A Photographic Celebration of The Open Championship Venues 1860-2010

Since the name of Willie Park was etched into golfing legend when he won the very first Open Championship at Prestwick in 1860, many of the finest exponents of the sport have followed him into everlasting glory by having their own names engraved on the Claret Jug. In contrast to the countless words which have lauded the victory of each, however, Donald's beautiful publication "A Photographic Celebration of the Open Championship Venues" concentrates on the fourteen courses-all links- over which one hundred and thirty nine Open tournaments will have been staged once St Andrews has hosted the anniversary event in 2010.

Five of the earliest venues (Musselburgh, Royal Portrush, Prince's, Royal Cinque Ports and Prestwick itself) surrendered to the inexorable march of progress and, no longer able to meet the necessary criteria for the staging of the greatest golf tournament in the world, were forced to give way to others. The Open rota now consists of nine courses:- Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal St. George's, Royal Troon, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry and-most famously- the Old Course, St Andrews.

In more than one hundred photographs from all fourteen venues, Donald reveals many of the individual characteristics of their seaside locations, as well as the numerous challenges (many natural, some man-made) which lie in wait for the annual visit of some of the greatest players in the world as they gather for the Open Championship.

While the magnificent pictorial reproduction of the fourteen courses is the main thrust of the publication, many unforgettable incidents and memorable confrontations from one hundred and thirty nine Open Championships will be recounted. The all-important listings of winners, runners-up and their scores at every Open since that tentative beginning at Prestwick in 1860 are, of course, also reported.

The book will be landscape in shape, A4 in size and a limited edition of 2000 (each numbered and signed by the author). Private copies come with a beautiful illustrated dustjacket; corporate orders, ideal for gifts to clients or at annual golf outings etc (all with appropriate embossing on the front cover) can be supplied in quantities of 25 and upwards. Publication date is August 2010.