Faldo | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) | Sutton Coldfield |
| 2024 | Sir Nick Faldo | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) | Sutton Coldfield |
| 2025 | Sir Nick Faldo | The Belfry (Brabazon Course) | Sutton Coldfield |
Records and Achievements
List of Winners
The British Masters has been contested 73 times from its inception in 1946 through 2025, producing 72 unique champions owing to the sole shared victory in the tournament's debut edition. That inaugural event ended in a tie between Jimmy Adams of Scotland and Bobby Locke of South Africa, who shared the title without a playoff after both posted even-par totals. Playoffs have resolved 11 other editions, including the 1947, 1949, 1963, 1974, 1977, 1992, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2008, and 2021 tournaments.[15][2][25] The following table lists all winners, with nationalities abbreviated as follows: AUS (Australia), DEN (Denmark), ENG (England), ESP (Spain), FRA (France), GER (Germany), IRL (Ireland), ITA (Italy), NZL (New Zealand), RSA (South Africa), SCO (Scotland), SWE (Sweden), USA (United States), WAL (Wales), ZIM (Zimbabwe). To-par figures are relative to the course par (typically 72 for 72-hole events); margins indicate strokes or playoff details where applicable. Data for early editions (pre-1970) may reflect historical par adjustments or limited records.[15][2]| Year | Winner(s) | Nationality | Score | To Par | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Alexander Noren | SWE | 272 | -16 | 1 stroke | The Belfry |
| 2024 | Niklas Nørgaard | DEN | 272 | -16 | 2 strokes | The Belfry |
| 2023 | Daniel Hillier | NZL | 278 | -10 | 2 strokes | The Belfry |
| 2022 | Thorbjørn Olesen | DEN | 278 | -10 | 1 stroke | The Belfry |
| 2021 | Richard Bland | ENG | 275 | -13 | Playoff | The Belfry |
| 2020 | Renato Paratore | ITA | 266 | -18 | 3 strokes | Close House GC |
| 2019 | Marcus Kinhult | SWE | 272 | -16 | 1 stroke | Hillside GC |
| 2018 | Eddie Pepperell | ENG | 279 | -9 | 2 strokes | Walton Heath GC |
| 2017 | Paul Dunne | IRL | 260 | -20 | 3 strokes | Close House GC |
| 2016 | Alex Noren | SWE | 266 | -18 | 2 strokes | The Grove |
| 2015 | Matthew Fitzpatrick | ENG | 269 | -15 | 2 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 2008 | Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño | ESP | 276 | -12 | Playoff | The Belfry |
| 2007 | Lee Westwood | ENG | 273 | -15 | 5 strokes | The Belfry |
| 2006 | Johan Edfors | SWE | 277 | -11 | 1 stroke | The Belfry |
| 2005 | Thomas Bjørn | DEN | 282 | -6 | Playoff | Forest of Arden |
| 2004 | Barry Lane | ENG | 272 | -16 | 3 strokes | Forest of Arden |
| 2003 | Greg Owen | ENG | 274 | -14 | 3 strokes | Forest of Arden |
| 2002 | Justin Rose | ENG | 269 | -19 | 1 stroke | Woburn G&CC |
| 2001 | Thomas Levet | FRA | 274 | -14 | Playoff | Woburn G&CC |
| 2000 | Gary Orr | SCO | 267 | -21 | 2 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1999 | Bob May | USA | 269 | -19 | 1 stroke | Woburn G&CC |
| 1998 | Colin Montgomerie | SCO | 281 | -7 | 1 stroke | Forest of Arden |
| 1997 | Greg Turner | NZL | 275 | -13 | 1 stroke | Forest of Arden |
| 1996 | Robert Allenby | AUS | 284 | -4 | Playoff | Collingtree Park GC |
| 1995 | Sam Torrance | SCO | 270 | -18 | 1 stroke | Collingtree Park GC |
| 1994 | Ian Woosnam (2) | WAL | 271 | -17 | 4 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1993 | Peter Baker | ENG | 266 | -22 | 7 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1992 | Christy O’Connor Jnr | IRL | 270 | -18 | Playoff | Woburn G&CC |
