The Open - who's going?

[Liverbirdie]

Ive only played it Bri, but would think that some holes have natural ampitheatres, or you can watch "from above" as the course is on two levels in the main.

Be careful where you sit though, dont want you causing another landslide.

 

[Radbourne2010]

There's a few places available Thurs if you want to share. PM me if of interest.

I'm there on Thursday courtesy of GM and pondering going back in on the Friday too. Probably won't if I can't find a place to stay.

 

[Beezerk]

Just a quick tip for those driving up from the South, don't follow the directions given on The Open website, you'll be sat in the Raith interchange for 45 minutes (like I have just done) and then get pushed around Glasgow for no good reason.
You're better off getting off at junction 8 of the M74 signposted Larkhall and taking the direct route across land. You could even go up the A76 from Dumfries but I don't know that road very well.

 

[kerber0s1983]

Just a quick tip for those driving up from the South, don't follow the directions given on The Open website, you'll be sat in the Raith interchange for 45 minutes (like I have just done) and then get pushed around Glasgow for no good reason.
You're better off getting off at junction 8 of the M74 signposted Larkhall and taking the direct route across land. You could even go up the A76 from Dumfries but I don't know that road very well.

Spot on - cheers for that.

Leaving weds morning and hoping to be up there by 3:30pm - 4pm to catch a little bit of the practice day before the GM hospitality on the thurs

 

[Radbourne2010]

I've booked two separate places near a train station just north of Irvine, both via Airbnb. Staying until Sat now then home with Ryanair from Glasgow :whoo:

I'm there on Thursday courtesy of GM and pondering going back in on the Friday too. Probably won't if I can't find a place to stay.

 

[Jimaroid]

Good stuff. I've decided to drive there and back as it seemed silly to to fork out the money they're asking when I'm under two hours away from home.

 

[BoadieBroadus]

Spot on - cheers for that.

Leaving weds morning and hoping to be up there by 3:30pm - 4pm to catch a little bit of the practice day before the GM hospitality on the thurs

i believe the course is closed to practice weds pm, so i'd check before heading straight to the course. as i understand, practice is monday, tues and weds morning.

 

[kerber0s1983]

i believe the course is closed to practice weds pm, so i'd check before heading straight to the course. as i understand, practice is monday, tues and weds morning.

Thanks - just checked the open website and it doesn't mention about being closed Weds afternoon, just says play during the day - the only difference i can see with the Weds is the admission price is higher than the monday, tuesday and there is no mention of a cut-off entry time.

Will chance my arm!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Just a quick tip for those driving up from the South, don't follow the directions given on The Open website, you'll be sat in the Raith interchange for 45 minutes (like I have just done) and then get pushed around Glasgow for no good reason.
You're better off getting off at junction 8 of the M74 signposted Larkhall and taking the direct route across land. You could even go up the A76 from Dumfries but I don't know that road very well.

A76 is probably the best option, not many passing places so you can get caught behind lorries....just be patient.
Allow two hours from Gretna.
If you have plenty time travel along the A75 to Castle Douglas then take the A713 up Loch Ken for one of Scotland's best drives. It is a very quiet road.

The M8/M73/M74 roadworks are in full swing so keep alert. 50 mph limit throughout.
Average speed cameras on the A77 are all working now, watch out for the villages south of Ayr.

 

[turkish]

Getting taken to hospitality on Friday then back up again on Sunday. Quick question regarding booze.... Can you walk round while having a drink?

Don't worry I'm not bringing down the tone with a massive sesh but going with 2 none golfers on Sunday whom I think will be bored out their nut so hoping a bit of alcohol will placate that

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Thanks - just checked the open website and it doesn't mention about being closed Weds afternoon, just says play during the day - the only difference i can see with the Weds is the admission price is higher than the monday, tuesday and there is no mention of a cut-off entry time.

Will chance my arm!

If my memory serves me correctly, not many top players play on the Wednesday.
Maybe that has changed.

 

[Stegsie]

Not this year - but will be next year Got to love Royal Birkdale, and the fact it's pretty close is a huge bonus.

 

[Radbourne2010]

Booze allowed anywhere, except the Crèche!

Getting taken to hospitality on Friday then back up again on Sunday. Quick question regarding booze.... Can you walk round while having a drink?

Don't worry I'm not bringing down the tone with a massive sesh but going with 2 none golfers on Sunday whom I think will be bored out their nut so hoping a bit of alcohol will placate that

 

[Raesy92]

Booze allowed anywhere, except the Crèche!

Wasn't allowed in the stands with it at St. Andrews last year.

 

[matt71]

Just a heads up for those going to the golf !

scotrail are having some strikes this week and some trains mAy not be running, it does say no issues with Glasgow to Troon but could be a problem with other areas of Scotland :

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/industrial-action-21-june-latest-information

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotland-by-rail/events/open-golf

 

[Radbourne2010]

This should whet your appetite https://youtu.be/CzcNk_SlWAw :thup:

 

[Beezerk]

What's the crack with buying stuff at The Open, are all the major brands there?

I'm looking at getting a new sweater but I'll wait until I'm there to get one if I can, I'm not bothered about The Open branded stuff mind.

 

[Hobbit]

What's the crack with buying stuff at The Open, are all the major brands there?

I'm looking at getting a new sweater but I'll wait until I'm there to get one if I can, I'm not bothered about The Open branded stuff mind.

Recent years its been pretty poor tbh. Some of the European Tour badged stuff is Nike and FJ isn't bad. But there's not a huge amount of choice.

 

[Beezerk]

Recent years its been pretty poor tbh. Some of the European Tour badged stuff is Nike and FJ isn't bad. But there's not a huge amount of choice.

Hmm, pro shop here we come.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Just back from taking my grandson.
Rail/shuttle bus is definitely the way to go, trains running as normal but check each day with Scotrail if any doubt.

Course looks great playing long, rough pretty fierce. Big grandstand behind the well organised practice ground.
Tented village now seems to have expanded to a tented town, lots to see and buy. Golf Zone a must visit if you have kids in tow.
Food/drink pretty good, prices £7 for a good burger, pizza £4, £2-3 coffees.
Not a great course to spectate on, lots of walking or stay in the stands.