Jun 15 2011
Claret Jug Trophies And Their History
The Claret Jug is a coveted trophy awarded to the champion winner of the Open Championship. Additionally referred to as the Golf Champion Trophy, this particular trophy is among the most desired and revered trophies in the United Kingdom. In the US, this Open Championship is referred to as the British Open. Claret Jug trophies are generally viewed as the peak of accomplishment for any golfer.
The darker red wine claret color is normally referred to as being elite. The history of Claret Jug Trophies goes back to 1872. This celebrated trophy is given every year to the champion of the Open golf tournament. The authentic trophy is kept and a reproduction is handed over to the champion with his name engraved. Whenever we speak of Claret Jug trophies, their heritage and origin, the story is incomplete without the mention of the young and talented golf star Tom Morris. He was usually called Young Tom Morris because his father, Sr. Tom Morris or Old Tom Morris, played as a partner.
Because of junior Tom Morris winning the Championship Belt 3 times in a row there was clearly the demand of a brand new trophy to recognize this particular world champion for his win. The Challenge Belt was made from rich Moroccan leather festooned with emblems and ornate silver buckles making it an invaluable win. This belt was presented to the champion only for three wins in succession.
When Tom Morris Jr. won three times in succession, he became the owner of this one of a kind belt. On his subsequent win in 1872 the three clubs, specifically Prestwick, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, and also the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, donated ten pounds for a new trophy instead of another belt. This brand new trophy was called The Golf Champion Trophy. When Young Tom Morris proceeded the next year to win the championship yet again for the 4th time, the trophy was not yet prepared to be awarded to him, so he was given a medal instead. Although his was the first name to become etched on the trophy, the very first Claret Jug Trophy was first awarded to Tom Kidd, the 1873 winner. This particular trophy was crafted by Mackay Cunningham and Company of Edinburgh and had 1873 imprinted on it.
The respected Claret Jug Trophy showed up twice as a memorial on five pound Scottish banknotes that were released by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The first was in 2004 when the illustrious Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Scotland celebrated its 250th anniversary and the next 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 authentic Claret Jug Trophy has been displayed in the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.
Are you looking for Silver Claret Jugs? Be sure to visit the Sliver Trophy shop for Claret Jug Trophies and other sports trophies.
Related posts:
