Rare Open medal won by St Andrews golfer up for sale

The Open Golf Championship medal won by “The Coronation Champion”, Sandy Herd is to be offered for sale in May.

The medal, which is approximately two inches across and made from solid gold, has an estimated price of £35,000 to £50,000.

Alexander ‘Sandy’ Herd was born in St Andrews in 1868 and his triumph in the 1902 Open at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake came after a remarkable comeback.

He also used a newly-invented type of ball from America, the Haskell, the forerunner of the golf ball used today.

Sandy Herd, who died in 1944, is considered unlucky to have been playing when the game was dominated by three outstanding competitors, Harry Vardon, James Braid and John Henry Taylor.

Golfing Memorabilia specialist from seller, Bonhams, Kevin McGimpsey said: “Open winners’ medals very rarely come on to the open market.

“While there are still a few in private hands most are held by golf clubs associated with the winning player or the venue for that year’s Championship.”