It was William Shakespeare that asked, "what's in a name?"
The United States Open trophy has been known as The U.S. Open Championship Trophy since its creation in 1895.
Isn't it about time the trophy got a little pick-me-up for the 21st century?
Here are 10 name ideas the U.S. Open should consider:
The Horace Rawlins Trophy
Rawlins was the first-ever winner of the trophy, taking the title in 1895 at the Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I. Rawlins, who finished with a 173, won just $150 and a medal for the title.
The Anderson-Jones-Hogan-Nicklaus Trophy
Named for Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus -- the four players to win the trophy four times. Tiger Woods has won three times; if he wins a fourth, his name could be added. If he wins a fifth, then it's just named the Woods Trophy.
The Hale Irwin Trophy
Irwin won the trophy in 1990, becoming the oldest player to claim the title at 45 years and 15 days old. If and when another player wins the trophy at an older age then the trophy would be renamed for him.
The Francis Ouimet Trophy
In 1913, Ouimet shot a 304 to win the title at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. The title was the first won by an amateur and is just one of eight titles won by an amateur.
The Bobby Jones Trophy
Jones is one of four men to win the title four times, but he's the only multiple winner of the trophy as an amateur. Thus, he earned nothing in winnings for his four titles.
The Johnny Goodman Trophy
Goodman won as an amateur in 1933. No amateur has won the title since. If one does, the trophy will carry his name until another achieves the feat.
The Rory McIlroy Trophy
Named for last year's winner. The trophy could change names each year, named after the previous winner.
The Roy McAvoy Trophy
Named for Kevin Costner's character in "Tin Cup." It was the Open that McAvoy made his big run before succumbing to his demons.
The Happy Gilmore Trophy
If you're going to use Hollywood as an inspiration then why not use "Happy Gilmore," probably the best-known golf movie this side of "Caddyshack"? Now, if the champion would just ride the bull after sinking a putt.
The U.S. Open Championship Trophy
Why mess with a good thing? The trophy has carried this name since 1895, why mix it up now?
Source:
Jeff DeLuca has been a sports writer since 1997. Among his highlights is covering the 1999 U.S. Senior Open in West Des Moines, Iowa.
