Long before the Claret Jug went to the winner, the Champion Golfer of the Year received a belt, one with very specific instructions that governed its use:

"The party winning the belt shall always leave the belt with the treasurer of the club until he produces a guarantee to the satisfaction of the above committee that the belt shall be safely kept and laid on the table at the next meeting to compete for it until it becomes the property of the winner by being won three times in succession."

When Young Tom Morris won for the third consecutive time in 1870, the belt was his and there was no Open to contest in 1871. The Claret Jug would be introduced the following year, and the Championship continued on.

This updated version of the Challenge Belt features needlepoint Harrys, commissioned by Smathers & Branson. We recommend adding 4 sizes to your pants size for Smalters & Branson belts. IE size 32 waist should buy a size 36 belt.