How Well Do You Know The Harton S. Semple Trophy?
The Harton S. Semple Trophy, awarded to the US Women's Open champion, is one that every player wants to get their hands on
The US Women’s Open champion will proudly hold aloft the Harton S. Semple Trophy at Lancaster Country Club, but what is the history behind this piece of silverware that represents a prestigious title and the oldest women’s Major?
Before the United States Golf Association (USGA) took over the US Women’s Open in 1953, the champion was awarded a trophy donated by the Spokane Athletic Round Table from 1948 to 1952.
The USGA declined the group’s offer of continued sponsorship and instead provided a sterling silver, two-handled trophy produced by J.E. Caldwell and Co. This trophy remained in use until 1992, when it was retired to the USGA Museum, making way for an identical replica, which is now known as the Harton S. Semple Trophy.
Harton Semple, who served as president of the USGA from 1974 to 1975, held various roles within the golf industry. The initiative to honour his legacy through the trophy came about through donations from family and friends.
The Harton S. Semple Trophy, which stands 13.25 inches high, 15 inches wide, and weighs 8.4 pounds, was first awarded to the 1992 champion, Patty Sheehan, at Oakmont Country Club, a course near Semple’s home in Pittsburgh.
As with all tournaments organised by the USGA, the US Women’s Open champion is entitled to keep the trophy for one year but must return it before the next edition of the event. The champion also receives a replica of the trophy to keep, which is made of sterling silver and retains the same design features,
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Alison Root has over 25 years experience working in media and events, predominantly dedicated to golf, in particular the women’s game. Until 2020, for over a decade Alison edited Women & Golf magazine and website, and is now the full-time Women's Editor for Golf Monthly. Alison is a respected and leading voice in the women's game, overseeing content that communicates to active golfers from grassroots through to the professional scene, and developing collaborative relationships to widen Golf Monthly's female audience across all platforms to elevate women's golf to a new level. She is a 16-handicap golfer (should be better) and despite having had the fantastic opportunity to play some of the best golf courses around the world, Kingsbarns in Scotland is her favourite.
-
Should You Get A Free Drop If Your Ball Is In A Puddle In A Bunker?
What happens if your ball ends up in a puddle in a bunker. Are you entitled to a free drop and how should you take it?
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Lotte Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
Grace Kim defends her title as the Hawaii event offers and increased payout for the 2024 edition
By Mike Hall Published
-
Lotte Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
Grace Kim defends her title as the Hawaii event offers and increased payout for the 2024 edition
By Mike Hall Published
-
Nelly Korda To Appear In Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue
The World No.1 will be featured in the iconic magazine issue after taking part in a recent photoshoot on Florida's east coast
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rio Takeda Continues Incredible Run Of Form With Lengthy Playoff Win In Home Open
Takeda added to her incredible run of form in 2024, as the Japanese star secured the TOTO Japan Classic title in a six hole playoff against Marina Alex
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Charley Hull Claims First Victory In Two Years, Chiara Tamburlini Makes History In Rookie LET Season
Both Hull and Tamburlini tasted success in Riyadh, with Hull claiming the Aramco Team Series event, whilst Tamburlini secured LET Order of Merit honors
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Two-Time Major Winner Announces She Is Winding Down Her Competitive Playing Career
After enjoying a career that has seen eight LPGA Tour titles, including two Majors, it has been revealed by Brittany Lincicome that she will start winding down her competitive career
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LPGA Tour Event Reduced To 54 Holes After Tropical Storm Kong-Rey
After Saturday's play was completely washed out due to the tropical storm, the LPGA Tour announced that the Toto Japan Classic will be reduced to 54 holes
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Full Field And Teams Confirmed Ahead Of 2024 Tournament
All 16 pairings have been unveiled ahead of the second-ever Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in December
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Curtis Cup Star Jasmine Koo Wins Third Consecutive Collegiate Title
Jasmine Koo secured the East Lake Cup to become the first USC Trojan to win three consecutive titles since 2013
By Elliott Heath Published