Open courses shown off to their best in new book

Ford, who became a professional landscape photographer after hanging up his boots at the end of a career that saw him win three Scotland caps, captures the unique characteristics of the courses that have staged the world's oldest major in a book that celebrates the event's 150th anniversary.

In addition to the nine courses on the R&A's rota at present - Carnoustie, Muirfield, St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St Anne's, Royal St George's, Royal Troon and Turnberry - he also hasn't forgotten the others which once hosted the event.

That list, of course, is headed by Prestwick, where it all began back in 1860, while chapters are also devoted to Prince's, Royal Cinque Ports, Royal Portrush and Musselburgh Old Links, where Ford captures marvellously a venue where, these days, golf shares the hallowed turf of "the oldest playing golf course in the world" with horse racing. Like many before him, Ford admits to being captivated when out taking his photographs on the courses which command the attention of a worldwide audience every July, as the game's leading players battle it out to claim the Claret Jug. His illustrations reveal the true magnificence of these courses.

"Many club golfers take this for granted but it does not happen by accident; the glorious final product is a tribute to the teams of highly-skilled, hard-working greenkeeping staff at each venue," he notes.

"In acknowledging their huge contribution, however, one major fact needs to be emphasised. These links - the unique seaside terrain upon which such a heady mix of captivating scenery, sporting drama and excitement has been enjoyed over one and a half centuries - were indeed finished by man but were originally created many thousands of years ago by the very elements of nature itself."

A Photographic Celebration of The Open Championship Venues also includes narrative from Ford on all 139 Open Championships to date, as well as the winning totals of every champion.

"Each venue has a different appeal, character and atmosphere; every one is a serious test for the world's best players," says 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie in his endorsement of the book."I count myself privileged to have had the chance to take them on, and confront the challenges each has presented to me.

"To see these magnificent venues brought together now in another collection of Donald Ford's outstanding golf course photography will bring huge pleasure to all the professionals who try so hard each year to make their mark on the Championship.

"However, golfers and golf enthusiasts all over the world - irrespective of their own abilities or experiences in the sport - will love this celebration in pictures and words of our unique Open venues and the excitement they have generated over 150 years."

lA Photographic Celebration of The Open Championship Venues, is available from www.donaldfordimages.com