[2][3][4] The 2005 event was the first Senior Open Championship played at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

18-hole stroke play qualifying rounds were held on Monday, 18 July, on two places in Scotland, Murcar Golf Club and the Newmachar, for players who were not already exempt.

Sunday, 24 July 2005 Des Smyth and Tom Watson tied the lead after the fourth round, to meet in a sudden death playoff, to decide the winner.

Tom Watson beat Des Smyth with a par at the third extra hole.

Smyth hit his tee shot into a greenside bunker and his second shot to within 20 feet of the hole, but missed the par putt, while Watson made a par to win the championship.