TROON, Scotland — Bigger doesn’t always mean better but in the case of the merchandise shop at the 152nd British Open, a colossal structure situated in the vicinity of the third and 16th holes at Royal Troon, it could’ve been bigger but not sure it could’ve been much better. It has to rival Augusta National for the best shop in golf.
The line on Wednesday afternoon on a day baked in glorious sunshine —a good day for ice cream sales nearby —had a Disney-esque feel to it that nearly scared me off but it moved quicker than TSA at Edinburgh International Airport. Inside, Boss, the official apparel company of the Open, receives the best real estate in the front entrance but the championship is otherwise very brand agnostic. The list of companies hawking their wares is too long to name but the point is you had options. Actually, options galore and such items as a logoed doggy bowl for the pets, an assortment of stuffed animals for the kiddos and limited-edition whiskey for the thirsty.
They also leaned into the traditional yellow and blue of its scoreboard, the Claret Jug logo, tartan, the ever-popular “Quiet Please” signs and the Postage Stamp, which is a nice touch.
Other than feeling a bit claustrophobic, it was an enjoyable shopping experience right down to the lady who volunteered to run back behind the curtain and find my size.
Here are some of the best items at the 2024 British Open merchandise shop.
The Open: Tournament hub | Thursday tee times | Photos