OPEN champion Xander Schauffele celebrated last year’s triumph by drinking tequila out of the Claret Jug and smoking a big Cuban cigar.

But the Californian, whose form has nosedived since he won his second Major at Troon 12 months ago, is not your typical brash American.

Schauffele, 31, revealed he does not have any of his 12 professional trophies at home, claims he does not know the whereabouts of his Olympic gold medal and hates the fact his wife put a photo of that Tokyo 2021 success on the wall of his gym.

As he prepares to defend his jug at Portrush this week, he said: “I don’t have any trophies at my house.  They are at my parents’ house, probably, or in a bank vault.

“I don’t really invite people over, so am I just going to go look at them myself?

“I don’t want to walk into a trophy room and say,  ‘Look how great I am’. I was raised to think that way, and it stuck.

“I actually have no idea where it (the Olympic gold medal) is, to be completely honest.

“What am I going to do with it?

“My wife hung up some pictures in my gym of me winning the Olympic medal, and she put it so high up, I can’t reach it.

“I’d have to get a ladder and it bothers me.

“Like anything… put up a photo of me in a Masters Green Jacket (which Schauffele has not won). That would p**s me off.

“Something like that would be more motivating. I don’t want to look at that photo.

“I’d rather have a photo of my dogs on the wall or a clock. I’m always late, so maybe a clock would be good.”

Two-time Major winner Schauffele admits he did try tequila out of the Claret Jug — but insists he does not drink like the locals here on the Northern Irish coast.

He said: “I’m embarrassed to say I had a ­little tequila from it on holiday in Portugal — but, no, not with salt and lime because the lid barely opens.

“I’ve had wine out of it, but not much. I don’t drink a whole lot.

“I definitely drank more after a few championships last year.

“But I’m not Irish, I know the celebrations go a bit deeper here than what I’m accustomed to!

“In my fashion, I had a cigar. I had my family. I had a few phone calls. It was a nice celebration.

“Then we were going to the Olympics shortly after. It seems whenever we play in these tournaments, you’re on to the next right away.

“It’s a bummer to give up the trophy this year. I’m looking forward to trying to get it back.”