The Open, also known as the Open Championship, is one of the four major championships in professional golf. It is the oldest golf tournament in the world, first held in 1860 in Scotland. The event is organized by the R&A and typically takes place in July at various historic links courses across the UK. The tournament features a 72-hole stroke play format, where players compete to complete the course in the fewest number of strokes. The Open attracts top golfers from around the globe, including past champions like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, and is known for its challenging weather conditions and unique course designs.