By Cara Sulieman
SOME of golf’s greatest legends gathered at St Andrew’s on Tuesday night to come face to face with their portraits.
Sandy Lyle, Tony Jacklin and Roberto De Vincenzo were at the gallery in the Fife town to see an exhibition of golfing portraits unveiled.
They were created by artist Joe Austen who hails from the home of golf and has created the artworks to celebrate 150 years of The Open Championship.
As well as the three golfers who came to see their pictures, Joe has created images of other great golfers including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington for The Champions Collection.
All of them are now on permanent display at the Austen Gallery at Macdonald Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews and will be joined by new portraits as the collection is updated on an ongoing basis.
Joe Austen said: “I am thrilled that three of golf’s great champions are able to join us in celebrating the launch of The Champions Collection, I just hope they’re pleased with their portraits.
“I’m looking forward very much to painting more pictures to add to the Champions Collection in order to create an ever-developing pictorial tribute to golf’s greatest champions in the most wonderful and iconic location one could hope for in the world of golf.”
And the manager of the hotel is thrilled to have the exhibition.
Kevin Keenan said: “It is a fitting tribute to golf’s greatest players to have the Collection on display in our hotel, which overlooks The Old Course in the heart of the Home of Golf.
“A must visit for golf enthusiasts wanting to soak up the atmosphere of The Open, we hope our guests enjoy the artwork alongside our permanent exhibition.”
And another exhibition opening to mark the 150th year of the competition sees the history of post-war golf documented through scenes from the course.
Harold Riley created the paintings to track events on the green since 1946, when he first visited as a young boy.
Following the Open runs until July 19 at the Fraser Gallery in St Andrews.
