The origin of passionate golf - Mercedes-Benz and The Open Championship

The fleet of 60 vehicles from Mercedes-Benz will be utilised as the official shuttle service for The Open Championship, as well as the further 40 vehicles for the R&A and their guests to be primarily made up of models from the new generation of the recently launched E-Class.

Defending champion, Ernie Els, was driven to the ceremonial handover of the trophy - the legendary Claret Jug - in the new E-Class Cabriolet and handed it over to Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A.

At the vehicle exhibition in the tournament grounds, spectators will also be able to experience the A 45 AMG, SL 65 AMG Roadster, CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, SLS AMG GT and the C 63 AMG Estate first hand.

The three Mercedes-Benz brand ambassadors Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Marcel Siem will be on hand as part of an exclusive Meet & Greet event for a select number of Mercedes customers from the world over. This is the first time, Louis Oosthuizen, winner of The 2010 Open Championship and brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz South Africa since June, will be taking part in the Meet & Greet event.

As part of the MercedesTrophy, the company's own global premium golfing tournament for amateurs, participants automatically take part in the 'Drive to the Major' competition - or also known as the 'Straightest Drive' competition. At the PGA Centenary Course in Gleneagles, where next year's legendary Ryder Cup will be staged, qualifying golfers play during the Major for a coveted spot in the Monday After Event, which takes place immediately after The Open Championship.

In addition, as guests of Mercedes-Benz, they also enjoy the opportunity to experience an unforgettable week at The Open Championship. The Open Championship is taking place from now till the 21^st July at the Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland.

"It's a tremendous honour for us to be attending the event for the third time as the Official Patron of The Open Championship. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious and dynamic tournaments in the world and therefore a perfect match for our global golf strategy - The best or nothing," said Lueder Fromm, Head of Global Marketing Communication for Mercedes-Benz Cars.