The Claret Jug, awarded to the winner of The Open, is the oldest trophy in major championship golf. Ever since it was first awarded in 1873 it has often been considered golf's most precious prize.

The Open Championship (aka ‘The British Open') first began at Prestwick in 1860 when the winner at that time was presented with the Challenge Belt. The Challenge Belt was made of rich Moroccan leather and finished with a silver buckle.

In 1870 Young Tom Morris won the original Championship Belt outright by winning the Championship three years in a row. A new trophy was now needed and 'The Golf Champion Trophy' was created in the style of silver jugs used to serve claret at 19th Century gatherings. The trophy is now more popularly known as The Claret Jug.

In 1872 the trophy was won for the first time by Tom Moriss. His name is the first name engraved on the trophy; however he was not presented with it at the competition because it was not ready. The first player to actually be presented with it was Tom Kidd in 1873.

Nowadays, the original Claret Jug is kept in the clubhouse at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and a replica jug has been given out to the champion since 1928, when it was won by Walter Hagen. Two other replicas are used by the club for exhibitions and tours.

The player who wins the jug takes it with him and keeps it for a year. When his year with the jug was over the champion has to give it back to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.