What Is a Claret Jug and Why Is It the Ultimate Golf Trophy?

Ask any golfer what trophy they dream of lifting, and the answer is usually the same. The Claret Jug. It is one of the most recognised sports trophies in the world. And yet, many people outside serious golf circles are not entirely sure what it actually is, where it came from, or why it carries such weight.

This guide covers the history of the Claret Jug, what makes it so special, and why the cup-style design has become the gold standard for golf trophy design from the most famous championship in the world down to local club tournaments across Australia.

If you are organising a golf day, a club presentation, or a tournament and want to choose the right award, this is a good place to start.

What Is a Claret Jug?

The Claret Jug is the trophy awarded to the winner of The Open Championship – the oldest golf major in the world. It has been presented to the champion since 1873.

Officially, it is known as the Golf Champion Trophy. The “claret jug” nickname comes from its shape, which resembles the style of jug traditionally used to serve claret – a type of red wine from the Bordeaux region of France. The name stuck, and today almost no one calls it by its official name.

It is made from silver, stands around 45 centimetres tall, and has a distinctively elegant shape with a long neck, a rounded body, and a single handle. Every winner since 1873 has had their name, nationality, and year of victory engraved on the trophy. The original is kept by The R&A at St Andrews.

Why Is It Called the Claret Jug?

The name is purely descriptive. When the trophy was first made in the 1870s, claret was the drink of choice among the British upper class. The classic claret jug – a silver or glass vessel used to decant and pour wine – had a distinctive shape: narrow neck, broad body, elegant handle.

The Golf Champion Trophy was designed in a similar style. Golfers and fans began calling it the Claret Jug informally, and the nickname became so widely used that it now appears on official championship merchandise, media coverage, and trophy replicas sold around the world.

It is worth noting that the trophy itself has never been used to hold claret. The name is entirely about the shape.

What Is the Claret Jug Made Of?

The original Claret Jug is made from sterling silver. It was first created in 1873 by Mackay Cunningham and Company, a silversmith based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The trophy has been remade and updated several times over its 150-year history. The version currently presented to Open Championship winners is a faithful reproduction of the original design, crafted in silver with a polished finish that reflects the prestige of the event.

Replica versions – including those sold for club and tournament use – are typically made from silver-plated metal or high-quality resin, finished to achieve the same iconic look at a more accessible price point. For clubs wanting a glass interpretation of that same elegant style, products like the Glass Sail trophy offer a contemporary take on the prestige award format.

A Brief History of the Open Championship Trophy

The First Open

The Open Championship began in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. For the first twelve years, the champion received a leather belt – the Challenge Belt – rather than a trophy. When Young Tom Morris won the belt outright by claiming three consecutive victories, a new trophy was needed.

The Golf Champion Trophy – what we now call the Claret Jug – was commissioned in 1873. Tom Kidd was the first champion to have his name engraved on it after winning at St Andrews.

A Trophy That Carries History

One of the things that makes the Claret Jug so remarkable is what it represents over time. Every champion since 1873 is listed on the trophy. When you look at it, you are looking at golf history stretching back more than 150 years.

The list includes names like Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. Each name was hand-engraved after their victory. That tradition of engraving is part of what makes the trophy unique – and it is a tradition that runs through all serious golf trophies, from the world’s most famous championship down to club competitions across Australia.

The Replica Tradition

Since the original trophy must remain with The Open Championship, the winner receives a full-size, high-quality replica. This practice began in 1928 and continues today. The replica is indistinguishable in appearance from the original and is what champions are photographed holding during the ceremony.

Why the Claret Jug Is Considered the Ultimate Golf Trophy

The Masters Tournament has the Green Jacket. The US Open has the US Open Trophy. But among many golf purists, the Claret Jug holds a higher place. Here is why.

Age and Tradition

The Open Championship is the oldest golf major. It predates the Masters by over 70 years and the US Open by over 30 years. The Claret Jug has been awarded since 1873. That longevity gives it an authority that newer trophies simply cannot match.

The Venues

The Open is played on links courses in the United Kingdom – St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, Muirfield, Royal Liverpool. These are among the oldest and most storied golf venues in the world. Winning on these courses, in these conditions, is considered one of the hardest achievements in the sport. The trophy reflects that difficulty.

The Engraving

Every champion’s name is engraved on the trophy. That is not symbolic – it is permanent. The Claret Jug is a physical record of over 150 years of Open Championship history. The engraving is part of the trophy’s identity, not an add-on. This is why engraving matters so much on golf trophies at every level. A trophy without a name is just an object. A trophy with a name tells a story.

The Design

The shape of the Claret Jug has not changed significantly in 150 years. It is clean, classic, and immediately recognisable. That consistency is rare in trophy design. Most sports trophies have been redesigned multiple times. The Claret Jug has barely changed at all, which gives it a timeless quality that modern designs often lack.

Famous Golf Trophies Around the World

The Claret Jug is the most famous, but it is not alone. Golf has produced several iconic trophies that have become symbols of achievement in their own right.

