PGA TOUR Vault Book – A Masterpiece of Storytelling, Craftsmanship, and Collaboration
The PGA TOUR Vault is a groundbreaking, oversized book that celebrates the rich history, iconic players, and memorable events of the PGA TOUR. This 522-page luxury coffee table book, produced in two sizes, required a highly specialized approach to bring it to life. O’Neil, in collaboration with Vault Media Group and BindTech (formerly Roswell Bookbinding), played a pivotal role in managing the complex printing and production process. The project not only overcame significant logistical challenges but also resulted in an award-winning book that continues to serve as a hallmark of quality and craftsmanship in the publishing industry.
Background Vault Media Group (VMG) a leader in producing high-end storytelling projects, having worked with world-renowned brands and icons like Major League Baseball, Ferrari, and the Michael Jackson Estate. Their mission is to create premium media that captures the essence of celebrated industries, sports, and personalities. With the support and approval of the PGA TOUR, VMG sought to create a unique, high-quality book that would chronicle the history of the PGA TOUR while featuring stunning visuals and immersive content.
The PGA TOUR Vault was produced in two distinct formats:
- Marquee Edition (19.5” x 19.5”): A highly exclusive collectible, designed for country clubs and elite clients.
- Classic Edition (14” x 14”): A premium version available to the general public, offering luxury at a more accessible price point.
Challenge This ambitious project presented several key challenges that required innovative solutions:
- Supply Chain Issues: Securing more than 250,000 sheets of specialized Sappi Opus paper was difficult due to global supply chain disruptions at the time. The paper was crucial for maintaining the high-quality visual standards required by the project.
- Large Format Production: The oversized nature of the Marquee edition (19.5” x 19.5”) made it a challenge to handle in terms of printing, binding, and logistics. The sheer size and weight of the book required meticulous planning and execution.
- Color and Quality Management: With more than 1,500 high-resolution images spanning the book’s 522 pages, precise PGA Brand, color management, and multiple press checks were necessary to ensure consistent image reproduction across all copies.
Solution O’Neil, working alongside VMG and BindTech, leveraged its expertise in high-end printing and production to deliver a book that met the project’s exacting standards.
- Optimized Paper Usage: To address the paper shortage, O’Neil maximized the sheet size for optimal usage. This approach ensured that the team could make the most of the available Opus paper without compromising quality or delaying the project.
- Expert Handling of Large Format: O’Neil employed advanced printing techniques to handle the oversized format of the Marquee edition. The team conducted extensive press checks and applied detailed color management protocols to guarantee brand consistency and the highest image quality.
- Seamless Collaboration: O’Neil maintained close communication with VMG throughout the project, ensuring that the creative vision for the book was fully realized. The collaboration extended to BindTech, who expertly managed the binding process for both editions of the book.
- Specialty UV Coatings for Tactile Experience: O’Neil employed a range of specialty UV coatings throughout the book to enhance the visual and tactile experience. One particularly striking use of specialty UV coating was applied to images of sand traps, making it feel as though grains of sand were on the page, bringing the moment of a golfer hitting out of the sand to life for the reader.
- Fold-Out Pages for Visual Impact: To capture the grandeur of golf’s most breathtaking moments, the creative team incorporated various fold-out pages throughout the book. These expansive spreads added a sense of wonder, allowing the stunning photography to shine and immersing readers in the iconic landscapes and action shots of the PGA TOUR.
- Exquisite Binding for a Premium Feel: The binding of the PGA TOUR Vault was designed to feel as special as the content within. Working closely with BindTech, O’Neil ensured that the overall structure of the book was durable yet luxurious, with the binding adding to the premium, collectible feel that matched the exceptional imagery and design inside.
Results The PGA TOUR Vault project was an enormous success, leading to several key outcomes:
- Award-Winning Recognition: O’Neil’s work on the project, in partnership with BindTech, was recognized with a PIA Best of Show award. This prestigious accolade highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship and quality involved in the book’s production.
- National Sample for Sappi: The PGA TOUR Vault became a national sample for Sappi’s Opus paper line, showcasing the superior print quality and innovative techniques used in the project.
- Increased Visibility for Collaborators: The book’s success has provided valuable marketing opportunities for all partners involved, from the creative team to O’Neil and BindTech. The book continues to serve as a key promotional piece, exemplifying the capabilities of each collaborator.
- Long-Term Demand: The PGA TOUR Vault remains a highly sought-after collector’s item among golf enthusiasts, interested with both the Marquee and Classic editions from the public and private markets.
“The PGA TOUR Vault is a modern work of art that features high-resolution images in spectacular scale, along with unique digital elements, brought to life by embedded print triggers, transporting readers to rich online features and experiences.” — Vault Media Group
The O’Neil Difference The PGA TOUR Vault exemplifies the power of collaboration and expert craftsmanship. Through innovative problem-solving, seamless teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, O’Neil and its partners produced a book that not only celebrates the history of the PGA TOUR but also serves as a benchmark for high-end publishing. From overcoming supply chain challenges to delivering an award-winning final product, O’Neil’s role in the project underscores its ability to handle complex, high-profile print projects with precision and creativity.