Louis Oosthuizen returns Claret Jug to R & A CEO, Peter Dawson (Photo R & A)

 South African Louis Oosthuizen returned the Claret Jug to the R & A’s CEO Peter Dawson ahead of his defence of the Open Championship.

The most recognisable trophy in all of golf has been Oosthuizen’s constant companion for the past 12 months.

Since being handed to Oosthuizen last July at the Home of Golf, Oosthuizen has travelled with the Claret Jug home to his beloved South Africa while it’s been to Dubai twice, Abu Dhabi and many other European Tour events.

“It’s been great being The Open champion, having the Claret Jug with me for a year was really nice,” he said.

“Golfing-wise it’s been a bit slow after The Open, but hopefully going the right direction now.

“The most special thing was to take it to the club that I grew up, the Albertina Golf Club where I showed it to the members.

“That the most special thing for me, having the Claret Jug that at the golf club where about 42 or 43 of the members are field farmers, as that’s where I grew up.

“So that was a quite special moment for me.”