While attending this weekend’s Senior Open Championship two obvious differences struck me from the Open Championship staged at Royal Birkdale the previous weekend.

First was the sponsorship of the Senior Open Championship by Mastercard – or I should say presented by Mastercard.  As a branding exercise it was excellent with their logo appearing everywhere and on everything from the marshalls’ armbands to their very distinctive signage on each tee.  It would have been difficult for anyone to walk away at the end of the day without knowing who was the presenting sponsor.  A contrast to Royal Birkdale where the R&A’s Open patrons – Rolex, RBS, Unisys, Lexus, Nikon, MMC -  are given equal billing with no one brand dominating.

The second difference was the lack of a Bollinger Tent in the spectator village at Royal Troon.  For seasoned campaigners the Bollinger Tent at the Open is a must – a venue at which to see and be seen.  This weekend a glass of Hardys wine was about the best on offer! 

I wonder who decided that a Bollinger Tent was not necessary at the Senior Open?

By Fiona Foster on July 30th, 2008

Tags: Golf, Sponsorship

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