What Is the Claret Jug? The Open Championship Trophy

The Claret Jug is the common name for the Golf Champion Trophy, awarded to the winner of The Open Championship. It was commissioned in 1872 and first presented in 1873. The R&A keeps the original, while each Champion Golfer of the Year receives a full-size replica. For another major-championship symbol, see what the Masters green jacket means, the career Grand Slam and who has won the most majors.

What is the trophy’s official name?

Its formal name is the Golf Champion Trophy.

“Claret Jug” is the name golfers and broadcasters use because the silver trophy resembles a wine jug. The nickname is more memorable, but the official name appears in Open Championship records.

When was the Claret Jug first presented?

The trophy was commissioned in 1872 and first presented at The Open in 1873.

The 1872 champion, Young Tom Morris, received a medal because the new trophy was not ready. Tom Kidd was the first player to receive the completed jug at St Andrews in 1873.

Does the Open champion keep the original?

No. The R&A retains the original and gives the winner a replica to keep.

The arrangement protects a historic object while still giving the champion a substantial physical reminder of the win. A replica can be engraved and displayed without risking the original’s security.

Why did the R&A retain the original?

The original became too valuable to travel permanently, so the R&A kept it on display and continued the tradition with replicas.

The Open’s trophy history therefore has two layers: the original object in the R&A collection and the replica presented to each new champion.

What does winning it mean?

Winning the Claret Jug makes a player the Champion Golfer of the Year and a major champion.

The trophy is one part of The Open’s prize package, alongside prize money, exemptions and the historical record. It should not be confused with the Masters’ green jacket or with a generic event trophy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Claret Jug?

The Golf Champion Trophy for The Open winner.

When did it begin?

It was commissioned in 1872 and first presented in 1873.

Does the winner keep it?

The winner keeps a replica; the R&A retains the original.

Why the name?

The trophy resembles a wine jug, which led to the nickname.

What is its formal name?

The Golf Champion Trophy.

Who presents it?

The R&A presents it to the Champion Golfer of the Year.

Bottom line

The Claret Jug is not just a nickname. It is the most recognisable symbol of The Open, formally the Golf Champion Trophy, first presented in 1873 and preserved through a replica tradition that lets each champion take home the memory without removing the original from the R&A.