The 146th Open is attracting record galleries. Picture by R&A

Southport, England: A record venue crowd of more than 225,000 spectators are expected to attend this week’s 146^th Open at Royal Birkdale, making it one of the best attended in the history of the Championship.

Based on strong advance sales, the attendance will surpass the previous high mark of 201,500 at Royal Birkdale in 2008, with this year’s Championship the fastest selling in history.  

Thousands of fans are still expected to purchase tickets throughout the week and this year’s Championship could take its place in the four largest attendances in The Open’s history. 

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “The record number of spectators expected to attend Royal Birkdale this week underpins The Open’s reputation as one of the world’s great sporting events.  

“We very much look forward to welcoming fans from all over the globe to Royal Birkdale to join us for a true celebration of world-class sport.”

The Open is increasingly attracting a younger audience with more than 20,000 young people aged under 25 attending the Championship. More than 10,000 Youth Tickets have been sold in advance of the Championship, while over 10,000 juniors aged 16 years will attend the Championship free of charge as part of the successful Kids Go Free initiative.

Several hospitality and ticket categories have sold out with the Claret Jug Pavilion, Champions Club, Greenside Club, Reserved Seating and Twilight Tickets all selling out in advance of the Championship.

More than 3,000 spectators will take advantage of free accommodation for youngsters and a low-cost rate for adults at The Open Camping Village located at nearby Victoria Park.