Andrew Corrigan MW dreaming with the Claret Jug

What was going through Andrew’s mind? He is holding the best sporting trophy in the world that has a relationship to wine – the famous Claret Jug award to the winner of the British Open Golf. In 2022 it was won by Australian Cameron Smith, a member of Royal Queensland Golf Club where Andrew is also a member. The photo was taken at recent celebrations at the Club when Cameron Smith visited.

Andrew noticed the various scratches and patina on the Jug. It has travelled extensively but is not the original. The first claret jug was made by Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh and was first awarded in 1872. The original trophy was awarded to players through to 1927. When Walter Hagen won in 1928, he was given a replica and the original was put on permanent display at the clubhouse at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews. Champions continue to receive the replica trophy, on which they get their names engraved and get to keep for a year before returning to the R&A upon the conclusion of their reign.

About Andrew Corrigan MW: Andrew has been elected for the 3rd year as President of the Queensland Wine Industry Association. He owns Hidden Creek Winery that is located in the Granite Belt region in Queensland – the Granite Belt is a recognised geographical wine region in Australia. Despite Queensland’s northern location, the Granite Belt is located about 3-hours drive inland from the coast and Brisbane and at a high altitude. Hidden Creek itself is situated at about 1000 metres altitude. As a result, Hidden Creek does very well with varieties that enjoy inland locations with four pronounced distinct seasons through the year such as Viognier, Marsanne, Verdelho, Syrah and Tempranillo.