“The Open” … Golf’s Oldest Major

This is a book for both the avid and non golfer

When Rizzoli took on the challenge of publishing a 150th Anniversary “coffee table” book on “The Open,” they selected Royal & Ancient (R&A) and Getty Images for this massive, overwhelming and significant undertaking. So whom do you tap to write the proper words for such a publication? Donald Steel was that person.

The website for Donald Steel state his impressive accomplishments as follows:

  • The only golf course architect to have advised all the Clubs or Courses on which the Open Championship has been played.
  • The only architect for 70 years to have given significant advice at the Home of Golf. Provided the Master Plan for the modern St Andrews.
  • The only writer or architect to have played in the Open as an amateur.
  • President British Association of Golf Course Architects 1986-89
  • President Association of Golf Writers 1993-98
  • President of English Golf Union 2006

Arnold Palmer pens the foreword and Peter Dawson writes the afterword. All in all, it is a magnificent compilation of descriptive words, outstanding photography and beautiful layout.

When the book arrived at my door recently, I was more than impressed. There on the cover is a beautiful shot of Jack Nicklaus in a textbook back swing with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews slightly out of focus in the background.

Whether you are an avid golfer or just someone who enjoys the history of a worldwide popular sport and beautiful photos, this is one for your collection. This is a treasure to any book collector.

Steel takes you through the history of The Open and breaks down the 14 iconic links along the coastline of Britain where the Open has been staged over the past 150 years. A chapter focused on each course, highlights special moments, tradition, competitors are just a small part of the great words from Steel.

"The Open: Golf's Oldest Major" (Rizzoli, $60.00, 304 pages, 9" X 12"/ 240 color and black and white illustrations). Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Open Championship. (Buy it at: www.amazon.com/Open-Golfs-Oldest-Major/dp/0847833089 for $37.80)