A golf auction with a difference reached its conclusion recently with bids worth more than $28,000 or £16,000 in total flooding in for the 18 tee plaques from the Old Course at St Andrews.

Bids have been received from around the world for the plaques which have marked the holes graced by many of the game's legends at the Home of Golf including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

When the online auction closed, a total of $28,442 or £16,345 had been raised. The highest bid for an individual plaque was for the famous Road Hole, the 17th, which fetched $4,250 (£2,442).

The money raised by the auction, which was held to coincide with the staging of the Open Championship at the Old Course, will benefit St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association (SALJGA).

Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, said, "We are absolutely delighted with the auction which demonstrates once again the great esteem in which the Old Course is held around the world. These tee plaques have borne witness to some fantastic golfing moments over the years and there were clearly many golf fans who wanted their own piece of history. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to bid and congratulate those who have been successful."

Willie Tait, chairman of SALJGA, said, "This is splendid news for the many young golfers we work with under the SALJGA programme. It is very gratifying to see the future of golf benefiting from its heritage in this way."

Two Opens, numerous Dunhill Cups and a range of other international events have been held on the Links since the hand-crafted markers were installed. The plaques, which measure 9 inches by 11 inches (23 x 28cm) and are made of cast aluminium, were replaced in 2004 following the introduction of a new stroke index.

Media Contact:
Mike Woodcock
Communications manager
St Andrews Links Trust
01334 466610
E-mail mikewoodcock@standrews.org.uk