Golf fans inspired by the Open at Carnoustie can buy a piece of golfing history thanks to a new website selling authenticated golf memorabilia – with proceeds going to fund the development of the sport.
Golf fans can bid on unique Open items from famous venues and Champion Golfers of the Year from a new official Open Memorabilia website.
Official items already available include limited edition prints of Champion Golfers of the Year, signed championship pin flags and limited edition historical programme covers.
Memorable scorecard reproductions, caddie bibs and locker room name badges are also available to bid for on the website, with all items featuring branded, serialised holograms for authenticity.
Items from the 147th Open at Carnoustie will be added in the near future.
All net proceeds received by The R&A from the 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 of 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 oldest 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 Provost of Angus, Councillor Ronnie Proctor also welcomed the move saying: “Only one person will leave Carnoustie with the famous claret jug, but this allows people to own their own part of golfing history, with profits going to good causes.”
Items can be viewed at TheOpen.com/auction.
