The British Open is the only
major tournament
to be played outside the USA
and in the early years of the
tournament was played mainly
in Scotland as the list of
courses  and winners will confirm.

First held in October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, The British Open attracted just eight players.
In its second year the tournament became a world wide event known simply as The Open.
Since then the Royal and Ancient Golf Club has established a rota of seaside golf clubs to host the event
thus giving a unique links-course challenge among the majors.

Winners of The Open where originally awarded a red, Morocco leather belt embellished with a silver buckle and emblems.
This, however, was kept by Tom Morris Junior in 1870 after completing three victories in a row.
The Open was not staged in 1871 but the following year the tournament was without a trophy
so a standard medal was issued to the winner - yet again Tom Morris Junior.

In 1873 a new trophy was commissioned by the three golf clubs who had, at this time, joined forces to host The Open
Prestwick, the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
The official name of this trophy was to be The Golf Champion Trophy and was to be awarded to the winner of The Open
Made by Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh and hallmarked 1873
the trophy quickly became known as the Claret Jug and was presented to the 1873 winner, Tom Kidd
but Tom Morris Junior was the first name engraved on it as the 1872 winner.
Since then the Claret Jug has become one of the most famous awards in Golf.
The next milestone in the history of The Open came in 1920 when The Royal & Ancient Golf Club
assumed responsibility for the tournament.
Then in 1927 they decided to retain the Claret Jug and consequently presented the winner Bobby Jones with a replica.
This practice has continued to the present day and the original Claret Jug is on permanent display in
The Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse where it sits alongside the original first prize, the Challenge Belt,
donated in1908 by the grandchildren of Tom Morris Senior.

Further replicas where made between 1990 and 2003 one of which is displayed in the new British Golf Museum at St Andrews.
The winners of The Open also receive and retain an Open Medal which was first introduced in 1872.
The original medals where made of silver in a large oval shape with a shield and crossed club design in the centre
while the outside of the medal was inscribed 'Golf Champion Trophy'
It Changed shape and design in the late 1880's and becoming a circular medal in 1893 to resemble that of the present day.
The Open has a long tradition of encouraging amateur golfers and in 1949 a silver medal,
much the same as the winner's medal but with the words 'First Amateur' added was presented to an American, Frank Stranaham.
This practice has continued and since 1972 all amateurs, except the leading amateur,
playing on the final day of The Open Championship receive a bronze medal.

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