Gary Player finds himself in another battle for the claret jug. Only this time, it might take place in a courtroom instead of a golf course.
Player's replica claret jug for winning the 1974 Open Championship was sold via Golden Age Golf Auctions for on Sunday. Although the identity of the seller and buyer of this golf artifact were unclear, the nine-time major champ made it clear that he wasn't behind the sale with a statement released on Thursday. Player also indicated he's already pursuing legal action regarding the matter.
"Several articles have been written about the recent sale of a replica Claret Jug that I won at the 1974 Open and that was recently auctioned and I feel that it is necessary for me to correct inaccuracies contained in those articles.
Neither of the 1974 Masters Trophy nor the 1974 Open Trophy were sold by me or by one of my companies. Each of these trophies was granted to me for my sole use and enjoyment as winner of the respective Majors. The person entrusted with ensuring the safekeeping of these items on my behalf and who was tasked with using them to enshrine my golfing achievements has done the opposite by offering them for sale without my consent and against my wishes. My legal team is taking appropriate steps to resolve this unlawful situation."
Winners of the Open Championship get to —although the original is on display at R&A headquarters—until the following year's tournament. They then get a replica one to keep forever.
This is not the first time Player has needed to take legal action regarding memorabilia from his Hall-of-Fame career. In 2022, he against his son and ex-manager, Marc, as well as a grandson over items being sold that were to be returned to him.
Player also against Marc in 2020 over unpaid royalties from the Gary Player Group.
The South African legend won both the Masters and Open Championship in 1974 when he went wire-to-wire at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Although the whereabouts of his 1974 Masters trophy aren't clear, Player National for not returning his green jacket after losing in a playoff to Arnold Palmer in his first title defense at the 1962 tournament.