The official poster for London Olympic Games in 1948 by Walter Herz. Image via BBC

With the 2012 Olympic Games now just days away the excitement at AVFF HQ is building! Yes some may grumble about the increased traffic, the Olympic lanes, the bustling crowds and costs of hosting etc. etc... However we should embrace the Olympics gracing our great capital once again after 64 years, the last time the Olympics was in town was back in 1948.

Known as the 'Austerity Games' post world war II Britain was still on strict food & clothing rationing and housing was in short supply - athletes were even asked to bring along their own towels to the games as part of the cost saving measures.

AVFF delved into the photographic archives to look back at the 1948 London Olympic Games - we are sure the comparisons are small, however it is fascinating to see how times have changed over the past 60 years and how London has developed again into the 2012 host city.

With the 2012 Golf Open Championship in full swing (excuse the pun) we can't help but admire the gentlemen's fashion choices with some catching the eye far more than others (Yes John Daly we are looking at you!) see below...

So AVFF decided to step back through the ages and look at some of the impeccable styles of iconic golfers...

Fred Astaire 1899-1987

Not only a dancer, singer and actor Astaire was also a keen golfer - "I was so crazy about golf I couldn't sleep nights," he stated in his autobiography. "I had a terrific desire to be a golf pro."

So much so even combined his two greatest loves dancing & golf in his 1938 movie "Carefree" (with fellow golfer Ginger Rogers) Astaire hit balls while tap-dancing, an incredible routine (you can see the video on YouTube).

Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2010-03/60-most-famous-golfers#ixzz21HJFcDja

Willie Anderson

Scottish golfer Willie Anderson dominated the U.S. Open in that tournament's first decade of existance and was the first person (and still one of only four) to win four U.S. Opens which he won four in just five years, 1901-1905.

"To think of nothing but golf while engaged in playing golf is the secret to success."

The World Golf Hall of Fame described Anderson as playing with: "a flat, full-sweeping action that was characteristic of the Scots and known as the 'St. Andrews swing.'

Left: J.D. (John Douglas) Edgar 1919, 1920  Right:"Lighthorse" Harry Cooper 1932, 1937

John Douglas was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne and was a Professional at Druid’s Hill Club, Atlanta, Georgia. He won the French Open in 1914 and the Canadian Open in 1919 with a record 278 strokes.

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British born Harry Cooper is best known for two things: that great nickname, "Lighthorse Harry"; and for never winning a major championship. However he won 31 times on the PGA Tour, and was one of only 16 golfers to win 30 or more PGA Tour events.

"First you've got to be good. But then you've got to be lucky." - Harry Cooper

Sam Snead 1930'S-1970'S

Snead a highly regarded golfer of his time managed to win both the US Masters and the US Professional Golfers' Association championship three times, and won the Open in 1946. Renown for his impressive record and the beauty of his swing, however Snead may of slightly disagreed: "Sometimes when I putted.. I looked like a monkey trying to wrestle a football."

1946 - George Fazio

Uncle to famed golf course architect Tom Fazio, George Fazio was a semi-prominent professional during 1940s and 1950s. He also became a golf course architect in the 1960s and designed courses such as Pinehurst No. 6 and Juniper Hill, Florida.

Ben Hogan 1931-1953

Hogan was an American professional golfer and was considered one of the greatest players with nine career professional major championships.

AVFF loves this quote: "Selecting a stroke is like selecting a wife. To each his own."

George Knudson 1958 - 1972

One of golf’s sublime ball-strikers, eight-time PGA Tour winner George Knudson is regarded by many as one of the purest talent Canada has ever produced.

Billy Casper - 1967

Billy Casper was known as one of the winningest golfers in PGA Tour history during his career that stretched from the 1950s into the 1970s. He also carried the reputation as one of golf's greatest putters.

"Billy has the greatest pair of hands God ever gave a human being." - Johnny Miller

1972 - Gay Brewer, JR.

American Brewer Won Carling Open, 1961, the Master’s Champion, 1967 and was a Member of Ryder Cup Team,1967, 1971. Two things distinguished Gay Brewer Jr., his unusual swing and his jovial personality.

"I still recall the day when I became known not just as Gay Brewer, but 'Gay Brewer, winner of the 1967 Masters.' The reality of the title – the biggest thrill I've had in golf – is something that can never be taken away." - Gay Brewer

Who are your all time iconic golfers? And who do you think is in with a chance of winning this years Open Championship?

Plus don't forget to enter the AVFF Golf comp below:

Vintage Golf Competition:

WIN this cute vintage golf brooch simply by selecting 'like' on Facebook or Re-tweeting! The winner will be selected at Random at the end of the 2012 Open Championship on Sunday 22nd  July. Good Luck!