A magnificent new trophy for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports was unveiled on Tuesday by three-time European Tour winner Nick Dougherty during a visit to a school near Woburn Golf Club.
Dougherty, who is a Sky Academy Ambassador, spent the day at The Buckingham School as part of the build-up to the event, which makes its eagerly-awaited return to the European Tour International Schedule at Woburn from October 8-11.
The Buckingham is a Sky Sports Living for Sport school, a free initiative aiming to help young people unlock their potential using the power of TV, creativity and sport. Sky Sports Living for Sport was launched in 2003 in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, and is open to all UK and Irish secondary schools.
The students were treated to a golf masterclass with Dougherty, before the 33 year old looked through trophy designs the children had created.
The real thing was then revealed, a gleaming 17-inch double-handled silver trophy on a lacquered plinth, which was designed and made by world renowned jewellers Garrard, who have a sporting legacy dating back to the mid-18th century.
Garrard, who are credited with supplying the America’s Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy in history, has spent the past 12 weeks bringing the new prize to life.
Jamie Birkmyre, Championship Director for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports, said: “We asked Garrard to create something huge and impressive in the classic British style of class and elegance, and they’ve managed to do that perfectly.
“It’s a beautiful piece which will become an iconic feature of the British Masters and is a fitting tribute to the wonderful achievement of winning the tournament.”
Jessica Cadzow, Special Commissions Director for Garrard, said: “Garrard are proud and delighted to have designed and created a new addition to British sport’s crown jewels.
“It is exciting to welcome this event back to the Tour, and we are confident the scale and beauty of this trophy reflects the legacy and significance of the sport of golf in Britain.”
Since its return was announced in March, the tournament has proved a big hit with the British public, with the opening round of the tournament a complete sell out following the ‘Sky Sports Thursday’ promotion, which offered 15,000 free tickets as part of the event’s aim to attract a new and existing audience to golf.
Discounted advance tickets are now on general sale - any one day tickets, which can be used from Friday October 9 to Sunday October 11, cost £25 (£15 concession) before October 4. The full gate price is £30.
Adult season tickets (Friday – Sunday) cost £65 (£35 concession) before October 4. The full gate price for a season ticket is £75.
Hospitality packages are also available for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports from £249 + vat per person per day. For further information or to request a brochure call 0800 023 2557 email enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com or visit www.europeantourtickets.com.
Tickets for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports can be purchased online via www.europeantourtickets.com or http://tickets.sky.com/Golf/British-Masters or via the European Tour ticket hotline 0800 023 2557.
