U.S. Open Trophy: History, Design, and Legacy
The U.S. Open Trophy is about as iconic of a trophy as you'll find in golf. From the engravings to the perfect polish, it’s a magnet for attention. It isn't light on good looks or history. Here are some fascinating facts about the prestigious U.S. Open trophy.
The Original U.S. Open Trophy
The original U.S. Open Trophy was handed out to Horace Rawlins when he won the inaugural U.S. Open in 1895. It was made by the Gorham Company, the best in America at the time, and one whose products are now highly sought after by antique dealers.
In fact, the trophy was so valuable that when notorious drinker Fred Herd won it in 1898, the USGA forced him to make a cash deposit on the trophy so he wouldn’t be tempted to sell it.
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The Lost Original Destroyed by Fire
Sadly, the original trophy was lost in 1946 when champion Lloyd Mangrum’s home clubhouse, Tam O’Shanter in suburban Chicago, burned to the ground. Mangrum had kept the trophy on display at his home club, and it was destroyed beyond repair in the blaze.
The Modern U.S. Open Trophy
A new trophy was made in time for the 1947 U.S. Open when Lew Worsham won at St. Louis Country Club. Fortunately, that’s the trophy that’s still used today.
The U.S. Open trophy was commissioned by the USGA and is kept by the champion for one year. The trophy is then handed to the next champion, and the previous winner exchanges it for a slightly smaller replica.
U.S. Open Trophy Size, Weight & Materials
The U.S. Open trophy is 18 inches tall and made of pure sterling silver. The trophy weighs about 8.5 lbs. Each year, a new champion's name is etched onto the trophy as another golfer writes his name in history.
The U.S. Open Trophy is named just that. It does not bear a particular name.
The Wanamaker Trophy, which is given to the winner of the PGA Championship, is the only men's golf major championship trophy that has a person’s name attached to it.
The Jack Nicklaus Medal
While the U.S. Open trophy must be returned each year, the winners do get a unique gold medal to keep. This tradition dates back to the original tournament, where the trophy was largely seen as more for a professional's home club, and the medal for the individual golfer.
The medal remained nameless and had various designs before it was named the Jack Nicklaus Medal in 2012. Nicklaus, along with Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, and Willie Anderson, holds the record for the most U.S. Open wins with four.
Nicklaus’ image is featured on the medal, and is a great way to honor the history and traditions of this great American event.