Open Championship winners have found plenty of novel uses for the old Claret Jug down the years.
Last year’s winner Henrik Stenson took it water skiing and two-time champion Padraig Harrington let his son house his ladybirds in the Golf Champion Trophy, as it is officially known.
Now add Jordan Spieth to the list — who celebrated his 24th birthday in style Thursday when he blew out a candle on a birthday cake positioned precariously on top of sport’s most treasured prizes.
Spieth’s mom, Christine posted a picture of her son, alongside siblings Steven and Ellie, on Twitter to mark the occasion.
“Happy Birthday! #24 #championgolfoftheyear #family @JordanSpieth” she tweeted.
The Texan clinched victory at Royal Birkdale on Sunday, recovering from a potentially round-wrecking tee shot at the 13th hole to eventually win by three shots from compatriot Matt Kuchar.
Spieth’s stunning win was his third at major championships following victories at the Masters and US Open in 2015. His most recent triumph means he becomes only the second player after the great Jack Nicklaus to win three of the four major titles before the age of 24.
Spieth now has his eyes on a completing the career slam at next month’s USPGA Championship being held at Quail Hollow in North Carolina from August 10-13.
Should Spieth achieve the feat, he will become only the sixth golfer in history to do so following in the footsteps of Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen.