The Open Championship 'must have's'...

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rob_golf1

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Hi guys!

Im off to my first Open Championship next month and just for a bit of fun, I thought why not create a post on the 'must haves' whilst on the course watching the play.

It would be great to hear from the guys that have been before and what they can recommend I take with me. May this be, and extra chocolate bar, or even a spare pair of socks, incase the great British weather makes an appearance.

Have fun!

Rob
 
rob_golf1 said:
Hi guys!

Im off to my first Open Championship next month and just for a bit of fun, I thought why not create a post on the 'must haves' whilst on the course watching the play.

It would be great to hear from the guys that have been before and what they can recommend I take with me. May this be, and extra chocolate bar, or even a spare pair of socks, incase the great British weather makes an appearance.

Have fun!

Rob
Click to expand...

I don't know if they have them at the open (Didn't at Hoylake 2006) but at the Ryder cup they had these small TV screens showing action from all over the course, including stats, leader board, commentary etc.

The radios were £5.00 or £10.00, these screens were £10.00 minimum donation I think (it all went to Colin Montgomories cancer charity. They were great.

Small binocs, food and drink (if allowed) obviously, small blow up cushion or them travel ones for your neck(if you have any) to sit on, if you find a nice spec. waterproof/sunhat.
 
Umbrella, course guide and tee off times. Plan a route and who you want to watch and where. If you plot in advance you can gain all the best advantage places. This way you get to see lots of golf in different areas. Be early and prepared for big delays. We cant cope with big tournaments very well in my opinion. Old courses remote locations and bad traffic infrastucture etc. Phone on silent!!! or off. Good shoes and some emegency snacks! Hip flask with plenty of malt or your fav tipple!! Have fun.
 
They have an on course radio station informing you what's going on around the course, scores etc. you can listen in by buying the small ear phones that they sell from the various merchandise stalls, not a bad idea!
You can also buy lots of other overpriced official "Open" stuff

My advice would be to take as much food, drink etc as you can in with you in a decent rucksack. obviously shoes you're comfortable walking in ( golf shoes are good idea) and a decent set of binoculars.

Don't bank on following a popular group as a few thousand may have the same idea making it pretty difficult.
If your planning on seeing Woods find a decent spot about an hour before he comes through and wait. Then watch the crowds start to build. There's a good spot between the 6th green and 7th tee!
 
You haven't said whether you're just going for the day or if you have a season ticket? Hope it's the latter. You simply can't do this event justice on just one day.

On the basis that you do have a season ticket, make the most of the practice days to 'case the joint' as it were. This is also the only time you will be able to take photos of the players as this will be banned on c'ship days although mobile phones will still be allowed in designated areas. Some of the stands will likely take in several good vantage points so suss them out. I tend to walk the course in the morning and chill out in the stands in the afternoon. Bliss.

Incidentally, Lytham was the scene of my first ever Open ... in 1963! Bob Charles won the play-off against american Phil Rodgers. My one vivid memory was when Rodgers had to hole a shortish putt to make it into the play-off. The ball took the tourist route before it dropped whereupon he promptly dropped his cap over the hole.

Oh and buy one of the small attachable radios. They are brilliant. The commentary is usually excellent and you will of course get quick updates on whatever is happening elsewhere on the course.

Enjoy!
 
Try and make time to have a gander at the practice ground to see how the top boys go through their routines and warm up. It's often worth another visit late in the day to see who's working on a problem with their swing. I find it fascinating.

Other than that, sometimes good to get into a stand around middle of the day, eat your lunch and watch a few groups going through before heading off on foot again.

Thur - Fri best days to go if you're prepared to be there for 07:00 and able to stay 'til late. You'll see lots then.
 
Some great things there guys! Im going for the Friday Saturday and Sunday, so only missing the first day, due to work commitments! I really cant wait to get there, and watch the pro's at work! Hope we see another British winner this year aswell!
 
I would tend to go for a good rain hat rather than umbrella which restricts view and is useless in wind. Sunglasses can also be useful seeing in wind but binoculars better. Any mini radio will work on the course and will be cheaper to buy beforehand. Because of the range of conditions the rucksack is important and you might want a plastic bag to keep things dry in or put wet things in - otherwise waterproofs, change of socks - sun cream vital - as much food and drink as you can carry. If you want to be really prepared you could taked stuff to get signed eg pictures of the pros, caps, balls scorecards etc

You'll have a great time I hope
 
Good thread. I'm going to and it's my first time at a pro event so really looking forward to it. Some good tips. Will certainly be taking some
butties in me backpack.
 
I went to my 1st Open at St Andrews in 2010 and loved it. From my experience you should have the following:

1. A mate who works for the R&A and can get you free tickets.:thup:
2. A decent rucksack to put waterproofs etc in.
3. Take sandwiches in with you as every thing inside is a rip off.
4. Definately get one of the radios, they cost about £5, so you can listen to some commentary.

Getting a seat in a grandstand is a good idea as you get see more. We got there early, had a walk round the course then got down the front in the grandstand beside the 17th tee. Saw Woods, Mickleson, Monty, Garcia, Els, Daly, Poulter all from a 10 metres away. A great experience and looking forward to going again.

What ever you do you'll end up having a great day(s) out. Enjoy.
 
Really glad I opened this thread! I really cant wait, and having read purchased and read this months 36 page special for the Open, im dead excited now! Probs won't sleep the night before! haha!
 
On top of everything that's been said I've got to say it really is a great day out. Watching it on TV really does not put across how good the the atmosphere is.
You really do get the feeling that you are at one of the worlds biggest sporting occasions, and the R&A Do a fantastic job of bringing it all together.
I've been to a few FA cup finals and other big sporting occasions and I think a day at the Open takes some beating.
 
So on the final day are some of the stands available to anyone or are the seats all pre-booked surrounding th 18th green?

Ash!!
 
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