Former Open champions at Prestwick

Jul 9 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

FIVE past Open champions will be at Prestwick Golf Club this weekend for a glittering celebration.

Lee Trevino, Tony Jacklin, Sandy Lyle, Sir Bob Charles and Peter Thomson will attend a gala dinner on Saturday evening to mark 150 years since The Open began in Prestwick.

And on Friday night, 550 guests will enjoy a cocktail party in a giant marquee on the course.

Three of the former Open winners are set to play in a members’ match on Saturday morning.

The captains of all the clubs who have hosted The Open will also be in attendance as well as top officials from the R&A.

Prestwick secretary Ian Bunch told the Post: “We are proud that we started The Open in 1860. We staged it 24 times, the last one of which was in 1925.

“Only St Andrews, who have held it 28 times, have surpassed us.”

Prestwick captain Brian Morrison will present a handmade replica of the original winners’ belt to the 2010 champion at St Andrews the following weekend.