The Australian Open, established in 1904, stands as one of golf's most prestigious tournaments. Regarded by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy as the "fifth Major," its rich history features victories by some of golf's greatest players.

Here are 11 legendary golfers who have claimed the Stonehaven Cup:

Gene Sarazen (1936)

• Won by four strokes at Melbourne's Metropolitan Golf Club
• Victory came after completing his career Grand Slam

Peter Thomson (1951, 1967, 1972)

• Three-time winner over 19 years
• First win preceded his five Open Championship victories

Bobby Locke (1955)

• First South African to win the title
• Edged out Von Nida and Nagle by one stroke

Gary Player (1958, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1974)

• Record holder with seven victories
• Set tournament record of 264 in 1965

Jack Nicklaus (1964, 1968, 1971, 1975, 1976, 1978)

• Six-time champion
• Final victory came by six shots over Ben Crenshaw

Arnold Palmer (1966)

• Won in his Australian Open debut
• Defeated Ken Nagle by five strokes

Greg Norman (1980, 1985, 1987, 1995, 1996)

• Most successful Australian with five victories
• Notable 10-shot victory over Sandy Lyle in 1987

Tom Watson (1984)

• Single victory at Royal Melbourne
• Described win as "putting chocolate sauce on ice cream"

Adam Scott (2009)

• Won by five shots over Stuart Appleby
• Three-time runner-up since victory

Rory McIlroy (2013)

• Edged Adam Scott by one shot
• Advocates for event to become official fifth Major

Jordan Spieth (2014, 2016)

• Two-time winner
• First victory preceded his Major championship success

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