R & A
MEMORABILIA COLLECTIONS
LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH
AND DEVELOPMENT OF GOLF
The R&A is looking to the future as it sets out its vision as a global leader in golf, working
collaboratively to ensure the long-term success of the sport. A new chapter begins in the long
history of the St Andrews-based governing body today with the unveiling of a new brand identity
and a “playbook” outlining its vision, purpose and values.
olf fans will have a unique opportunity to support
the growth and development of the sport around the
world following the launch of a series of exclusive
Champion Golfer memorabilia collections. The Open
Auction TheOpen.com/Auction, a ¿ rst for the UK
Golf Market, features limited edition memorabilia from golf’s
original championship and will enable fans to submit bids online
for items which have been specially created for the auction website.
Inspired by Francesco Molinari’s historic win at The 147th Open at
Carnoustie this year, the ‘Molinari Collection’ will be the ¿ rst range
of collectables to be launched on the new platform and will include
signed limited edition items which commemorate the Italian’s ¿ rst
ever victory in a major championship. Further planned collections
will mark the world-renowned achievements of several Champion
Golfers, including Open Ambassador and ¿ ve-time winner
Tom Watson and Tiger Woods, who has won The Open on three
occasions, and fans will also be able to bid for these coveted items.
The 2018 Champion Golfer of the Year Francesco Molinari said,
“Lifting the famous Claret Jug was a moment that I had always dreamed
about as a young golfer and it is now written into the esteemed history of
this prestigious Championship. “It was thrilling to celebrate my victory
with the tens of thousands of spectators who created such a memorable
atmosphere at Carnoustie and I am pleased to be able to provide a selection
of special mementos from that unforgettable week which will contribute to
the future of the sport.” All net proceeds from The Open Auction will be
used to fund The R&A’s activities in golf development, governance of the
sport and staging of world class amateur events as part of its commitment
to invest £200m over the next ten years to grow and develop the sport
around the world.
This includes initiatives
to increase participation in
golf by people of all ages
“The Open has produced so
and abilities, including
many compelling stories and
women,
juniors
and
memorable moments throughout
families, and investment
its cherished history and the
in playing facilities and
launch of the new player
equipment,
coaching
collections will provide golf fans
programmes, golf events
with a fantastic opportunity
and projects to promote the
to own their own piece of
health bene¿ ts of the sport.
Angela Howe, Director of
Championship history as well
the British Golf Museum in
as supporting the growth and
St Andrews, which boasts
development of golf worldwide.”
the largest collection of golf
memorabilia in Europe,
added, “The Open has
produced so many compelling stories and memorable moments throughout
its cherished history and the launch of the new player collections will
provide golf fans with a fantastic opportunity to own their own piece of
Championship history as well as supporting the growth and development
of golf worldwide.” The Open Auction will be supported by Pursuit 3
Group who were also the of¿ cial 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.
GolfPlus
NOVEMBER
2018
63