Seve Ballesteros on the 18th green in 1984 is one for the history books...
1. THE ULTIMATE GOLF PHOTOGRAPH
Seve Ballesteros on the 18th green in 1984 is one for the history books
David Cannon knows a thing or two about perfection.
Whether it's finding the best light, the most atmospheric setting or the right position to get the perfect shot, the veteran photographer has done it all.
But none of his photographs have given him more satisfaction than that of British Open champion Seve Ballesteros on the 18th green at St. Andrews in 1984.
"When he holed that putt, he did that amazing fist pump," recalls Cannon. "My heart was pounding, I was so excited. I made the decision to drive back to London that night because I was so excited to see them."
It was an eight-hour drive from St. Andrews to his studio in London, where he developed the photos immediately. "It's turned out to be my favourite picture in golf," he says.
Cannon, a Glenmorangie golf ambassador, has photographed 33 Opens and says each one, especially at St. Andrews, was glorious. The course is called The Home of Golf, and Cannon knows there's always a chance it will deliver a timeless image.
"You might capture such a moment elsewhere, but being at St. Andrews adds something," he explains. It's a setting that is, simply, picture-perfect.
2. THE OPEN CHAMPION'S DRIVER
Some finely-tuned technology helped Zach Johnson conquer St. Andrews
When the wind at the British Open wasn't howling, its freshly-crowned winner, Zach Johnson, was his usual straight-hitting self.
His driver, a Titleist 913D2, was the club that helped him hit, on average, more than 90 per cent of the fairways at St. Andrews. But this should come as no surprise – the now two-time major champion has hit 74 per cent of the fairways on average this season, the third-best on Tour.
Although the model has an update on the shelves now (the 915), Johnson has been a model of consistency with it over his 11-year career. It features a forged, variable-thickness face insert which was, at the time of its release, the fastest face insert ever designed by Titleist. The insert increased ball speed by up to 11 per cent from the previous generation.
The club head has a sleek, shiny black, conservative look without gimmicky alignment markings. It also has a a SureFit Tour hosel, which allows golfers to set loft and lie either higher or lower and for more draw or fade.
3. PERFECTION IN A GLASS
Glenmorangie, Official Spirit of the Open, is a thing of beauty neat, over ice or with water
The Glenmorangie Original is a 10-year-old single malt, a true master class in taste, complexity and balance.
The Original can be enjoyed neat, of course. But if you add a splash of water or enjoy it on the rocks, it's a whole new experience.
"A little water opens up the bouquet and reveals more of the complexity of the whisky," says Bill Lumsden, head of distilling and whisky creation at Glenmorangie and a brand ambassador. "On the rocks really accentuates that silky, creamy vanilla flavour."
The recipe for The Original is the one he has tweaked the least, Lumsden says, but it makes sense. Why tinker with perfection?
Each sip of The Original should come from an appropriate glass. Lumsden says the best one to enjoy Glenmorangie in is a simple, yet good quality whisky tumbler, which allows the aromas to be released before and after adding ice or water.
Whisky drinkers will enjoy all the notes and aromas, along with that distinguished finish. But they can also take their experience with The Original to another level.
"Drinking The Original neat, with water, or on the rocks are all pleasurable ways of doing it," says Lumsden.
This content was produced by Glenmorangie, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.