28 February 2013 16:46 GMT

The Open Champion Ernie Els is to display the distinctive Claret Jug logo on his golf cap.

Els will display the Claret Jug in celebration of his dramatic triumph at Royal Lytham in 2012. The popular South African will defend his title this year at Muirfield, the scene of his previous victory in The Open Championship in 2002.

The new initiative is designed to celebrate the “Champion Golfer of the Year” and it is hoped that future Open Champions will also display the Claret Jug logo.

Els said he was delighted to be part of the history of golf’s oldest Major Championship. “Winning The Open Championship is something you dream of as a golfer,” he added. “I am fortunate enough to have lifted the Claret Jug on two occasions and these are memories that will stay with me forever. There are many great names on the trophy and I am proud to see my name alongside them. I am very pleased to wear the Claret Jug logo on my cap and celebrate the Championship’s wonderful heritage.”

Peter Dawson, the Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Ernie Els is a worthy Open Champion and it is fitting that he is leading the way in displaying the Claret Jug logo. This is an excellent way of highlighting his achievements and the stature of the Championship for golf fans on television and at tournaments all over the world.”

The 142nd Open Championship will be played at Muirfield in Scotland from 14-21 July.