The Open signs whisky partner

Scotch whisky distiller Loch Lomond Group has entered into a partnership with golf’s Open Championship.

The five-year deal, which will showcase the group’s Loch Lomond Whiskies brand, also includes the Women’s British Open. Loch Lomond will serve as ‘the spirit of The Open’.

The Open is one of golf’s four major championships and will this year be held at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, Scotland from July 19-22. Jordan Spieth (pictured) is the defending champion.

Loch Lomond’s partnership will run until the 2022 championship. The agreement covers the 150th Open, which will be held at the historic St Andrews course in Fife, Scotland.

As part of the partnership with The Open, Loch Lomond Whiskies will create a variety of limited editions, aimed at both golf fans and whisky aficionados.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), which organises the event, said: “We will be working closely with Loch Lomond Whiskies over the duration of this partnership to introduce an inspiring range of activities which demonstrate The R&A’s shared desire to offer golf fans the very best experience at our championships.”

Colin Matthews, chief executive of Loch Lomond Group, added: “There is an incredibly strong alignment between the worlds of whisky and golf, two of Scotland’s most iconic gifts to the world.”