The R&A has started its countdown to next year’s 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.

A special commemorative brand will be launced, along with a ticket ballot to ensure the most equitable sales process possible.

First played in 1860, The Open has been graced by golf’s greatest champions and will mark its 150th playing with a true celebration of the sport from 10-17 July 2022.

With expected high levels of demand to attend this historic tournament, the introduction of a ticket ballot is deemed the fairest way of ensuring golf fans from around the world have the chance to secure their place at the world-renowned Old Course. Hospitality for the event has been on sale since last year, with 85% of packages already sold.

The ticket ballot will run from Thursday, 1 July 2021 to Monday, 4 October 2021 giving as many fans as possible the opportunity to register. A balance of allocations will ensure every generation of fan, from around the world will be able to attend St Andrews next July.

“This is a momentous occasion for golf as well as The Open and one which sports fans everywhere are looking forward to enormously,” R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said.

“The 150th Open will give fans the opportunity to be part of a unique and unparalleled celebration at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews.

“We expect exceptional demand to be part of these celebrations and the ballot will give as many fans as possible the chance to secure a ticket and be part of history being made at one of the world’s most revered and renowned sporting events.”

The new 150th commemorative brand will be displayed across a campaign of content and activations that will run throughout the next 14 months. The focus of the campaign will be the remarkable journey of The Open and its enduring impact on players, fans and the sport itself.

The 150th logo is made up of individual threads that each represent the millions of journeys connected to the 150th Open. The threads will be prominently used in imagery throughout the build-up, emphasising the campaign’s central message that “everything has led to this”.

The ticket ballot will be available exclusively to members of The One Club, the free membership program. Fans can sign up to The One Club any time at www.TheOpen.com and will be among the first to be notified when the ballot opens.