Open Championship Merchandise

[rob_golf1]

I was a spectator at The Open Championship this year up at Hoylake. I did three of the tournament days and so spent a fair bit on tickets, accommodation, travelling, food etc....

I also had set some money aside to treat myself to a few bits of merchandise having bought a few smaller bits from The Open at Royal Lytham in 2012. I purchased a navy blue, Open Championship Royal Liverpool 2014 polo shirt with the Open logo embroided onto the shirt. I also purchased two scorecard holders and a ball marker. So a good £50-£60's worth.

Anyway, last week I wore the polo shirt for only the second time and I noticed that the actual shirt was beginning to thread. By about the 8th hole, I had a hole (about the size of a 50p piece) appear right in the centre of the shirt. To say I was gutted is an understatement. With regards to the shirt, (as a designer), I know a lady that specialises (designs and manufacturers) the race suits for a few F1 Drivers and some on the Moto GP circuit, and I gave her the item and she commented how poor the stitching was, and that it had been finished very poorly - not worth £30!

I've also played a few rounds (probably 6 at the most) with the scorecard holder I purchased for myself. Again, I started notice after the first round that I used it for, that the covering they have used had started to wear in the corners. At this moment in time the scorecard holder is bent - out of shape, and has barely any material on the corners at all. ( IT DIDN'T EVEN COME WITH A PENCIL )

Following on from this - I sent The Open Championship customer services department a nice email. Their response; 'because I purchased the item from Hoylake, (rather than online), there is nothing they can do about the items at all'.

I feel as though I am being punished for actually attending the event. Based on this experience, I would not recommend anybody buying any merchandise from the Open Championship! Very poor quality, and a 'pass the book/we ain't bothered' attitude from their customer services......

 

[Ads749r]

That is bad it shouldn't be happening at all. But it's the same everywhere where major events are held. The clothing suppliers will be the ones that quoted cheapest. For instance I bought a james toseland moto gp polo shirt which felt like good quality until I washed it and it came out no bigger than a boob tube and all the bottom had frayed like a dog had chewed it. That was 1 wash and that was £35. Same with a build base ducati polo shirt 1 wash and the arm pit had a hole init again and had shrunk to the size of 2-4 year old shirt. On both occasions it was the missus who washed them as she knows what to do as I just ruin everything with red and whites mixed. I never buy official clothing from events anymore as it is mostly tat which is so disappointing as you say you spend a lot of money getting there and getting in.

 

[matt611]

Their response; 'because I purchased the item from Hoylake, (rather than online), there is nothing they can do about the items at all'.

Don't believe this. You have a contract with the seller whether that is The Open or the R&A (whoever sells the stuff) regardless of where you bought it. The supply of goods and services act says you have a contract with the seller for goods which ensures the goods you receive that are fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. Clearly yours are not.

Don't let this go, write a stronger letter this time

 

[Doh]

Defiantly don't let this go, even I feel angry for you. ( can't find an angry smiley)that's made me angry too.

 

[garyinderry]

I bought a cotton polo as it seemed good quality compared to the more breathable polo's on offer. overall the price of the stuff in the shop was extortionate. I thought there would be a reduced sale at the end of the event. It wasn't the case.

 

[bignev]

Its a shame that the R&A stopped letting other sellers into the Open site as they used.
The only tent to get merchandise from is there's and its either extortionate and not overly good quality or really expensive.
Tickets this year at £75 were the highest yet.
Open golf tournaments are becoming more and more for the elite.
Ive started saving for next year at St Andrews and think Im going to need at least £300 just for 2 days.

 

[sawtooth]

Don't believe this. You have a contract with the seller whether that is The Open or the R&A (whoever sells the stuff) regardless of where you bought it. The supply of goods and services act says you have a contract with the seller for goods which ensures the goods you receive that are fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. Clearly yours are not.

Don't let this go, write a stronger letter this time

Totally agree don't let them fob you off!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Write another stronger but polite letter/mail and see what happens and explain the issue and see what happens from there