Opus and The R&A announced the planned publication and pre-order release of  “The Open Opus,” which will celebrate the 150th playing of The Open tournament and documents the history of the world’s oldest and most prestigious championship. The partnership was brokered by TSBA, The R&A’s licensing agent. 

“The Open Opus” was created in collaboration with The R&A as a body of work befitting The Open’s rich heritage, including many of the sport’s greatest golfers who have lifted the iconic Claret Jug after conquering the challenge of some of the world’s finest links courses.  

The book will chronicle the evolution of the Championship from its first playing at Prestwick in 1860 to the present day, culminating in the 150th Open at St Andrews next year.  

The Open Opus will include 150 of the “Greatest” moments from The Open carefully selected for inclusion into this important edition.  

Highlights include tales of past winners including Seve Ballesteros, Ben Hogan, Constantino Rocca and the contest between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.  

It features action photography, including many images spanning one-meter wide and several two-meter-wide gatefolds to drive the narrative throughout the book’s 800-plus giant pages, which will be complemented by exclusively written essays and interviews with many of the sport’s icons and players. “The Open Opus” is designed to educate, inspire and share the glory with fans, young and old, on a scale previously unseen and to become a collector’s piece. 

The Limited Marquee Opus “Champions Edition” of only 150 copies will run to 800 sensational pages, each measuring 20 inches x 20 inches and weighing more than 70 lb. The Opus will be leather hand-bound, signed by many champion golfers, greats and icons, individually numbered and include special features and experiences.  

“The Open and its rich history is a story that Opus is not only immensely proud but very honored to have the opportunity to tell,” says Karl Fowler, chief executive officer, Opus. “It is an exciting project that has been a long time in the making, and could only have been made possible with the passionate collaboration of The R&A. To be able to tell this story in such large luxurious format, showing photographs and treasures from the 150 Greatest moments from the world’s most prestigious golf championship will hopefully make The Open Opus rather special. We look forward to making more announcements on this unique Opus project over the coming months as we lead up to The 150th Open next summer at St Andrews.” 

 “We are excited to see this partnership come to fruition,” says Jo Edwards, global head of licensing, TSBA Group. “The 150th Open is a momentous occasion in the history of golf; The Open Opus will capture the greatest moments from the Championship in style. With exclusive content, stunning photography and quality presentation, coupled with the limited number of copies available, it will become a collector’s edition to cherish.” 

“The Open has produced many memorable moments throughout its revered history and we have worked closely with Opus to capture them in a very special publication that fans of the Championship will be able to enjoy and cherish,” Neil Armit, chief commercial officer, The R&A. “We are truly excited by this stunning book, which tells the story of golf’s original championship and the greats of the game who have lifted the famous Claret Jug. It is entirely fitting as we look forward to celebrating the 150th playing of The Open over the iconic Old Course at St Andrews next year.”