Edinburgh, Scotland: Five-time Open champion Tom Watson has brought his five Claret Jugs and winner’s gold medals to St Andrews to form the centrepiece of a special exhibition mounted in his honour at the expanded British Golf Museum.
The four-month exhibition opens to the public this month and is expected to attract thousands of visitors in the run-up to and during July’s 144th Open at the Home of Golf.
The special exhibition will feature all five of Tom Watson’s Claret Jug trophies and winner’s gold medals alongside important artefacts such as the putter he used in 1975 when he was crowned the Champion Golfer of the Year for the first time at Carnoustie.
Four of Watson’s Open titles were claimed in Scotland: Carnoustie in 1975, Turnberry in 1977, Muirfield in 1980 and Royal Troon in 1982 before his victory at Royal Birkdale in 1983.
Only four other players in Open history have won the championship five times or more but none have matched the achievement in such quick succession.
Speaking in St Andrews, Watson said: “As this will be my last walk over the Swilcan Bridge in an Open Championship this year, I will have so many wonderful Open experiences to remember. I am so very grateful for all the years I have been able to compete and the success I have had in The Open.
“I hope those who visit the British Golf Museum will enjoy viewing the Claret Jugs and gold medals which reflect my five victories.”
Graeme Simmers, Chairman of the British Golf Museum, said: “Tom Watson is one of the finest golfers of the modern era and a firm favourite with British golf fans. It is fitting that the focal point of our newly expanded British Golf Museum is a special exhibition dedicated to celebrating the career of a special Open champion.”
A video wall interview with Watson, showing footage of his Open victories, forms part of the exhibition alongside other historic artefacts such as signed scorecards and rare championship programmes.
The British Golf Museum’s ‘Tom Watson – a Champion Golfer’ curated special exhibition will run through to the end of September.
Admission to the Museum is free for Open ticketholders throughout the championship. A full range of official Open merchandise, including apparel and gifts, is available from the museum shop.