Ryder Cup exhibition in Scottish Parliament

** More images from the official reception here.

An exhibition and original artwork to celebrate the Ryder Cup was unveiled at the Scottish Parliament today (Wednesday, April 30).

The official painting of The 2014 Ryder Cup will go on display at the Parliament until the 4 November with the Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition running in the Parliament’s Main Hall until Friday 30 May.

World-renowned Scottish golf artist Graeme Baxter painted the picture which depicts the stunning second hole on the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles.

Meanwhile the exhibition contains a number of rare and fascinating memorabilia detailing the history of the iconic golf event which started as a friendly match between British and American PGA professionals at Gleneagles.

Presiding Officer the Rt. Hon Tricia Marwick (pictured above with Alex Salmond, Sandy Jones and Richard Hills) said: “It is fitting that one of sport’s most prestigious and well known tournaments is celebrated in the Parliament in this way as excitement builds across Scotland for the Ryder Cup in September. 

“From golfers to history fans, I am sure visitors to Holyrood will enjoy this unique exhibition and Graeme Baxter’s beautiful artwork.”

Sandy Jones, PGA chief executive, added: “The Ryder Cup is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the sporting calendar, having risen from relatively humble beginnings back in the 1920s to become one of the world’s major sporting events.

“In the year that The Ryder Cup returns to Scotland we are delighted to bring The Ryder Cup Heritage Exhibition to the Scottish Parliament and I hope golf fans will enjoy this special exhibition which has an array of fascinating memorabilia from past matches dating back to the very first official match in 1927.”

Richard Hills, director of Ryder Cup Europe commented: “The Ryder Cup is one of the world’s premier sporting events and we are delighted it is returning to Scotland, the Home of Golf.

“Millions of people from around the world will be watching stunning images of The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, including this iconic view captured by the artist, Graeme Baxter.”

The exhibition features personal items from past players as well as rarely seen photographs while a series of specially created display cases and graphic story boards recount the history of the matches, covering its growth from a friendly competition to one of the biggest sporting events in the world.