Coming from the home of golf, it’s only natural photographer Mark Alexander was exposed to the sport at a young age. And now he’s made it his career and is already gearing up for the 141th Open.
Just days after Darren Clarke’s triumph at Royal St George’s, preparations for the 141th Open Championship are under way with the release of the first of a new set of images of next year’s venue, which have been captured by the international golf course photographer.
The images show the stern test that awaits the world’s best at Royal Lytham and St Annes golf course next year. Commissioned by the club to shoot the course following a preliminary visit in March, Mark spent three days at the venue last month capturing the early morning and late evening light.
Brought up in St Andrews, the photographer is no stranger to championship links, but even he could not help noticing the challenge presented by the Lancashire course.
“The course offers a very stern test of golf which I wanted to capture in the images. The key was to get the right light to show off the strategy and beauty of each hole, which hopefully I’ve done.”
Despite delays caused by the weather, he said the session went as planned and a 4.30am start was worth it for the incredible light not to mention his close encounter with one of the big male foxes which live on the course.
“At first we stared at each other and then we got on with our jobs,” he said.
As well as hosting two Ryder Cups, the course has also welcomed 10 Open championships. Many things have changed since the last open in 2001, including a new look to the clubhouse and numerous on-course developments masterminded by golf course architect Martin Ebert of Mackenzie and Ebert, who recommended Mark to the club.
“Mark’s shots of Royal Lytham really show off his skills and our work for the 2012 Open championship,” Martin said. “We have been very impressed with Mark’s photography since seeing his shots of Turnberry which we worked on in preparation for the 2009 Open.”