Brabazon Trophy

The English Men's Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship for the Brabazon Trophy is England's national amateur stroke play golf championship, open to overseas competitors. Organized by England Golf, it has been held annually since 1947. The format consists of 72 holes over four days, with the top 60 players and ties after 36 holes advancing to the final two days. The tournament was conceived in 1939 by John Moore-Brabazon, then president of the English Golf Union, but its debut was delayed due to World War II. It first took place in 1947 at Royal Birkdale as the EGU President's Trophy and was later renamed the Brabazon Trophy in 1948. Initially restricted to English golfers, it became an open event from 1951. Historically, ties were resolved by playoffs until 1963, after which they were shared. Since 2007, sudden-death playoffs have been used. Ronnie White was the first to defend the title in consecutive years (1950–51), a feat achieved five more times by others, including Sir Michael Bonallack, who holds the record with four wins (including one tie). The tournament has grown increasingly international, with its first non-British Isles winner being South Africa's Neville Sundelson in 1974. Notably, Sandy Lyle and Charl Schwartzel, both Brabazon Trophy winners, went on to win major championships. The event rotates venues annually but frequently returns to courses like Royal Birkdale, which has hosted it five times. Young golfers have also excelled, with Ben Schmidt winning at 16 in 2019, while others like Sandy Lyle and Charl ...