The world’s oldest golf course, Musselburgh Old Course Golf Club, is hosting the official Scottish Golf Heritage Festival from July 9-12, 2010 - a tournament open to golfers worldwide to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Open championship, won by local member Willie Park Senior(above right).
The four-day tournament, played over Royal Musselburgh, Longniddry and Musselburgh Old Course links on the eve of the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews - will be attended by Tony Jacklin, the former Ryder Cup captain and Open and US Open champion and will cost £399 to enter.
“Competitors will help us celebrate the unique achievement of the legendary Willie Park ” says Robin McGregor, exececutive officer of 1672 Golf Management Solutions Ltd, the event organisers. “In addition to giving participating golfers a golfing experience we'll also have a traditional line-up of entertainment including a whisky tasting evening, trick shot show by David Edwards and a gala dinner.”
Jacklin will also take part in round of the old course using hickory -shafted clubs. He said: “I'm delighted to be attending this event at the world’s oldest golf course, to celebrate Willie Park’s remarkable achievement and unite with the people of Musselburgh and golfers worldwide. In 2005 I had the honour of supporting his induction into World Golf Hall of Fame and I'm thrilled at the prospect of playing at his home course. I hope golfers sit up and take notice of how important Musselburgh was to the formation of the game.”
Early bird registration for the tournament is recommended as space is limited. For full competition details, itinerary and registration forms visit www.golfworldsoldest.co.uk.
FOOTNOTE: Musselburgh Old Course is officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest surviving golf course in the world, and was host to six Open Championships between 1874 and 1889. In 1860, Willie Park Senior (1834 – 1903) beat a field of eight, including Old Tom Morris, to win the inaugural Open Championship at Prestwick. He won again in 1863, 1866 and 1875 and was runner up four times.
