The tournament “shall be open to the world,” announced the host club, Prestwick. It was done so following the success of the first-ever Open championship in 1860. Now, fast forward 164 years into the present. The 152nd edition of the tournament is set to kick off soon, with top golfers worldwide aiming for the title of The Open champion and its iconic trophy, the Golf Champion Trophy, better known as the Claret Jug!The various winners of the tournament receive a cut from the prize money, a gold medal, exemptions for various events, and points on the ranking system. Even so, the most iconic symbol of the major event remains the trophy, which didn’t even come into existence till 1872, as per the official records.Then what was awarded to the golfer who reigned supreme on the field? Well, the champion back then received the Challenge Belt, a reward made from Moroccan leather that was embellished with a silver buckle and emblems. However, rules back then stated that the champion “shall always leave the belt with the treasurer of the club…until it becomes the property of the winner by being won three times in succession.”
