The 2010 Open - an appetising blend of old and new

The event will be a glorious celebration of past and present including a parade of past champions. Official caterer, Sodexo Prestige, the official caterer will be complimenting the celebrations with top quality Scottish food, fresh produce, warm hospitality and a taste of history into its hospitality packages.

150 years ago it was not the same event as we see today, it was much more of a competition rather than global golfing event.

The first prize was the Challenge Belt, subscribed for by members of Prestwick Golf Club. Clubs around England and Scotland were each invited to send no more than three professional players to compete. There was no prize money, but the winner received custody of the Belt for the year.

The food served during the early days of golf was very formal and in essence quite a banquet. This reinforced the fact that those who played the game at this time were the privileged few, who could afford to do so and was seen as a measure of status. As the number of societies and clubs developed, and more and more people played the game the nature of the sport changed.

The meals for guests in 2010 will include the very best locally sourced fare, used to complete menus celebrating traditional Scottish food, with a contemporary twist. Scottish ingredients including potted game, hams and beef will be freshly prepared on site and available throughout the day with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea all provided as part of the unique anniversary packages.

These include The Road Hole VIP Fine Dining package, located on the top floor of the Old Course Hotel, a must-visit gourmet destination for all food lovers. The restaurant and bar, awarded Whisky Bar of the World 2008 in the 'Icons of Whisky', with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck is the most attractive place to watch the world's best golfers take on the renowned Road Hole. The package also includes reserved grandstand seats at the 17th Grandstand.

Alternatively, the exclusive Clubhouse packages in the tented Hospitality Village are an innovation which was introduced in 2009, offering flexibility throughout the day. Follow your favourite player on the links and then retire to the comfort and sanctuary of the Clubhouse, with informal areas for eating and relaxing throughout the day.

Packages start from £ 432.00 per person, inclusive of VAT at current rate.

To find out more about the packages available at the 2010 Open Championship, log on to:

www.opengolfofficialhospitality.com