Written by : Divyanshu Sahu

 

 

Brian Harman vividly recalled the key moments of his six-shot triumph at The Open. Recently, he had to return the Claret Jug to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) as his title defense approached at the 152nd Open Championship.

 

 

 

 

Harman appreciates the significance of the Claret Jug, describing it as "the coolest trophy in all of sports" and acknowledging the pageantry that comes with it.Preparing for Royal Troon, where he missed the 2016 Open, Harman is determined and confident, stating

 

 

Brian Harman at 151st Open with Claret Jug 

 

 

 

 

As the golfing world turns its attention to Royal Troon for the 2024 British Open, the Claret Jug once again becomes the focal point of this historic tournament. Known officially as The Golf Champion Trophy, the Claret Jug is one of golf's most iconic trophies, second only to the Masters' green jacket. The story of this celebrated trophy is as rich and intriguing as the game itself.

 

 

The Origins of the Claret Jug

 

 

The Claret Jug was not always the prize for the British Open champion. When Willie Park Sr. won the first Open Championship at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860, he was awarded the Challenge Belt, a red Moroccan leather belt with silver embellishments. This remained the prize until Tom Morris Jr. earned permanent possession of the belt by winning three consecutive Opens from 1868 to 1870, which left the tournament without a trophy in 1871.

 

 

To remedy this, Prestwick, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews each contributed 10 Euro to create a new trophy. This led to the introduction of the Claret Jug in 1872. Although the trophy was commissioned that year, it was not ready in time, so Young Tom Morris received a gold medal for his 1872 victory. The first golfer formally awarded the jug was Tom Kidd, who won at St. Andrews in 1873.

 

 

Dimensions and Craftsmanship

 

 

Claret Jug at The 152nd Open

 

 

The original Claret Jug was crafted by Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh. The trophy stands 20¾ inches tall with its base, is 5½ inches in diameter at its widest, and has a base diameter of 7¼ inches. Weighing approximately 5½ pounds, it is made of 92.5 percent sterling silver.

 

 

A Trophy Steeped in Tradition

 

 

Harry Vardon won the Claret Jug a record six times before the original trophy was permanently displayed at the R&A clubhouse at St. Andrews in 1928. Since then, winners receive a replica to keep for a year before returning it to the R&A. Each Open venue also has a replica on display.

 

 

The claret jug's name isn't official. The Golf Champion Trophy was designed in the style of 19th-century jugs used to serve claret, a dry red wine from France’s Bordeaux region. Three other replicas exist: one in the British Museum of Golf at St. Andrews, and two for traveling exhibitions.

 

 

Notable Moments and Facts

 

 

• First Awarded: Tom Kidd was the first to receive the Claret Jug in 1873, though Young Tom Morris' name is engraved above Kidd’s in recognition of his 1872 victory.

 

• Engraving Tradition: Initially, golfers were responsible for engraving their names on the trophy. This changed in 1967 when champion Robert De Vicenzo forgot to get it done. Since then, the R&A has taken over, with Garry Harvey, a 1979 British Open participant, currently serving as the official engraver.

 

• Drinking from the Jug: Champions have been known to enjoy drinks from the Claret Jug. Cameron Smith, the 2022 winner, revealed to Golf Digest that the jug can hold two beers. He’s also enjoyed espresso in the mornings and espresso martinis at night from the jug.

 

 

The Open Championship's Legacy

 

 

The Open Championship, often regarded as the most prestigious prize in golf, owes much of its esteem to the Claret Jug. Held every July, the tournament rotates among select courses like Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal St. George’s, Royal Liverpool, and St. Andrews.

 

 

Etching name on Claret Jug

 

 

As the 2024 Open approaches, the claret jug remains a symbol of excellence and tradition in golf. This year, the world's best golfers will once again aim to etch their names into history and lift this prestigious trophy. From Willie Park Sr. to Brian Harman, the Claret Jug continues to represent the pinnacle of achievement in the golfing world.

 

 

FAQs

 

What is the Claret Jug?

The Claret Jug, officially known as The Golf Champion Trophy, is awarded to the winner of the British Open Championship, also known as The Open.

 

When was the Claret Jug first introduced?

The Claret Jug was introduced in 1872, though it was first awarded to Tom Kidd in 1873. Young Tom Morris's name is engraved on it for his 1872 victory.

 

What are the dimensions and weight of the Claret Jug?

The Claret Jug stands 20¾ inches tall with its base, is 5½ inches wide at its widest point, and has a base diameter of 7¼ inches. It weighs approximately 5½ pounds and is made of 92.5 percent sterling silver.

 

Do winners get to keep the Claret Jug?

Winners receive a replica to keep for a year before returning it to the R&A. They also receive a full-size replica to keep permanently.

 

Can you drink from the Claret Jug?

Yes, many champions have enjoyed drinks from the Claret Jug. For example, Cameron Smith, the 2022 winner, mentioned that the jug can hold two beers and has also enjoyed espresso and espresso martinis from it.

 

Why is it called the Claret Jug?

The trophy is designed like 19th-century jugs used to serve claret, a type of red wine from France’s Bordeaux region.

 

 

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