Two beers in a Claret Jug for Open winner Smith

British Open winner Cameron Smith has confirmed the venerable Claret Jug trophy he won on Sunday can hold two beers after testing its capacity while celebrating his maiden major title.

The Australian staged one of the greatest back-nine charges ever witnessed at a major championship to win the 150th edition of the British Open on Sunday and receive the trophy that has been handed to winners since 1873.

"I'm definitely gonna find out how many beers fit in this thing, that's for sure," Smith said when asked how he would be celebrating, later estimating he would have about 20 jugs' worth.

In an Instagram video filmed before he took the trophy back to his Florida home, Smith confirmed the results of his celebratory experiment.

"I guess everyone's been asking how many beers fit in the Claret Jug, it's pretty much exactly two," the 28-year-old said.

"Yeah, had a good night last night with it. Cheers."

Consuming alcohol out of trophies has become a traditional celebration in sport, although some hold more than others.

Phil Pritchard, the curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, maintains the huge Stanley Cup that is awarded to National Hockey League (NHL) champions every year can hold 14 cans of beer.