1969 Open Championship winner Tony Jacklin CBE relished his return to the event despite the heartache that the difficult Muirfield course still holds for him.
Lifting the claret jug in 1969 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Tony became the first British player in 18 years to win their home major championship taking home £4,250 in the process, small in comparison to Phil Mickleson, 2013 Open Champions who secured £945,000. However whilst the joy of that victory still remains the everpresent feeling, it is tinged with a little regret that Tony could not double his Open Championship trophy haul in 1972 at Muirfield.
Lee Trevino, the excentric Mexican professional golfer, secured back to back victories as he piped Tony over the closing holes, however his victory will best be remebered for the way in which he clinched the claret jug, chipping in five times during the week, the most decisive blow coming at the 17th on the final day where Jackliln almost had one hand on the trophy. However the then two time major winner Jacklin is true gentlemanly and professional spirit acknowledged that was golf, sentiment that befits the man, acknoweldged by all as one of the true greats of the game, on and off the course.
As Tony returned to Muirfield for this years event he fulfilled many media obligations including extensive press interviews, media appearances and sponsor engagements. A short sample of these include an interview with the BBC's sport correspondant and avid golfer Dan Walker, Tony was also delighted to meet up with old friends Tom Weiskopf and Jim Kelly as he appeared live on ESPN discussing his career and the modern game with them. However the majority of Tony's time was dedicated to one of his sponsors and to one of The Open Championships' long term partners, Glenmorangie.
Tony attended various dinners, engagements and media appearances for Glenmorangie, including the Dram O'Clock event each day in the Glenmorangie Bar on site in the tented village where he would take questions from the audience, engage with the guest hosts and speakers and comment about the days play. These were all well attended and we are delighted that Glenmorangie continues to work with Tony and the prestigious Open Championship.
On behalf of Tony and Champions of Golf we would like to congratulate Phil Mickleson on his maiden Open Championship victory, thoroughly deserved after a wonderful closing round of 66, overhauling Englishman Lee Westwood, who started the day five shots ahead of Phil and three ahead of his closest chaser Henrik Stenson.
We look forward to the 2014 Championship to be held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, see you all there!