The 1997 Senior British Open was a professional golf tournament for players aged 50 and above and the 11th British Senior Open Championship, held from 24 to 27 July at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

[3][4][5][6] The event was the third Senior Open Championship in a row held at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Neil Coles (24th), Brian Huggett (tied 26th) and Christy O'Connor Snr (missed the cut).

Sunday, 27 July 1997 Gary Player, South Africa and his fellow countryman John Bland tied the lead after the fourth round, to meet in a sudden death playoff, to decide the winner.

Noel Ratcliffe scored a bogey 5 on the 18th hole of the final round to came one shot short of joining the playoff.