What to do at The Open

[MikeB]

Hi all, I have just been given tickets for Saturday at The Open
Having never been to a tournament like this what advice can anyone give about what to do such as following 1 group or sticking in 1 spot? Are there trade stands etc? We may find local accommodation as it's 200+ miles so can spend all day there.
Thanks in advance.

 

[chrisd]

I would go to the range and watch for a while. Then pick up a good group just going out and follow them for some holes, dot about and pickup different groups and then stand in one place (tee or green ) and watch some come through.

Last year at St Georges the catering food wa appalling as well as mega dear and the tented village was all logo'd PGA stuff and no manufacturers - so a complete waste!

Enjoy the day - I'm sure that you will love it

 

[rob_golf1]

Im going for the Saturday and Sunday and staying locally. Booked the tickets way back, last November, so finally can't wait to watch some live golf!

 

[CMAC]

I spend a few hours at the range, seeing lots of shots and nearly all the 'stars' close up playing variety of shots. You'll pick up the sense of rhythm and tempo they have also, plus you will be amazed at the consistently beautiful sound their iron shots make.

Then go to tented village- always interesting- then a few hours on the course either following a group or plank yourself at 1 good spot and watch them all troop past.

All in all its a great day out and value from 7.30am till about 9.30pm if you want.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

No chance of accomodation within 50 miles of the course.
Most would have been booked up since the spring.
Do you have a tent?

 

[MikeB]

Thanks everyone, range-walking-standing seems to be the form. On the Open website they mention free lessons at the PGA tent, has anyone tried this or do you have to queue for hours?
Found a hotel in 5 mins on the web, 18 miles away but it's not like we're walking there!

 

[chrisd]

Thanks everyone, range-walking-standing seems to be the form. On the Open website they mention free lessons at the PGA tent, has anyone tried this or do you have to queue for hours?
Found a hotel in 5 mins on the web, 18 miles away but it's not like we're walking there!

For me, you can have a lesson anytime but you cant watch the golf anytime. I would be watching my heroes and certainly a lot of the Americans that never come here otherwise.

On the practice day last year I walked with Dustin Johnson, Ricky Fowler, Bubba and Mickleson for a few holes - would I have miss for a free lesson - nope!

 

[MikeB]

We plan on being there all day so hopefully will have time to take everything in.

 

[bignev]

Went last year . The free lessons were ok get in early before the crowds arrive. There are also golf challenges to take part in and last year I got my swing speed measured which was quite interesting.
Forget standing get a seat in the stands They recon the stand by 9 and 10 is a good one. Ill be there on Friday woo hoo.
Oh by the way take lunch in a back pack or have a clear credit card

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Well done with the hotel.
Airport type security, I think they are allowing phones now, not sure about water/bottle containers.
Best to check. As previous advice by other posters get in early to avoid all the queues.

 

[3offTheTee]

Hotels see below- Plenty in Blackpol - Have fun!! Have a lopok on Booking .com if this link does not work


http://www.booking.com/searchresult..._month=2012-7&group_adults=2&group_children=0

 

[grizzler]

if your going to sit down in one spot for a while pick a par 5 green, you'll see all kinds of shots- long approach shots, pitches, birdies eagles bogeys etc

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Think it has been pretty well covered but I can spend ages watching the pros on the range. At the weekend the problem will be more crowds watching fewer players so every group will atrract bigger crowds

 

[CMAC]

as an addendum to my post, the BEST day EVER is the last practice day.........ALL the pro's are there, you get closer, they are more relaxed, they try lots of different shots etc etc best value of the week IMO