It is jointly owned and run by The R&A, the same body that organises The Open Championship, and the PGA European Tour.

[9] The standard field size is 144 players and an 18-hole qualifying round is held at the championship course on the Monday before the tournament, with a minimum of 24 places available.

If fewer than 120 exempt players enter, the field is filled to 144 with more high finishers from qualifying.

If more than 120 exempt players enter, the top 24 finishers earn entry even if it causes the field to expand beyond 144.

The Senior Open Championship has been played at the following courses, listed in order of number of times hosted (as of 2024):