What title is given to the winner of The Open?

The winner of The Open is given the title “Champion Golfer of the Year.”

The designation dates back to the tournament’s first edition in 1860. Prestwick Golf Club created the competition to identify a successor to Allan Robertson, the celebrated professional golfer who had died the previous year. Willie Park Sr. won that inaugural event and was declared the first Champion Golfer of the Year.

The title is not the same as the name of the trophy. The winner receives the Golf Champion Trophy, widely known as the Claret Jug, which was first awarded in 1872. Before that, the champion’s prize was the Challenge Belt, a red leather belt with a silver buckle.

Another frequent confusion is treating The Open’s winner as the “British Open Champion.” “British Open” is a commonly used name outside the United Kingdom, but the official championship title and winner’s traditional designation are The Open and Champion Golfer of the Year. The Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship use different winner titles.