• The Masters Trophy: presented to the winner of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Accompanied by the famous Green Jacket. The permanent trophy stays at Augusta; winners receive a replica.
• The US Open Trophy: a large silver trophy presented to the US Open champion. First awarded in 1895.
• The Wanamaker Trophy: awarded to the winner of the PGA Championship. One of the heaviest and most physically imposing trophies in sport.
• The Presidents Cup: a team competition trophy, fought between the United States and an international team from outside Europe.

Each of these is an example of how a well-designed, consistently awarded trophy becomes part of the sport’s identity. The same principle applies at every level – from major championships to local club golf days.

Golf Trophy Ideas for Clubs and Tournaments in Australia

Most Australian golfers will never hold the Claret Jug. But that does not mean their club trophy cannot carry the same sense of tradition and prestige.

If you are organising a golf tournament, a club day, or an annual presentation, the right trophy makes a real difference. Here are some golf trophy ideas worth considering.

• The Cup-Style Trophy: The cup shape is the closest in spirit to the Claret Jug. A golf trophy cup with a silver or gold finish, a black base, and space for engraving captures the classic look that golfers associate with prestige. It suits club championships, stroke play competitions, and stableford events.
• The Perpetual Trophy: A perpetual golf trophy is awarded each year to the winner, who has their name engraved on a plate attached to the trophy. The trophy stays with the club and builds a history of winners over time. This mirrors exactly what the Claret Jug does – and it creates a lasting piece of club history. Perpetual trophies work especially well for annual club championships.
• The Claret Jug Replica: For clubs that want to directly reference the most iconic trophy in golf, a Claret Jug replica is an excellent choice. Bayside Discount Trophies stocks a 260mm Golf Champion Trophy replica in silver finish, with customisation included. It is an affordable way to bring the spirit of The Open Championship to your own competition.
• Personalised Figurine Trophies: Golf figurine trophies are practical and versatile. They come in male and female designs and suit events where you need a larger number of awards at a reasonable price per unit. For participation awards, nearest-the-pin prizes, and longest-drive categories, figurine-style trophies work well.
• Funny Golf Trophies: Not every golf day is a serious club championship. Social days, fundraisers, and corporate golf events often call for funny golf trophies – novelty designs that reward the most memorable moments rather than the lowest score. The wooden spoon for last place, the duck for the most wayward shots, or a custom award for the most balls lost. These add humour to the day and give every participant something to take home.

The Role of Engraving in Golf Trophies

The Claret Jug without engraving would just be a silver jug. Engraving is what transforms a trophy into a record of achievement.

For golf championship trophies, the standard engraving includes the winner’s name, the award category, the competition name, and the year. For perpetual trophies, each year’s winner is added to a plate on the base or the body of the trophy, building a list that grows in value over time.

At Bayside Discount Trophies, engraving is included as standard with our trophy and award products. Whether you need a single custom golf trophy or a full range of awards for a golf tournament, the text is engraved to a professional standard. Our glass engraving service also covers glass and crystal awards, which are a premium option for major club events or corporate golf days.

How to Choose the Right Golf Trophy for Your Event

The right choice depends on the nature of your event and your budget. A few questions to help narrow it down:

• Is this a serious competition or a social day? Serious events suit classic cup or perpetual trophy designs. Social days allow for more creative or funny choices.
• How many awards do you need? Bulk orders of figurine or medal-style awards keep costs down for large participation events.
• Do you want something that builds history over time? A perpetual trophy is the answer – it rewards every future winner on the same piece.
• Is the trophy for one person or a team? Team trophies are typically larger and displayed at the club; individual awards should be sized for personal display.
• What is your budget per award? Claret Jug replicas and cup-style trophies sit at a higher price point; figurine and medal awards offer great value for bulk orders.

Browse our full golf trophy range online, or view the catalogue to see the full selection before placing your order.

Ordering Golf Trophies in Australia

Bayside Discount Trophies ships golf trophies Australia-wide from our Brisbane base. Orders include engraving as standard. We stock a wide range of golf-specific designs, from Claret Jug replicas and silver cups to figurines and glass awards.

For golf trophies online, browse our shop and add your engraving details at checkout. For larger orders or custom requests, contact us directly on 0414 645 550 or email sales@baysidediscounttrophies.com.au. We can assist with product selection, engraving wording, and delivery timelines to make sure your awards are ready in time for your event.

Final Thoughts

The Claret Jug has been the symbol of golf excellence for over 150 years. Its design is timeless, its history is unmatched, and its tradition of engraving every winner’s name is exactly what makes a trophy meaningful – at any level of the game.

Whether you are choosing a Claret Jug replica for your club championship, a perpetual trophy for an annual competition, or a full range of awards for a golf day, the same principle applies. A well-chosen trophy with a name engraved on it is something a golfer keeps. It tells a story.

Browse our full golf trophy range at Bayside Discount Trophies, or call us on 0414 645 550 to talk through your requirements.