A series of special pens aimed at golfers and followers of the game have been launched by the Italian penmaker, Montegrappa. These limited editions celebrate the Open in St. Andrews on its 150th Anniversary and feature a golf ball top and are illustrated with views of the Links. The number of each edition released was chosen for its relevance i.e. 18 for 18 holes. A very special gift.
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
This years Open Championship at St Andrews will be the 150th anniversary of the event and to mark this, the R & A have arranged for a special 4 hole Past Champions Challenge. All living past champions will be present with the exception of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Johnny Miller, Kel Nagle, and (sadly) Seve Ballesteros.
The 4 hole event holds special significance for me as my granddad, Willie Aitchison, has caddied for 2 Open Champions – Robert Di Vicenzo and Lee Trevino. He was ‘on the bag’ for Di Vicenzo when he won at Royal Liverpool in 1967 and won back-to-back Opens with Trevino at Royal Birkdale in 1971 and Muirfield in 1972. The pairings for the event have still not been announced but it would be special if Di Vicenzo and Trevino were paired together.
It has been estimated that 30,000 fans will be present for the 4 hole exhibition match and I certainly plan on being one of them. This will definitely be the last time that my Grandad and both men get to meet, and although he will not be able to caddy, he does plan on walking the fairways one last time. This promises to be a special moment and it’s something that I would hate to miss. I’ve always been an admirer of Trevino’s game and the way he handled himself on the course; he was a crowd pleaser and certainly someone that the crowds would flock to see. There was never a dull moment and always plenty to talk about after a round when he was involved and I’m already looking forward to seeing him in action in a few weeks time.
By Gary Sheppard. Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 4 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
Although Seve is making steady progress and showing positive signs in his recovery from multiple operations to remove a tumour from his brain, he has been advised by his doctor not to travel to St. Andrews in July.
It is the 150th anniversary of the Open Championship, and a special 4 hole exhibition tournament over the 1st, 2nd, 17th, and 18th on the Old Course at St Andrews has been arranged for past champions on Wednesday 14th July; the day before the Open begins. Seve’s doctor advised that he should not be put under any undue stress or find himself in any situations which are potentially emotional – the thought of Seve playing the 4 holes with 3 other past champions and thousands of fans following him would definitely have been an emotional situation!
It would have been great to see him attend, but I think the decision is for the best. Fingers crossed we have not seen the last of Seve on a golf course! He is an inspirational golfer and someone I have admired since taking up the game.
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By Gary Sheppard. Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 4 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
