[The Open] Claregerg "Embracing 161 Years of the Oldest Major History"

The Open Championship Trophy 'Claret Jug'

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ‘Claret Jug.’

This is the name of the Open Championship (total prize money $11.5 million) trophy. Claret refers to Bordeaux wine from France, ultimately meaning "a jug that holds wine." It reflects the British, the 'home of golf,' unique love for wine. Moreover, the Open is the 'oldest major,' with 161 years having passed since Willie Park became the inaugural champion in 1860. Due to World Wars I and II and the COVID-19 pandemic last year, 13 tournaments were canceled, and this year marks the crowning of the 149th champion.

Park won four times, including in 1863, 1866, and 1875. Interestingly, his brother Mungo Park (1874) and his son Park Junior (1887, 1889) also contributed, making a total of seven victories. In the early days, there was a fierce rivalry with the Morris family. The Morris family also claimed the Claret Jug eight times. Father Morris Senior won consecutively in 1861?1862, then in 1864 and 1867, while his son Morris Junior achieved a three-peat from 1868 to 1870 and again in 1872, each securing four wins.

The value of the Claret Jug cannot be measured in money, as it represents the champion's special pride and honor. In reality, it was auctioned for $262,900 (approximately 300 million KRW). Heritage Auctions held the auction in August 2013 in Chicago, USA, where the Claret Jug awarded to Sam Snead (USA) for his 1946 victory was sold. The 'Great White Shark' Greg Norman's (Australia) 1986 Claret Jug was sold for $88,810 (about 107.5 million KRW) at the Golden Age Auction last May.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.