The Open Championship, that’s the name and it always has been.
So from where did anyone get “The British Open”?
Only Americans called golf’s oldest major championship the “British Open.” It is sometimes shortened to “The Open,” the name reflecting the purpose and that’s it is open to all, according to The Open’s official website.
The tournament’s official start dates back to 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, making it the oldest pro golf tournament and there was no competition for the Open Championship. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club continued to use the name for 35 years with no conflicts. But that changed when the United States Golf Association introduced the U.S. Open in 1895. The British Open name is strictly prohibited by R&A.
The tournament was made as a final decision for the Champion Golfer of the Year. It was open to both professionals and amateurs, regardless of background. Pretty much anyone good enough to compete could play. Other golf majors, like the Masters which is closed to professionals, or the U.S. Open which is invitation only. The Open is one of a kind.
The Open Championship winners
The Open has been held consecutively since 1860, only skipping a few years due to World War II, the lost trophy year, and COVID-19. Here is a list of the winners from years past, according to Topend Sports:
The Open Championship Course by Year
Since 1860, The Open Championship had been set in different golf courses throughout the UK. Here is a list of the courses per year, according to Topend Sports.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why you should never call The Open Championship the British Open
Reporting by Samantha Guillotte, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Guillotte, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
