St Andrews set to attract record crowd of 290,000 for 150th Open Championship
The 150th Open Championship is set to attract a record crowd of 290,000 to St Andrews, tournament organisers have announced.
More than 1.3million applications for tickets were received by the R&A, resulting in the highest-ever number of general admission tickets being issued to spectators.
The previous record attendance saw 239,000 fans witness Tiger Woods lift the Claret Jug for the first time at St Andrews in 2000.
R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The 150th Open at St Andrews is going to be a momentous occasion for golf and this is clearly reflected in the extraordinary demand among fans to be part of this historic playing of the Championship.
“We very much appreciate their passion and enthusiasm for The Open and are delighted that we will set a new attendance record that far exceeds the previous best set in 2000.”
First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Open Championship is a brilliant opportunity to showcase Scotland as the home of golf on a global stage, in a historic year for the sport – with five major tournaments being hosted across five weeks this summer.
“The news that this will be the largest Championship ever staged is a phenomenal feat and reminds us of the enduring appeal of golf.
“The event, which will welcome visitors from across the world to Scotland, will also have an extremely positive impact on our economy, businesses and tourism industry.”
According to an independent forecast by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University, the 150th Open is expected to generate around GBP 200million in total economic benefit to Scotland.
Latest
-
Videos
WATCH: 7 times the pros horribly fluffed their shots like the rest of us
Just when you think you have it all figured out.
-
Equipment
Collin Morikawa switches his putter again – and marvels at ‘incredible’ results
Collin Morikawa isn’t a professional who changes clubs lightly but he also isn’t averse to moving with the times.
-
Videos
WATCH: Kid pulls off unbelievable flop shot over his dad’s head
The flop shot is all about getting up and down with precision and this kid has it all.
-
Equipment
The clubs that helped Peter Malnati end his title drought at the Valspar Championship
Titleist staffer Peter Malnati ended his long wait for another championship at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.
-
Videos
WATCH: Amateur golfer takes hacking to a new level – leaving crowd in fits of laughter
Hackers are going to hack.
-
Courses
Four of the best golf clubs to play in Singapore, a year-round golfing haven
Here we look at four golf clubs or resorts that sport at least two stunning courses.
-
Equipment
‘You have to take us seriously’ – Wilson out to make a statement with new wedges
Wilson want to make a statement and overhaul their wedge offering.
-
Videos
WATCH: Large crowd witness to perhaps the worst ceremonial tee off ever
The captain’s drive goes horrible wrong.