Reproduction rights of the world famous H.M. Bateman golfing cartoon ‘The Man Who Missed the Ball on the First Tee at St Andrews’ have been secured by Fife firm The Man Who.
The iconic image of a hapless hacker demonstrating a classic ‘air shot’ on the first tee of The Old Course will be used on high quality greetings and Christmas cards, which will be widely available.
A percentage of all sales will be directed towards funding the first Open Championship for disabled golfers to be held at the home of golf, St Andrews. It is planned that this inaugural event will take place in the summer of 2015 and is expected to attract participants from across the world.
This is the first card issued by quality card and gift company The Man Who. Founder Drew McKenzie is thrilled to secure such a well-known image. He said: “I’m delighted to launch my company ‘The Man Who’ with this H.M. Bateman classic, which I’m sure will appeal to the golfing world globally. Ultimately, the plan is to have a complete range of sporting products such place mats, china, linens, stationery, umbrellas, and golf accessories all displaying this and other well-known sporting artwork.”
He added: “However, the important aspect of this whole venture is to give a little back to the sport that has given me so much over the years. As I have an absolute passion for golf, nothing would give me greater pleasure than seeing the world’s first Disabled Open atSt Andrews, especially as my brother Rob is himself disabled.”
The Man Who has been established with the blessing of The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership, whose Chairman Jim Gales said: “I wholeheartedly welcome Drew’s venture, which I’m sure will have worldwide appeal. Clearly, I’m particularly delighted that Drew shares my vision for the Disabled Open and is supporting us so generously. Not only will this raise vital funds, but will go a long way to raising the profile of the event. I’m thrilled to be associated with it.”
Initially, the classic cards will be available on line – www.themanwho.org – and also at golf events and shows. It is hoped that cards will soon be available to buy through golf clubs and bespoke retail outlets throughout the UK. The cards retail at £2.25. Christmas versions available with ‘Seasons Greetings’ inside.
Drew concluded: “It would be fantastic to be able to hold the very first Disabled Open at the home of golf in 2015 and I hope that the world of golf supports this dream through this venture.”
Scottish Disability Golf Partnership www.towpathtrust.org.uk/charities/sdgp