​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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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 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:AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement2025: Scottie Scheffler2024: Xander Schauffele2023: Brian Harman2022: Cameron Smith2021: Collin Morikawa2020: Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic2019: Shane Lowry2018: Francesco Molinari2017: Jordan Spieth2016: Henrik Stenson2015: Zach Johnson2014: Rory McIlroy2013: Phil Mickelson2012: Ernie Els2011: Darren Clarke2010: Louis Oosthuizen2009: Stewart Cink2008: Pádraig Harrington2007: Pádraig Harrington2006: Tiger Woods2005: Tiger Woods2004: Todd Hamilton2003: Ben Curtis2002: Ernie Els2001: David Duval2000: Tiger Woods1999: Paul Lawrie1998: Mark O’Meara1997: Justin Leonard1996: Tom Lehman1995: John Daly1994: Nick Price1993: Greg Norman1992: Nick Faldo1991: Ian Baker-Finch1990: Nick Faldo1989: Mark Calcavecchia1988: Seve Ballesteros1987: Nick Faldo1986: Greg Norman1985: Sandy Lyle1984: Seve Ballesteros1983: Tom Watson1982: Tom Watson1981: Bill Rogers1980: Tom Watson1979: Seve Ballesteros1978: Jack Nicklaus1977: Tom Watson1976: Johnny Miller1975: Tom Watson1974: Gary Player1973: Tom Weiskopf1972: Lee Trevino1971: Lee Trevino1970: Jack Nicklaus1969: Tony Jacklin1968: Gary Player1967: Roberto DeVicenzo1966: Jack Nicklaus1965: Peter Thomson1964: Tony Lema1963: Bob Charles1962: Arnold Palmer1961: Arnold Palmer1960: Kel Nagle1959: Gary Player1958: Peter Thomson1957: Bobby Locke1956: Peter Thomson1955: Peter Thomson1954: Peter Thomson1953: Ben Hogan1952: Bobby Locke1951: Max Faulkner1950: Bobby Locke1949: Bobby Locke1948: Henry Cotton1947: Fred Daly1946: Sam Snead1940–1945: No Championships due to World War II1939: Richard Burton1938: Reg Whitcombe1937: Henry Cotton1936: Alf Padgham1935: Alf Perry1