Crafting Legacy: Bennett Awards’ Iconic Cricket Bat Trophy for the 2025 Truist Championship

A breathtaking silver cricket bat trophy, unlike any other seen on the PGA Tour.

In the heart of historic Philadelphia, where tradition meets innovation, Bennett Awards proudly played a pivotal role in one of the PGA Tour’s most prestigious events of the year—the 2025 Truist Championship. Held from May 8–11 at the renowned Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course, this Signature Event was more than just a high-stakes golf tournament with a $20 million purse. It was a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community impact, highlighted by a one-of-a-kind trophy that captured the imagination of players and fans alike.

At Bennett Awards, we specialize in transforming ideas into tangible expressions of excellence. When the award-winning agency Lacy Maxwell Experiential approached us to design the tournament’s trophy, their creative vision was clear: they wanted an award that paid homage to the unique venue—the oldest country club in the nation—and its roots in cricket. The result? A breathtaking silver cricket bat trophy, unlike any other seen on the PGA Tour.

A Trophy Rooted in History

The Philadelphia Cricket Club, founded in 1854, began as a hub for cricket before evolving into one of the premier golf destinations in America. The course itself was crafted over 100 years ago by legendary golf course designer A.W. Tillinghast as his first gold course. In honor of this origin story, the Truist Championship trophy was designed to resemble a regulation-size cricket bat—standing at an impressive 30 inches tall and crafted from solid aluminum.

Unlike traditional trophies, this one was engineered to be removable from its base. We created a custom wooden stand made of locally sourced maple, meticulously crafted by Mac Rice, a skilled woodworker in our community. Engineering the stand required some trial and error to ensure stability while maintaining an elegant design. But overcoming these challenges is where we thrive—blending functional design with aesthetic integrity.

A Collaboration of Creativity and Precision

Working alongside Lacy Maxwell Experiential, whose reputation for flawless execution and experiential storytelling is unmatched, was both an honor and a creative delight. Their deep attention to detail influenced every decision, right down to requesting a custom hard-shell Pelican case with precision-cut foam inserts for the award. This allowed the prototype to travel safely across the country while maintaining its visual and structural integrity.

The handle of the cricket bat was wrapped in white leather with custom lacing, adding a refined touch that balanced authenticity with stylization. Though the form stayed true to a cricket bat, down to being nearly regulation size, certain aspects—like the slightly rounded handle—added a stylized twist. The entire bat was high-polished aluminum with no nickel plating, a departure from typical awards. Our trusted metal finishing partners in Sacramento ensured that the final product gleamed with a flawless, mirror-like finish.

A Moment of Glory

When Austrian golfer Sepp Straka clinched his fourth PGA Tour title with a final-round 68, he lifted the cricket bat trophy in triumph. “The presentation of it all at the end was really cool,” said Rachel Young, Project Manager at Bennett Awards. “The award itself was really striking up on the pedestal with the flowers and looked so impressive with the winner holding it. It was beautiful and it really translated well, very effectively honoring this event.”

Indeed, the moment the trophy was handed over to Straka captured more than just a win—it told a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and place. Soon, the trophy will be engraved with his name, sealing his legacy into the rich history of the tournament.

A Tournament to Remember

The 2025 Truist Championship made history in more ways than one. Moved from its usual home in North Carolina to make way for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, the tournament brought tens of thousands of fans to Philadelphia. It was the first PGA Tour event ever hosted at the Philadelphia Cricket Club—and it did not disappoint.

Beyond the greens, the Truist Championship announced a $750,000 donation to the Cobbs Creek Foundation, furthering its commitment to community and inclusion. An estimated $2.5 million in charitable impact will benefit local organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. Not to mention, the city of Philadelphia has been lit up with enthusiasm and support for the tournament. 

A Celebration of Craft and Community

When Austrian golfer Sepp Straka clinched his fourth PGA Tour title with a final-round 68, he lifted the cricket bat trophy in triumph.

From historic fairways to heartfelt philanthropy, the Truist Championship was a testament to the enduring power of sport to connect and inspire. At Bennett Awards, we’re proud to have contributed a symbol worthy of this moment—a trophy that encapsulates the spirit of a storied venue, the artistry of local makers, and the passion of those who strive for greatness.

Creating this award was more than a project; it was a collaboration across disciplines, visions, and values. And as Sepp Straka held the bat aloft, the story of the 2025 Truist Championship—and its unforgettable trophy—was etched into the annals of golf history.