Current champion Zach Johnson handed back the Claret Jug upon arriving at Royal Troon ahead of The 145th Open Championship.
The 40-year-old claimed the title 12 months ago following his victory at St Andrews where he defeated Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman in a play-off.
Johnson, a former Masters winner, described last year's triumph over the Old Course as "a great team effort".
And the two-time major champion thanked members of his team - which included his caddy, coaches and fitness gurus - by allowing them to keep the cup at their homes during the past year.
Johnson will tee-off in Ayrshire this week hoping to become only the third golfer during the past 30 years to successfully defend the title.
The most recent back-to-back winner was Padraig Harrington who won at Carnoustie and Royal Birkdale in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
Watch this year's Open live on Sky Sports The Open who will broadcast Colin Montgomerie hit the opening tee shot early on Friday morning.