UNSPECIFIED - NOVEMBER 01: British Open Medallion; The First Golf Championship Medal. ; This medal is the first Championship Golf Medal of all time.; The championship belt, a very handsome trophy, which it replace, was won outright by Young Tommy Morris, in his successive wins of 1868-69-70. His record was 77 strokes, made on the St. Andrews Course in 1869.; It was fitting that a Morris should win it, as Old Tom had come within an ace of securing it in 1863, having won successively in 1861 and 1862.; He again won in 1864 and 1867 when Young Tommy's star appeared, which only set with his lamented death on Christmas Day, 1876.; After Old Tom's death the grandchildren presented the Belt to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, where it occupies the place of honor in their famous collection of golfing Relics.; This first Championship Medal represents an epoch in the game. ; The change from a belt to a money prize and medal possibly lis in the fact that the belt cost "a heap o' Siller" and, as there was no championship in 1871, the four societies subscribing for it were somewhat nonplused at its being won outright.; In 1872, therefore, a money proze and this medal were offered- and won by Young Tom. ; Tom Morris (left) Tom Morris Junr. (right); under medal: engraved upon the reverse of this Medal:; 1872,; won by Thomas Morris, Jr.; Prestwick; 166 strokes. (Photo by Jeff McBride/PGA of America via Getty Images)
