Youngsters From King Edward VII & Queen Mary Get To Grips With The Open Championship's Claret Jug
created on : 31st May 2012

Today, one of the world's most famous and iconic sporting trophies - The Open Championship's Claret Jug - visited King Edward VII & Queen Mary School.

Over 40 children took part in the activities provided by The Open Championship organisers, The R&A and supported by HSBC, a patron of the tournament. Students were given the opportunity to have souvenir photographs taken with the Claret Jug and participate in a putting challenge.

Judith Cooper Acting Head said: "This has been a great opportunity for our students to learn more about golf, and the feedback I have had has been fantastic. They are all telling me that they can't wait to go to Lytham now, to see the Championship this July, especially when they found out Under 16's can go for free!"

Year 8 student Nicole Brown, a member at Fairhaven Golf Club, said: "I've recently started playing golf and can't wait until July, to see some of the stars up close - it's really exciting!"

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship and Events commented on the importance of the school tour activity; "HSBC is committed to growing the game of golf globally at all levels from grassroots to elite with a longer-term aim to create a legacy through support of youth development and grassroots programmes. As a proud patron of The Open Championship it makes absolute sense for us to work with local schools in the North West to give them a taste of the world's oldest major golf tournament. Golf teaches important life skills such as honesty and respect, and perhaps, with a bit of luck some of the children involved over the next few days will go on to make their name in the golfing world in the future."

The Open Championship takes place at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club from 19 - 22 July and will be preceded by four practice days from 15 - 18 July, where visitors can see the golfing legends in 'full swing' before competing for golf's greatest prize.

There is free* entrance for Juniors (Under 16 years of age on 15 July 2012) on any day of The Open Championship (15-22 July 2012).

Tickets and a variety of hospitality packages are available, with early booking discounts available until the end of May. For more information or to purchase tickets call 01334 460000 or visit TheOpen.com.

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* Junior tickets should be obtained prior to The Open Championship (before 29 June) by applying in writing to: Ticket Office, The R&A, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JD. The application should be accompanied by some form of age identification (e.g. letter from school or golf club).

Any junior who is accompanied by a responsible adult will be admitted free of charge on the day and will be given the appropriate ticket at the paygate. Any junior who arrives at the paygates without a responsible adult or admission ticket will be entitled to purchase a Concession (16-21 years) admission ticket.