Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Advent of Claret Jug Trophies

By Jeremy Winters


The Claret Jug is a coveted trophy presented to the champion winner of the Open Championship. Also known as the Golf Champion Trophy, this particular trophy is among the most desired and revered trophies in the UK. In the United States, this Open Championship is referred to as the British Open. Claret Jug trophies are generally viewed as the peak of achievement for a golfer.

The dark red wine claret coloring is often categorised as being elite. The heritage of Claret Jug Trophies goes back to 1872. This legendary trophy is presented every year to the champion of the Open golf tournament. The original trophy is retained and a replica is handed over to the winner with his name engraved. When we speak of Claret Jug trophies, their heritage and source, the story is incomplete without the discussion of the young and accomplished golf star Tom Morris. He was generally referred to as Young Tom Morris since his father, Sr. Tom Morris or Old Tom Morris, played as a partner.

With junior Tom Morris gaining the Championship Belt 3 times consecutively there was the demand of a new trophy to honor this particular world champion for his win. The Challenge Belt was made from rich Moroccan leather adorned with emblems and elaborate silver buckles making it an invaluable win. The belt was presented to the champion only for 3 wins in a row.

When Tom Morris Jr. won three times in succession, he became the owner of this unique belt. On his next win in 1872 the three clubs, namely the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Prestwick, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, contributed ten pounds to get a new trophy instead of another belt. This new trophy was named The Golf Champion Trophy. When Young Tom Morris went on the following year to win the championship once more for the 4th time, the trophy wasn't yet ready to be handed over to him, and so he was given a medal instead. While his was the first name to be engraved on the trophy, the very first Claret Jug Trophy was first awarded to Tom Kidd, the 1873 champion. This trophy was designed by Mackay Cunningham and Company of Edinburgh and had 1873 imprinted on it.

The respected Claret Jug Trophy appeared twice for a memorial on 5 pound Scottish bank notes which were released by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The very first was in the year 2004 when the illustrious Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Scotland recognized its 250th anniversary and the second time was in 2005, using Jack Nicklaus, the "golden bear" of US golf holding the Jug like a symbol to seal his retirement.

Ever since 1928, the original Claret Jug Trophy has been exhibited in the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.




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