1870 - 1873 - 1870 – 1873

1870

Young Tom Morris wins his third consecutive Open and becomes the permanent holder of the Challenge Belt. He began his first round with a 3 at the 578 yards first hole, and completed his round in 47 (one under 4s) – a new record. He then added two rounds of 51 for yet another record aggregate of 149, and won by a margin of 12 strokes.

1872

No Open is held in 1871 but in 1872 Prestwick is joined by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers in hosting the Open and sharing the cost of a new Golf Champion Trophy, a silver claret jug, which is again won by Young Tom Morris with a score of 166. His good friend, David Strath of St Andrews, is runner-up on 169. Unfortunately, the trophy is not ready to present to the winner who receives a gold medal instead.

1873

The Open is played at St Andrews – the first time it has been held away from the Prestwick links. It is won by Tom Kidd who was the first player to be presented with the Claret Jug – his was not the first name on it however. That honour went to Young Tom Morris who had won the previous year although was the trophy was not completed in time for that event.