Special feature

British Open champions These golfers have conquered the field to claim top honors at the oldest major. NBCSports.com

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Ryder Cup bonanza
The winner of the British Open gets roughly $1.5 million, the richest payoff among the majors. And because majors count double in this Ryder Cup year, an American could earn 3,000 points by winning.

How big of a boost would that be?

Tom Gillis, who has no status on any tour in the world, could win this week and move up to No. 8 in the standings.

Stricker's lament
As much as Steve Stricker loves competing in the British Open, it hurts to miss the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, close to where he grew up and still lives.

For cheeseheads like Stricker and Jerry Kelly, the PGA Tour stop in Milwaukee is close to a fifth major.

“I do wish Milwaukee could have another date,” Stricker said. “I’m kind of a proponent of having no tournaments opposite these majors. I would love to be able to take advantage of some of the tournaments that are opposite the majors, especially Milwaukee. I miss being there. I haven’t been there the last couple years. But obviously, you’ve got to come here when you’re exempt and able to play.”

Junior champion
The first Open champion of the week was a girl.

Moriya Jutanugarn, a 13-year-old from Thailand who had never been to Europe, became the first girl to win the Junior Open on Wednesday when she closed with a 78 at Hesketh Golf Club for a one-shot victory over Steven Lam of Hong Kong and Jordan Speith of the United States.

Jutanugarn is a scratch golfer, but this was her first time to play a links course. She finished at 9-over 225.

The Junior Open is a 54-hole tournament for players under the age 16.