The connection between the past and present on The European Tour International Schedule was celebrated at the Dubai World Championship with a special presentation to Harry Vardon’s son, Peter.
Harry Vardon is considered by many, to have been the forefather of professional tournament golfers and is the figure central to The European Tour identity, being depicted within The Race to Dubai graphics and the Dubai World Championship logo.
The Harry Vardon Trophy, first presented in 1937 in Vardon’s honour, has been awarded each year to the winner of The European Tour Order of Merit.
Vardon is central to the link between the old Order of Merit and the new Race to Dubai with the iconic representation of the six time Open Champion sitting atop both the original Harry Vardon Trophy and the new Race to Dubai trophy, which will be presented tonight at the culmination of the inaugural Dubai World Championship.
To commemorate the historic relationship, European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady presented Peter, 83, with his own replica of the Harry Vardon Trophy at a special ceremony in the clubhouse at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
“It is wonderful that Peter has travelled to Dubai to be with us this week to see the new magnificent Race to Dubai trophy – with Harry on the top – being presented on Sunday night,” said O’Grady.
Peter said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my trip over to Dubai and this presentation is a marvellous memento of the week. Thank you to the players and everyone at The European Tour for their kindness in making this happen.”
