The Advent of Claret Jug Trophies   by Jeremy Winters

in Sports / Golf    (submitted 2011-03-28)

The Claret Jug is actually a sought after trophy awarded to the champion winner of the Open Championship. In addition called the Golf Champion Trophy, this trophy is among the most desired and revered trophies in the United Kingdom. In the United States, this particular Open Championship is known as the British Open. Claret Jug trophies are generally thought of as the peak of success for any golfer.

The dark red wine claret color is often referred to as being elite. The heritage of Claret Jug Trophies dates back to 1872. This renowned trophy is presented every year to the champion of the Open golf tournament. The authentic trophy is kept and a replica is given to the winner along with his name engraved. When we speak of Claret Jug trophies, their background and origin, the story is incomplete without the discussion of the youthful and proficient golf icon Tom Morris. He was generally referred to as Young Tom Morris since his father, Sr. Tom Morris or Old Tom Morris, performed as a partner.

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

When Tom Morris Jr. won 3 times in a row, he became the owner of this unique belt. On his next win in 1872 the 3 clubs, namely the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Prestwick, as well as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, contributed 10 pounds to get a new trophy rather than another belt. This brand new trophy was called The Golf Champion Trophy. When Young Tom Morris proceeded the next year to win the championship once again for the 4th time, the trophy wasn't yet prepared to be presented to him, so he was given a medal instead. Although his was the initial name to become etched on the trophy, the very first Claret Jug Trophy was first awarded to Tom Kidd, the 1873 winner. This trophy was produced by Mackay Cunningham and Company of Edinburgh and had 1873 imprinted on it.

The revered Claret Jug Trophy showed up twice for a memorial on 5 pound Scottish banknotes 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 celebrated its 250th anniversary and the next time was in 2005, using Jack Nicklaus, the "golden bear" of American golf holding the Jug like a symbol to seal his retirement.

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

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Are you looking for a Silver Claret Jug? Be sure to visit the Sliver Trophy shop for Claret Jug trophies and other sports trophies.