The Open Opus

The landmark occasion of The 150th Open will be celebrated with the release of The Open Opus, a special publication documenting the rich history of golf’s original Championship.

The Open Opus has been created in collaboration with The R&A to create a body of work befitting The Open’s rich heritage, including many of the sport’s greatest ever golfers who have lifted the iconic Claret Jug after conquering the challenge of the world’s finest links courses.

It will chronicle the evolution of the Championship from its very first playing at Prestwick in 1860 to the present day, culminating in its 150th playing at St Andrews, and include 150 of the greatest moments from The Open.

Breathtaking action photography, including many images spanning one-metre wide and several two-metre wide gatefolds, will drive the narrative throughout the 800-plus giant pages in The Open Opus, which will be complemented by exclusively written essays and interviews with many of the sport’s icons and players.

The Open Opus, which will be edited by acclaimed sports writer and broadcaster Ian Stafford, is designed to educate, inspire and share the glory with fans, young and old, on a scale previously unseen and become the ultimate collectors’ piece to treasure.

The Limited Marquee Opus ‘Champions’ Edition of only 150 copies will run to 800 sensational pages, each measuring 20 inches x 20 inches (45cm x 45cm), weighing in excess of 32kg (70lb). The Opus will be leather hand-bound, signed by many Champion Golfers, greats and icons, individually numbered and include special features and experiences.

Karl Fowler, Opus CEO, said: “The Open and its rich history is a story that Opus is not only immensely proud but very honoured to have the opportunity to tell. It is an exciting project that has been a long time in the making, and could only have been made possible with the passionate collaboration of The R&A.

“To be able to tell this story in such large luxurious format, showing photographs and treasures from the 150 greatest moments from the world’s most prestigious golf Championship will hopefully make The Open Opus rather special. We look forward to making more announcements on this unique Opus project over the coming months as we lead up to The 150th Open next summer at St Andrews.”

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “The Open has produced many memorable moments throughout its revered history and we have worked closely with Opus to capture them in a very special publication that fans of the Championship will be able to enjoy and cherish. We are truly excited by this stunning book, which tells the story of golf’s original Championship and the greats of the game who have lifted the famous Claret Jug. It is entirely fitting as we look forward to celebrating the 150th playing of The Open over the iconic Old Course at St Andrews next year."