Celebration of Light Show Marks 150th Open Championship Countdown

Local residents and golf fans alike gathered at the world-renowned Old Course at St. Andrews for the R&A Celebration of Light; a show which brought recognised moments from the Open Championship through the modern and dramatic projection of light. 

The production itself was produced and narrated by Hollywood star, Gerard Butler. Butler, who is perhaps best known for his leading role in Law Abiding Citizen, is an avid golfer and is said to have a handicap of around eight.  

As historic moments of the Open Championship beamed on to the R&A clubhouse at St Andrews, it also marked the beginning of British Summer Time. With lighter nights and improved weather on the horizon, the excitement ramps up ahead of the 150th edition of the Championship in July this year. 

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “The 150th Open is 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.”

Celebration of Light at St Andrews

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A collection of images following the Celebration of Light show.

The show began in 1860, taking the audience back to the very first playing of the Open Championship at Prestwick Golf Club. Back then, the Championship was contested on a twelve-hole links for three rounds. Scottish-born Willie Park Sr. claimed the first of his four Open Championship titles. The production continued through time, covering the introduction of the Claret Jug, the impacts of two World Wars and how American superstars travelled the seas to compete, before culminating at present day. 

As well as celebrating moments of golfing past, there was also a tribute to the country and people of Ukraine who remain under attack. The yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag were illuminated on the clubhouse, alongside a message of solidarity - "We Stand Together." 

Speaking proudly of the show, Slumbers added: "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.

Watch the entire show via The Open's YouTube page below:

The Celebration of Light is the first in a schedule of special events taking place before the first tee shot is struck at the Open Championship, with a very special exhibition of golf taking place on Monday 11th July, the week of The Open.

Comprising of a distinguished 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 famous Old Course.

Featuring a field of 48 golfers, the Celebration of Champions will also be broadcast live from the Home of Golf to millions of fans around the world. It will be available on both TV and online, via TheOpen.com and the Championship’s social media channels. Viewers will also be able to get a glimpse of what will be in store for the world's best before the tournament gets underway on Thursday.