After winning The Open at Royal Portrush, Scottie Scheffler, the 29-year-old Champion Golfer of the Year, took a moment amid the celebrations to closely examine the Claret Jug. The trophy, one of golf’s oldest and most revered awards, features the names of many legendary winners, but Scheffler’s attention was drawn to a distinctive engraving he had not expected to find.
The Claret Jug Bears a Rare Pandemic Engraving
Instead of focusing on the familiar list of past champions, Scheffler pointed out a surprising inscription on the trophy related to the global events of 2020. During an interview on the Golf Channel’s ‘Live From,’ he revealed that the first thing he noticed on the jug was an unusual note explaining the lack of a tournament that year.
The first thing I noticed is this,
Scheffler said while indicating a spot on the trophy.
2020, no championship owing to global pandemic.
—Scottie Scheffler, Champion Golfer of the Year
This unique dedication serves as a formal acknowledgment of the disruption caused by COVID-19, marking the first time a note of this nature has been engraved on the Claret Jug. Photographs by Raymond Davies, credited to the R&A and Getty Images, provide clear evidence of this tribute.
Impact of the Pandemic on The Open Championship
The Claret Jug engraving reflects the unprecedented circumstances that led to the cancellation of The Open in 2020. Unlike the other three major golf championships, which managed to proceed despite the pandemic, The Open was called off due to concerns over COVID-19’s impact and the complexities of international travel restrictions.
The professional golf world had already experienced significant disruptions, with events like The Players Championship halted mid-competition in March 2020. The decision to cancel The Open was a historic one, and the engraving on the Claret Jug ensures that the impact of the pandemic will be permanently recorded on the sport’s most iconic trophy.
Significance of the Pandemic Inscription on Golf History
This inscription on the Claret Jug goes beyond a simple notation of a canceled event; it symbolically captures a moment in time when sport and global health crises intersected. For Scottie Scheffler and future champions, the tribute will serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the sport and the resilience required to return to competition. The engraving is likely to prompt reflection whenever the jug is held or displayed, underscoring the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Scottie Scheffler upset about?
A. The PGA of America chose not to allow “preferred lies,” meaning golfers must play the ball from where it lands. Scheffler was upset about this decision, stating that mud on the ball adds unpredictability.
Q. What did Scottie Scheffler do illegally?
A. The top-ranked golfer was trying to reach Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, at about 6 a.m. Police claim he unlawfully skipped the site of an accident where a person died.