12 May 2008, St Andrews, Scotland: The R&A has brought some of its finest golfing artefacts to China for an exhibition at the Pine Valley Golf Resort in Beijing. The opening of the exhibition was timed to coincide with the Pine Valley Beijing Open, which was played at the venue at the weekend.
Entitled ‘The R&A and the Heart of the Game’, it marks the first time that The R&A has set up an overseas exhibition on such a large scale. The exhibits focus on three main themes: the History of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the modern role of The R&A and The Open Championship.
Among the items on display are a Captain’s jacket, the bright red three-quarter length coat traditionally worn by Captains of the Club, a replica of the Claret Jug and a replica of the famous Silver Club, the trophy which was first played for during the Club’s inaugural competition on 14 May 1754, and to which each Club Captain appends a silver ball.
“This exhibition showcases the unique history and diverse work of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The R&A,” said Peter Lewis, R&A Director of Heritage and Museum.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to bring this exhibition to China. It is the first time an exhibition such as this has left St Andrews, and to bring it to a country where golf is growing so rapidly is particularly gratifying.”
The exhibition, which is 600 square meters in size, is located in the Beijing Open Clubhouse, which was also opened last week. It runs until 1 June 2009.
ENDS
Note to Editors
The R&A
The R&A is golf’s world rules and development body and organiser of The Open Championship. It operates with the consent of more than 130 national and international, amateur and professional organisations, from over 120 countries and on behalf of an estimated 30 million golfers in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and The Americas (outside the USA and Mexico). The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the game’s governing body in the United States and Mexico.
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