St Andrews, Scotland: Tickets for The 146^th Open at Royal Birkdale went on general sale this week with a variety of different ticketing options and early season prices available.
For under-25s, The Open is more accessible than ever with Youth Tickets extended from 16-21 years of age to 16-24 year olds and The R&A is once again providing free camping accommodation for Youth Ticket holders.
From July 20-23, Henrik Stenson will look to defend the title he won in record-breaking fashion following a gripping duel with Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon in 2016.
The world’s best golfers will join him next summer at Royal Birkdale as they compete for the most coveted prize in golf, the Claret Jug.
More than 200,000 spectators are expected to come together across the dunes of Royal Birkdale, arguably The Open’s best viewing course.
Spectators can secure their place at The Open at TheOpen.com and take advantage of early season pricing. Adult daily tickets will be available from £15 for Practice Days (July 16-19) and £60 for Championship Days (July 20-23).
Fans will enjoy £5 off the price of their ticket if they purchase with a MasterCard – the official card of The Open.
Weekly tickets, covering the whole Championship – July 16-23 – are available for £230 before February 28, a saving of £105 on the daily ticket prices for the full week.
A limited number of Twilight Tickets will also be on offer providing access to the evening action from 4 pm onward on Thursday and Friday of the Championship for £25.
The Open offers a number of incentives to welcome the next generation of golf fans to the Championship, including the Kids Go Free initiative, which provides free admission to children under the age of 16.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “We are very much looking forward to another exciting Championship next summer when The Open returns to Royal Birkdale for the 10th time. The course offers a tremendous viewing experience for spectators and it has produced many of The Open’s finest Champions including Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Peter Thomson and Padraig Harrington.
“Our aim is to deliver the best possible experience for golf fans and to ensure that the Championship remains affordable and accessible. There are few sports events in the world where fans can get so close to the star names.
“Innovations including the Sky Open Zone practice area and player Autograph Zone will return in 2017. Reduced early season pricing, our Kids Go Free policy and free camping accommodation for under-25s are also part of that commitment.”
A limited number of official hospitality packages are also available providing the best on-course locations to experience The 146^th Open, including the exclusive Claret Jug Pavilion at Royal Birkdale’s first tee and the stylish, relaxed atmosphere of the Champions Club.