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Todd Hamilton returns the Claret Jug
After showing off the Claret Jug for a year in his home state of Texas, British Open champion Todd Hamilton has returned the famed trophy to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club safe and sound.
"I played a lot of fun golf with friends and to say thank you to the clubs we played at I brought along the Claret Jug, took it out of its case and stood it on the pro-shop counter.
"People would phone their friends and say 'hey, come on over and see what we've got here... and bring your camera'.
"It was a great way of letting the folks see something they'd never dream they'd have chance to see."
Hamilton, who beat Ernie Els in a playoff last year at Royal Troon, admitted to an exhausting reign as British Open Champion.
Since his triumph, Hamilton's form has been largely indifferent and he currently lies 94th on the PGA Tour moneylist.
Last week he opted play at the John Deere Classic instead of going to St Andrews early and prepare for his defence. He enjoyed his best finish of the year, tied 13th at the Classic.
"It would have been nice to come here a few days earlier but last week the course was only 25 minutes away from my mom's home, so I had to be there," said the American.
"My year as Open Champion has been great but it can be hard giving up your time, especially when you don't feel like it.
"You have to give something back, though."
To honour his family's Scottish name and roots, the 39-year-old Texan was this week presented with a kilt in the Hamilton tartan.
He tees off at 0714 (BST) in Thursday's first round with double U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen and former European number one Lee Westwood.
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