Since the new "Champion Trophy" (commonly known as the Claret Jug) was not ready in 1872, Kidd became the first golfer to receive it at the Championship.

"[2] In the days before the Championship the rain had fallen incessantly, leaving the course very wet.

Although the day of the Championship itself was sunny with little wind, the course remained very heavy with several parts being pools of water.

Three players beat 90 in the second round, the best being 88 by Tom Kidd, who won the Championship by a stroke from Jamie Anderson who scored 89.

Henry Lamb from Royal Wimbledon Golf Club was the leading amateur, finishing in 8th place.