Open Championship “Challenge Belt” Buckle
(2010 British Open Champion's Gift)
TONY JACKLIN COLLECTION
Tony Jacklin was the most celebrated British golfer of his generation. He was the first European player to win on the U.S. tour since the 1920s with his victory at the 1968 Jacksonville Open Invitational. Jacklin then went on to win the 1969 Open Championship and 1970 U.S. Open. Even so, Jacklin is likely even more well-known today for his involvement in the Ryder Cup. He participated in 7 consecutive Ryder Cup Matches as a player, and then went on to Captain the European team 4 more times. It is his role as Ryder Cup Captain for which he is most revered in Britain. Jacklin led his team to its first victory in 28 years at the 1985 Ryder Cup, and then shocked the world by leading Europe to victory again in 1987 - Europe’s first-ever victory on U.S. soil. His career also included “the Concession” at the 1969 Ryder Cup, and an induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002.
Open Championship “Challenge Belt” Buckle
(2010 British Open Champion's Gift)
Here is a truly rare and unique item linked to the inception of the Open Championship. During the first eleven years of the tournament, the winner received what is known as The Challenge Belt – a wide, red Moroccan leather belt with silver clasps and an ornate silver buckle. The belt was purchased by the members of Prestwick Golf Club, host site to the first dozen Opens.
However, due to the original rules, when Young Tom Morris won three consecutive Opens from 1868-1870, the Challenge Belt became his permanent possession. Thus, without a prize available, no tournament was held in 1871. Subsequently, the Claret Jug was produced and became the Open Champion’s prize beginning in 1873.
This Sterling Silver Challenge Belt Buckle replica was presented to Tony Jacklin and comes with its original box and the original gift card. It was the famous gift to former Open Championship Winners at the 2010 Champions’ Dinner at St. Andrews. It is our understanding that this is the first authorized replica of the Challenge Belt buckle that has ever been produced. This large belt buckle measures 5" x 3 1/4".
Letter of Authenticity from Tony Jacklin