2021 April Golf Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2021
Open Championship Challenge Belt Buckle - 2010 OPEN @ St. Andrews Champion's Gift - Todd Hamilton Collection
Thought to be at, or near the top of the list for creativity was the Open in 2010 producing a replica of it's first Championship award - The Challenge Belt. Dating back to the first 11 years of the tournament the Champion Golfer of the Year was awarded a 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. When young Tom Morris won three consecutive Opens from 1868-1870, the Challenge Belt became his permanent possession. No tournament was held in 1871. Subsequently, the Claret Jug was produced and became the Open Champion’s award starting with the 1873 Championship. In 2010 a near replica Sterling Silver Challenge Belt Buckle was gifted to each past champion attending the Champions Dinner at St. Andrews. This item limited to past champions as recipients was presented to 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton and he has retained it just as he received it that evening with both the original presentation box and gift card. For the collector of golf history, Open Championship history or St. Andrews memorabilia it's a must have. Due to scarcity this is certain to be a sought after but unattainable collectible for most. This eye catching belt buckle measures 3 1/4" by 5." A letter of provenance from Todd Hamilton will be attached with this lot.
TODD HAMILTON GOLF CAREER
Todd Hamilton gave a hint to his future professional success as a three time All-American college golfer at the University of Oklahoma. Following his amateur success he continued to hone his game learning every element of professional golf all over the world. He became one of the most successful international players ever on the Japan Golf Tour, after capturing the 1992 Asian Tour Merit of Order. In a stretch from 1992 - 2003, Hamilton captured 14 International victories primarily in Japan. On the heels of that success in his 8th try, he made it through Q-school earning his first PGA TOUR card for the 2004 season. He entered the season with only 12 previous career starts on the PGA TOUR. He got off to a fast start in his sixth appearance of the '04 season posting a win at the Honda Classic by one stroke over Davis Love III. Hamilton's career defining moment would come later that summer at the British Open held at Royal Troon. Carrying a lead into the 72nd hole of the Championship, he bogeyed to fall into a tie with Ernie Els. Not to be denied his Major Championship Hamilton defeated Els in the four-hole aggregate playoff. Todd parred all four holes, while Els made bogey on the third. For his play that season, Hamilton at 38 years old was named the PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year. Over his career Hamilton would appear in the Masters, U.S. Open and P.G.A. Championship in addition to his numerous British Open appearances. He made 235 career starts on the PGA TOUR splitting time between the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, Hamilton turned his professional pursuits to the Champions Tour playing that circuit from 2016-19.
For the current 2021 April Auction, please remember to read the rules page, and all initial bids must be placed by 9pm ET Sunday, April 11th. The auction ending rules will change beginning with the next auction. Thank you for your support. - The Golf Auction
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