Countdown to The Open: Celebration of Light

The R&A is counting down the days to The 150^th Open with a magnificent light and sound show projected on to the iconic clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

The R&A’s Celebration of Light was attended by residents of St Andrews who gathered at the world-renowned Old Course to watch celebrated moments from the Championship’s cherished history brought to life through the dramatic projection show.

The state-of-the-art production was narrated by actor and lifelong golf fan Gerard Butler. It charted the remarkable journey of golf since The Open began in 1860, celebrating renowned Champion Golfers and unforgettable performances from many of the sport’s greatest names. The show also marks the move to British Summer Time and the Major championship season, with the 150th Open Championship less than four months away.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “The R&A Celebration of Light was a spectacular way to continue our countdown to The 150th Open at St Andrews. You felt a real sense of excitement among the spectators who attended this evening as we enjoyed reliving the iconic moments which have made this great Championship so revered by millions of fans around the world.

“The 150th Open is a going to be a momentous occasion for golf and we look forward with great anticipation to seeing the world’s best men’s golfers create more history when they compete for the Claret Jug over the Old Course in just over three months’ time.” 

A tribute in support of Ukraine and its people also took place as colours of the nation’s flag were projected onto the clubhouse building.

The show was the latest activity in a schedule of special events taking place before the first tee is struck at the Championship. The R&A is also hosting the Celebration of Champions on July 11, a special exhibition of golf on the Old Course that will bring together a number of the world’s most renowned golfers during the week of The 150th Open.

Containing of a renowned field made up of Open Champion Golfers, women’s Major Champions, male and female Amateur Champions and Golfers with Disability Champions, the tournament will see competitors play a four-hole challenge over the 1st, 2nd, 17th and 18th holes of the iconic Old Course.

The R&A has been working with Rolex, a Patron of The Open, to develop a series of exclusive content which will be published via The Open website in the lead up to the Championship. ‘The Journey’ will provide a unique insight into golf’s oldest major championship and focus on players, fans and the moments that have been written into history. The series launched last month and will continue over the coming months.