| 1991 | Seve Ballesteros (2) | ESP | 275 | -13 | 3 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1990 | Mark James | ENG | 270 | -18 | 2 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1989 | Nick Faldo | ENG | 267 | -21 | 4 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1988 | Sandy Lyle | SCO | 273 | -15 | 2 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1987 | Mark McNulty | ZIM | 274 | -14 | 1 stroke | Woburn G&CC |
| 1986 | Seve Ballesteros | ESP | 275 | -13 | 2 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1985 | Lee Trevino | USA | 278 | -10 | 3 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1983 | Ian Woosnam | WAL | 269 | -15 | 3 strokes | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1982 | Greg Norman (2) | AUS | 267 | -17 | 8 strokes | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1981 | Greg Norman | AUS | 273 | -15 | 4 strokes | Woburn G&CC |
| 1980 | Bernhard Langer | GER | 270 | -14 | 5 strokes | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1979 | Graham Marsh | AUS | 283 | -5 | 1 stroke | Woburn G&CC |
| 1978 | Tommy Horton | ENG | 279 | -5 | 1 stroke | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1977 | Guy Hunt | ENG | 291 | +7 | Playoff | Lindrick GC |
| 1976 | Baldovino Dassù | ITA | 271 | -13 | 1 stroke | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1975 | Bernard Gallacher (2) | SCO | 289 | +5 | 2 strokes | Ganton GC |
| 1974 | Bernard Gallacher | SCO | 282 | -2 | Playoff | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1973 | Tony Jacklin (2) | ENG | 272 | -12 | 7 strokes | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1972 | Bob Charles | NZL | 277 | -11 | 2 strokes | Northumberland GC |
| 1971 | Maurice Bembridge | ENG | 273 | -11 | 2 strokes | St. Pierre G&CC |
| 1970 | Brian Huggett | WAL | 293 | +9 | 5 strokes | Royal Lytham & St Annes GC |
| 1969 | Cobie Legrange (2) | RSA | 281 | -7 | 3 strokes | Little Aston GC |
| 1968 | Peter Thomson (2) | AUS | 274 | -4 | 5 strokes | Sunningdale GC |
| 1967 | Tony Jacklin | ENG | 274 | N/A | 3 strokes | Royal St George's GC |
| 1966 | Neil Coles | ENG | 278 | N/A | 1 stroke | Lindrick GC |
| 1965 | Bernard Hunt (2) | ENG | 283 | N/A | 1 stroke | Portmarnock GC |
| 1964 | Cobie Legrange | RSA | 288 | N/A | 1 stroke | Royal Birkdale GC |
| 1963 | Bernard Hunt | ENG | 282 | N/A | Playoff | Little Aston GC |
| 1962 | Dai Rees (2) | WAL | 278 | N/A | 2 strokes | Wentworth Club |
| 1961 | Peter Thomson | AUS | 284 | N/A | 8 strokes | Royal Porthcawl GC |
| 1960 | Jimmy Hitchcock | ENG | 275 | N/A | 2 strokes | Sunningdale GC |
| 1959 | Christy O’Connor Snr (2) | IRL | 281 | N/A | 2 strokes | Portmarnock GC |
| 1958 | Harry Weetman (2) | ENG | 276 | N/A | 4 strokes | Little Aston GC |
| 1957 | Eric Brown | SCO | 275 | N/A | 3 strokes | Notts GC (Hollinwell) |
| 1956 | Christy O’Connor Snr | IRL | 277 | N/A | 1 stroke | Prestwick GC |
| 1955 | Harry Bradshaw (2) | IRL | 277 | N/A | 4 strokes | Little Aston GC |
| 1954 | Bobby Locke (2) | RSA | 291 | N/A | 3 strokes | Prince’s GC |
| 1953 | Harry Bradshaw | IRL | 272 | N/A | 3 strokes | Sunningdale GC |
| 1952 | Harry Weetman | ENG | 281 | N/A | 4 strokes | Mere G&CC |
| 1951 | Max Faulkner | ENG | 281 | N/A | 4 strokes | Wentworth Club |
| 1950 | Dai Rees | WAL | 281 | N/A | 4 strokes | Hoylake |
| 1949 | Charlie Ward | ENG | 290 | N/A | Playoff | St Andrews |
| 1948 | Norman Von Nida | AUS | 272 | N/A | 2 strokes | Sunningdale GC |
| 1947 | Arthur Lees | ENG | 283 | N/A | Playoff | Little Aston GC |
| 1946 | Jimmy Adams / Bobby Locke | SCO / RSA | 288 | E | Shared | Stoneham GC |