Open Memorabilia Site Launches
The Open has launched a new, dedicated memorabilia website to create new funding helping to support the growth of the grassroots game.
As this year’s event wrapped up at Carnoustie with Italian Francesco Molinari lifting the historic Claret Jug, fans of the world’s oldest golf tournament were being offered the chance to secure their own piece of championship history.
The R&A claims that all net proceeds from the project will be invested to support the game of golf for future generations.
The governing body plans to focus particularly on encouraging women’s, junior and family golf – and on the promotion and progression of the sport in emerging golf nations.
Commenting on the project, 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.”
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.”
The R&A worked with sports marketing company Pursuit 3 in developing the custom auction site, which offers items ranging from programme covers to caddies’ bibs. The company has previously delivered auction sites for events including the Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the England 2015 Rugby World Cup.
