The display includes significant trophies, although not all are competed for today. The Challenge Belt was the original prize presented to the winner of The Open. It was won outright by Tom Morris Jr in 1870, following his third consecutive victory. The Claret Jug replaced the Belt as the prize and the rules were changed so that it could not be retained by the winner.
The AIG Women’s British Open was first played in 1976. Several trophies have been presented, the current one having been made in 2007 when Ricoh became the sponsor.
The Amateur Championship for men was first played in 1885 at Hoylake. The trophy was not presented until the following year, having been subscribed to by twenty-four leading golf clubs.
The Ladies’ Golf Union was formed in 1893 and one of its founding principles was to establish a national women’s championship. The inaugural competition was played at Lytham & St Annes that year. Today’s championship attracts a large international field and has been played at venues throughout the UK and Ireland.