Who wouldn’t want their name etched on the Claret Jug? Winning this prestigious trophy is equivalent to a writer winning the Pulitzer Prize or an academic winning the Nobel Prize. It is the ultimate recognition of excellence in golf, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. For those unfamiliar, the Claret Jug is the trophy for the Open Championship, the final, and the oldest major in men’s golf.

This year, the tournament, scheduled for July 17–20, will take place at the Royal Troon Golf Club. The award boasts a long history, spanning more than a century and edging closer to its double century. How did its evolution start? Who designed it? Who are the legends to take home this trophy? Let’s move forward step by step from its inception.

History of The Open Championship Trophy

The oldest major originated in 1860. However, the trophy was not part of the award during that time. The Golf Champion Trophy, commonly known as the Claret Jug, has a storied history dating back to 1872. After Young Tom Morris won the original Challenge Belt in 1870, securing three consecutive victories, a new trophy was required.

Prestwick Golf Club, which had organized the championship from 1860 to 1870, reached an agreement with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the company of Edinburgh Golfers for the championship to rotate among these three venues. Before the inclusion of the Claret Jug, the Challenge Belt, a red Moroccan leather belt with a silver buckle, was awarded to winners from 1860 to 1870.

Interestingly, the organizers canceled the 1871 tournament because they lacked a prize to award the winner. Although Young Tom Morris won his fourth title in 1872, he received a medal instead of the trophy, as the latter wasn’t ready. However, his name was engraved on the trophy in 1873, as the Claret Jug was finally awarded to Tom Kidd.

Now, let’s explore the design, significance, and specifications of the trophy before delving into some fascinating facts and legends about the winners who have been honored with this prestigious award.

Trophy design, its significance, and prestige

The Claret Jug is crafted from 92.5% sterling silver. Weighing roughly 5.5 pounds, it is a beautifully designed piece, measuring 7.25 inches in diameter and 20.75 inches in length. Made by Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh, its design symbolizes the rich history and tradition of golf. The design serves as a perpetual reminder of the skill, determination, and excellence required to win the Open Championship.

Apart from its elegant design, the Open Championship title radiates significant hope for the younger generation of golfers. Ultimately, it is an opportunity for today’s golfers to write their names as legends in the history books of tomorrow. Securing the Claret Jug can be a defining moment in a golfer’s career, significantly boosting their legacy and standing within the sport.

Jon Rahm, who talks highly of Seve Ballesteros and his 1984 triumph at St. Andrews, remarked at the 2022 Open Championship, “I dream about it. I dream about it all the time. I see myself doing that; I think a lot of people do. It’s the fuel that keeps me going. I have been doing that since I was a kid, thinking of the putt to win, of the green jacket being put on my back, of the photographs holding the Claret Jug. I let myself believe. Why not? I have gotten to where I am because I dream about it and I believe. There is no reason to stop now.” Wearing the green jacket at the 2023 Masters, Rahm has now won 2 out of 4 majors. Perhaps one day, a young boy will be inspired by him and dream the same dream.

Legends who got their hands on the prestigious trophy

Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, John Daly, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Bobby Jones, and Walter Hagen have all had the honor of lifting the prestigious Claret Jug as Open Champions, united by their shared achievement despite their diverse backgrounds and personalities.

Tom Watson’s 1977 Open Championship win at Turnberry, Scotland, is often regarded as one of the most famous Open wins in history. In a thrilling duel with Jack Nicklaus, Watson emerged victorious by a single stroke, with a memorable performance that helped him secure his second Open title. This epic battle is still referred to as the ‘Duel in the Sun’ and is widely considered one of the greatest moments in golf history. Did we miss something? Most probably, yes! So, here are some bonus facts.

Interesting facts and trivia about the Claret Jug

A little-known fact about the trophy is that the original Claret Jug has been on permanent display at the clubhouse of the R&A Golf Club since 1928, alongside the original Challenge Belt donated by the Morris family in 1908. The current Claret Jug that we see today was first awarded to Walter Hagen for his 1928 victory.

Additionally, the winner receives a replica of the trophy to keep for a year and then returns it to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club before the next year’s Open. The winner also receives a full-size replica to keep and can order up to three smaller replicas.

Since its inception, the British Open has delighted fans as the venues test pros’ mettle. Golfers battle to stay warm and fight their way out of dense roughs.