St Andrews: leather belt makes a comeback
14/07/2010
This year's championship is the 150th since the tournament began and to mark the special occasion, the R&A decided to return to the competition's roots and recreate the original winner's trophy, a commemorative leather belt.
The Open began in 1860 at Prestwick, with only eight competitors taking part. The prize for winner, Willie Park, was a belt made from red Moroccan leather with a silver buckle and metal medallions stitched on.
By 1870, Tom Morris Jr had won it three times, which meant he was entitled to keep the trophy for life. In replacing it, the members of Prestwick Golf Club, the original organisers, opted instead for the famous silver claret jug with which the champion golfer is still presented to this day.
For the special anniversary this year, the R&A has confirmed that the golfer with the best score will receive the replica belt as well as the jug.
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