Quintin Jardine's blog

One small note of disgruntlement about the Gullane extravaganza this week.

In days gone by one of the highlights for the golfing visitor was the exhibition tent, where all the major equipment manufacturers could be found, and where visitors, or patrons as they call punters at Augusta National, could spend a happy hour if the weather was really foul. In the modern era, that’s all gone, replaced by something called The Open Shop. There you are greeted by security guards and young people offering you a basket. Once inside you are funnelled through a series of departments, some designer but mostly just expensive and tacky souvenir crap. You might be able to buy a Rolex in there without the Claret Jug logo on it, but that’s all. The place has all the charm of IKEA on a busy day.

If you are enthusiastic enough to buy something, you will then be directed down a zig-zag line akin to an airport. After you have finished paying through the nose, you will then be directed to the exit, where another security guard will wish you a nice day . . . without a trace of insincerity in his tone.