Links with a past
Organisers of The Open Championship place long-held traditions first – even if that means sacrificing profit.
The Business of Sport: Golf
Resources
No sports is as intertwined with business as golf. Its flagship events — the four “majors” and the Ryder Cup — are among the biggest media events in the sporting calendar and the sport, played by 56m people worldwide, is the preferred recreation of thousands of top executives.
Back to grass roots
As UK golf membership numbers slip, the battle is on to banish the game’s fusty image and engage youngsters. David Owen visits a golf facility using innovative techniques to attract children and families.
Links and divides
Donald Trump would love to host an Open Championship, preferably at his own course. But the developer’s plans for a £1bn resort in his mother’s birth country have put locals and environmentalists at loggerheads, writes Andrew Bolger.
Open secrets
Royal Birkdale tests every aspect of your game. Gary Wolstenholme casts an expert eye on this year’s Open course.
Striking it rich
The Gulf is enjoying rampant demand for golf courses and is being rewarded with a growing profile on the European Tour.
Whole in one
‘One Asia’ is an organisation trying to unify Asia’s golf organisations, but the Asian Tour is reluctant to play ball.
Related content and features
THE OPEN
Revival tactics
Southport has long struggled to modernise, but hosting The Open may be just the boost it needs.
The champions
Recent Open’s have seen memorable triumphs from modern greats and flashes of brilliance from relative unknowns.
Birkdale royalty
Peter Thomson, twice an Open winner at Royal Birkdale, enjoys a special affinity with the course.
BIG INTERVIEW
On a tee break
Nick Faldo will miss his first Open in more than 30 years as he concentrates on the Ryder Cup.
WOMEN’S GAME
Gaining ground
As interest in ladies’ golf grows, the prizes are getting even bigger and television is taking notice.
FITNESS
Joint efforts
The unique strains golf puts on the body mean modern pros must follow strict workout regimens.
MANAGEMENT
Courses of action
With its need for maintaining focus and a cool head, golf has many lessons to offer managers.
