Published July 17, 2008 on July 11, 2018

The Open Launches Memorabilia Website to Support the Grassroots Game

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Golf fans around the world will have the chance to secure their own piece of championship history and support the development of the sport for future generations thanks to a new memorabilia website being launched for The Open.

For the first time, an official Open Memorabilia site is now live TheOpen.com/auction featuring unique Open assets from famous venues and Champion Golfers of the Year which will appeal to collectors and fans of golf’s original championship.

All net proceeds received by The R&A from this project will be invested to support the game of golf for future generations including encouraging women’s, junior and family golf, on the promotion and progression of the sport in emerging golf nations and on coaching and development.

Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to launch The Open Memorabilia website, which underlines our commitment to reinvest funds from the success of The Open back into the development of the sport.

“We hope that through this project our global audience is inspired by the unique stories we can tell from golf’s original championship. Everyone has the chance to own a piece of Open history, recollecting special moments from their favourite Open.”

The R&A has been working closely with Pursuit 3, a sports marketing company which creates world-class experiences, on the bespoke site.

Launched ahead of The 147^th Open at Carnoustie which takes place from 15-22 July, official items include limited edition prints of Champion Golfers of the Year, signed championship pin flags and limited edition historical programme covers. Memorable scorecard reproductions and caddie bibs are also available to bid for on the website, with all items featuring branded, serialised holograms for authenticity.

With the world’s leading players soon set to descend on Angus in pursuit of the Claret Jug, further official memorabilia will be added to engage, inspire and connect with a global audience all year round and provide the opportunity for them to support grassroots golf.

Angela Howe, Director of the British Golf Museum in St Andrews, which boasts the largest collection of golf memorabilia in Europe, added, “The Open Memorabilia site is an exciting development for golf fans across the world with a treasure trove of items available.

“We know people are keen to be part of the event and owning a piece of history is as close as some people may get to realising their dream.

“By illuminating the unique stories and values of The Open, this is an innovative retail experience and highlights the great work The R&A does in reinvesting funds back into golf development.”

Pursuit 3 Group were also the official auction partner of the Winter Olympics in 2010, the Olympics in London 2012 and Rio 2016, the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

View The Open Memorabilia site at TheOpen.com/auction for more information.