The 2002 Open Championship was a men's major golf championship and the 131st Open Championship, held from 18 to 21 July at Muirfield Golf Links in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland. Ernie Els won his first Claret Jug and third major title in a playoff over Stuart Appleby, Steve Elkington, and ultimately in a sudden-death playoff over Thomas Levet. The Open 2002: July 18–21, 2002 at Muirfield Golf Links. Champion: Ernie Els, at 278 (−6), playoff — 3rd major title. Wiki link