The R&A have turned large parts of the Open into a tribute to the life of Seve Ballesteros, with images of the great man across the site and a remembrance book signed by all competitors and gifted to the three-time champion’s family.
The draw sheet for the championship will each day feature Seve, who died after a long battle with a brain tumour earlier this year, and the entire proceeds from the sheet sales will go to the foundation set up in his memory.
“This is the first Open since Seve’s death and we’ve taken the opportunity to mark his passing,” said R&A chief executive Peter Dawson.
“I understand our donations from last year’s Open were the biggest single source of income to the Seve Foundation and we are happy to contribute again.”
Signage featuring Seve has been placed around the course, while stands at the 18th green feature silhouettes of his famous celebration when holing the winning putt at the 1984 Open with “1957-2011” added.
Dawson said, “The idea is to remind everyone what a great man he was and his close connection with the Open.”
The book of remembrance had been placed at player registration and had been signed by all competitors, with many adding their own memories.
Dawson added, “The players have been invited to give their messages privately, many writing what a wonderful inspiration Seve was to golfers all over the world, while indeed many identified him as their own primary inspiration.”