Bonhams Golfing Sale is being held on the 14th July in Chester to coincide with the 2008 Open Championships at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club. The Sale will also mark the 100th anniversary of Tom Morris’ death and the 150th anniversary of Samuel Ryder’s birth.
‘Old Tom Morris’ (1821 – 1908), as he was known, was one of the pioneers of professional golf. He started out as an apprentice to Allan Robertson, who is commonly regarded as the first ‘professional golfer’.
Not only did Morris win many championships but he also played a role in designing courses across the British Isles. An important part of the sale will commemorate his life and achievements and items relating to Morris include golf art, books, balls, clubs, programme, medals, trophies and china.
Highlights include:
• A Victorian Samson & Mordan silver and enamel vesta case with an hinged lid, estimated £4,000 – 6,000
• A Craig Campbell oil on board painting to mark the death of Old Tom Morris, the father of golf, estimated £2,000 – 3,000
Samuel Ryder was an English entrepreneur and golf enthusiast. In 1926, he established the Ryder Cup matches, a competition first held in 1927. The golf matches, between the best of professional golfers in the United States and in the United Kingdom (now Europe), has been held biennually ever since.
Highlights of the Ryder Cup memorabilia include:
• The “Third Biennial International Dinner” menu 25 June 1931, estimated £2,000 – 3,000
• A Craig Campbell oil on board featuring a young looking Sam Ryder, estimated £2,000 – 3,000
• Ryder Cup Menu Cards dating from 1929 up to the present day, estimated at £10,000 – 15,000
Bonhams www.bonhams.com