The British Golf Museum in St Andrews has reopened in time to help its near neighbour, The R&A, celebrate 250 years of its golfing history. HRH The Duke of York, Captain of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, officially opened the new shop and reception area in the museum.

Delegations from 125 national and international amateur and professional organisations, affiliated to The R&A from 109 countries, arriving this month in St Andrews, are expected to be amongst the early museum visitors.

Commenting on the British Golf Museum reopening, director Peter Lewis said:

"We are delighted that the British Golf Museum is ready to be the heritage centre at the heart of The R&A's 250th anniversary celebrations. Visitors to the home of golf expect a great heritage experience and we are confident that we will meet or exceed their expectations."

The new front of house exhibition space enables some of the museums most popular pieces of golfing art to be shown to best effect. Including an installation of ten bronzes featuring the hands and golf grips of champion golfers, including Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman, by sculptor and Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres.

A larger than life bronze statue of Old Tom Morris and evocative scenes of St Andrews by the artist Harold Riley, also fill the new space, designed to give visitors a greater sense of the history and emotions of golf from the moment they enter the building. These are combined with emotive photographs of great players past and present, which form a dramatic backdrop to the new retail area.

Also new for the 2004 season the British Golf Museum will open 7 days, as a major boost to the visitor attractions available in St Andrews.