1975 Open Championship 1975 Open Championship The 1975 Open Championship was the 104th Open Championship, played 9–13 July at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland. In his first Open, Tom Watson won an 18-hole playoff by one stroke over Jack Newton to win the first of his eight major titles, which included five Open Championships. After three days of calm weather, the wind kicked up during the final round on Saturday and scores went up. Bobby Cole, the leader at 54 holes after back-to-back rounds of 66, shot a four-over 76 and missed the playoff by a stroke. Watson managed an even-par 72, capped
1975 Open Championship for par, Newton's putt to save par and extend the match missed left and Watson won the title. This was the second and final 18-hole playoff at the Open; the first was in 1970, won by Jack Nicklaus. The format was changed to a four-hole aggregate playoff in 1985, first used in 1989. Prior to 1964, the playoff at the Open was 36 holes. Carnoustie Golf Links – Championship Course ^ The 6th hole was renamed "Hogan's Alley" in 2003 Lengths of the course for previous Opens: "Wednesday, 9 July 1975" "Thursday, 10 July 1975" Amateurs: "Stephen (+1), Poxon (+5),