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Easter Ross distillery firm unveils golfing great ambassador


By Hector MacKenzie

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New Glenmorangie ambassador Tony Jacklin poses with the Ryder Cup, US Open Trophy and The Open Trophy
New Glenmorangie ambassador Tony Jacklin poses with the Ryder Cup, US Open Trophy and The Open Trophy

A DRAM with Ross roots has hooked up with a golfing legend ahead of one of the sport’s showcase events.

Glenmorangie this week unveiled British golfing legend Tony Jacklin as its ambassador ahead of the impending Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Jacklin is the only British player to capture the famous claret jug at Royal Lytham & St Annes back in 1969 – where golf’s most prestigious event will tee off on July 19.

Jacklin has been appointed the brand’s ambassador “to promote shared values of excellence and heritage”.

President and managing director of The Glenmorangie Company with Peter Dawson, chief executive R&A.
President and managing director of The Glenmorangie Company with Peter Dawson, chief executive R&A.

Earlier in the year Glenmorangie became the official whisky of The Open Championship in a three-year partnership.

Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky is distilled in Tain in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland. It is matured in the finest oak casks by “the Men of Tain”.

The Open is golf’s oldest Major championship dating back to 1860. Glenmorangie’s heritage also dates back over 150 years: it was first produced in 1843.

Tony Jacklin is the most successful British golfer of his generation. He ended an 18 -year wait for a British victor when he won The Open in 1969 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. No British player has triumphed there since Jacklin’s win 43 years ago.

Since ending his playing career, Jacklin has carved out a career as a golf course designer. In his role as Glenmorangie Ambassador he will work closely on a programme of initiatives, as well as making guest appearances at events.

Paul Skipworth, president and managing director of The Glenmorangie Company, said: “Earlier in the year we announced our new status as the official whisky of The Open Championship. As many as 200,000 visitors are expected to flock to The Open which is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar.

“So we’re delighted to now welcome Tony Jacklin as a Glenmorangie Ambassador. Tony is one of golf’s true legends and the only British player to capture the famous Claret Jug at Royal Lytham & St Annes. 2012 is also a very special milestone as it is 50 years since Tony became a professional golfer.”

Tony Jacklin said: “I am very proud to be working alongside Glenmorangie which I have always regarded as a leader in its field.

“I am also particularly excited to be part of Glenmorangie’s team this year as the Open is being staged at Royal Lytham & St Annes. I have some very fond memories of the course which, with its 206 bunkers, will bring out the best in the golfers taking part.”

As a player in the Ryder Cup, Tony Jacklin was involved in one of the most memorable moments in its history at Royal Birkdale in 1969.

After his eagle putt on the 17 hole evened his match with Jack Nicklaus, Nicklaus conceded Jacklin's two-foot putt on 18, halving the match, and ending the Ryder Cup with a tied score.

The incident became known as "The Concession" and ended with the two golfers walking off the course with their arms around each other’s shoulders, thus creating one of the world's greatest displays of gentlemanly sportsmanship.

Jacklin and Nicklaus later co-designed a golf course in Florida called "The Concession" to commemorate the moment.


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