A PRESTIGIOUS auction on the eve of the Open Championship at St Andrews later this month will feature the sale of a rare copy of one of the earliest editions of the formal rules of golf.
Titled the Rules of the Thistle Golf Club, the work by James Cundell was one of only six books of printed rules published prior to 1830, and is part of a lot that is expected to sell for up to £50,000.
The lot also includes a rare 1822 Thistle Golf Club silver medal won by George Logan Esq. It was awarded for the tournament played over Leith Links held on December 7, 1822. The medal is being offered along with the winner’s scorecard, inscribed “Mr Logan, Winter Prize Medal, 7th December 1822” and recording the scores for each of the ten holes.
The Lyon & Turnbull auction will take place on July 15 at The Eden Club at Pittormie Castle, near St Andrews.
The auction will feature 37 lots, including items from an important private collection of golf memorabilia.
The Thistle Golf Club was established in 1815, and members of the Club played on Leith Links, in Edinburgh, which for a time was also the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers who are now based at Muirfield and who drew up the original rules of golf on a document – often said to be ‘priceless’ – which is now in the care of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Paul Roberts, vice chairman of Lyon & Turnbull, said “This rare volume of the ‘Rules of Golf’ was one the most important accomplishments of the Thistle Golf Club.
“Published in 1824, it is a rule book with an extensive introduction on golf history, termed as ‘some historical notices relative to the progress of the game of golf in Scotland’.
“Significantly the history documents the origins of ball games, which with the related technology of the leather-bound ball, known as the ‘feathery’, was key to golf development.”
Places for the evening auction at the Eden Club are limited due to the size of the venue and must be reserved in advance.
Roberts continued: “This is a very exciting opportunity to take part in an exclusive auction of important golfing items. Due to the nature of the location we decided to opt for a ticket-only auction audience on a first come-first served basis.
“For those that can’t get to the auction there will be the opportunity to bid live online or by telephone, so no one will miss out.”
Tom Lawrence, founder of the Eden Club, transformed Pittormie Castle, the former home of the first Duke of Fife, into an exclusive members’ club 10 years ago.
He said: “Pittormie Castle is a fitting backdrop for the sale with its rich history and beautiful surroundings.
“With the Open only 10 minutes away from Pittormie and the attention of the world’s golfers on Scotland, the sale is bound to add to the excitement.”
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