6 things you didn’t know about the 2009 TaylorMade British Open Championship Logo
Posted on 12. Nov, 2009 by Dana Nichols in Rumors and Myths
1). The four red jewels embedded in the crown represent the years that the Open Championship has been (and will be) played at Turnberry’s Ailsa Course: 1977, 1986, 1994 and 2009
2). The initials RB on the crown stand for Robert the Bruce, who was born in Turnberry Castle on the Scottish coast in 1274. Two years before Robert’s birth, King Edward I of England, known as the Hammer of the Scots, ascended to his country’s throne and embarked upon a ruthless effort to conquer Scotland. While the nations warred in the ensuing years, Bruce was crowned King of Scots in 1306. Eight years later, at Bannockburn, his army shocked and defeated the larger forces of King Edward II, an astonishing victory that vanquished the English, won Scotland’s freedom and ensured Bruce’s greatness.
3). The image of the sun with rays outstretched and the number 77 near the top of the orb is a nod to Tom Watson’s victory in the 1977 Open, the first held at Turnberry. The victory was earned in a thrilling Saturday and Sunday battle with Jack Nicklaus under uncommonly sunny skies that is known as the “Dual in the Sun” in Open golf lore. The two rivals played together on Saturday and separated themselves from the field, setting up a head-to-head battle symbolized by the crossed swords. In the final round, Watson, a shot ahead of Nicklaus as they teed off on the final hole, put his approach to three feet. Nicklaus, who had driven in the rough, scraped his onto the green 50 feet away from the cup, then holed the putt for a birdie. Watson, needing his three-footer to win, rolled it home.
4). The dark mound emerging from the water at the center of the logo represents the Ailsa Craig, a volcanic island 11 miles off the coast of Turnberry in the Irish Sea.
5). The white stripes crossed against a blue background at the logo’s bottom refers to the national flag of Scotland, birthplace of golf. According to legend, the first golfers hit pebbles around sand dunes using sticks or clubs during the 15th century, then began to evolve into the game we know today at round 1750.
6). The image on the cloth tag attached to the back of the cap is that of three pointed tines of a gate, which allude to the ancient portcullis that stood guard at the entrance of Turnberry Castle, and which is still found among the old structure’s ruins.
Shared at
Recent Comments