How to make the most of a trip to the Open Championship

Between 150,000 and 200,000 people will descend on Hoylake this weekend for the Open Championship for one of the highlights of the golfing calendar and the biggest sporting events in Britain. However, trying to follow all the action when you make a trip to the Open is impossible, so here’s how to make the most of your trip to Royal Liverpool this year.

1. DO plan ahead

The tee times for Thursday and Friday have already been released, and the order of play for the weekend will be finalised on Friday and Saturday night. That means there is no excuse to work out who you want to watch before you arrive. Decide whether you would like to follow one group all the way around the course or find a good vantage point and watch lots of groups come through. The stretch along the coast between 10 and 14 offers some good places to set up camp and see lots of players.

2. DON’T leave too early

Last night we spent some time wandering around the course as the sun was setting, and it was an unforgettable experience. The weather looks set to be good over the weekend so unless you have a long journey home or need to be away for a certain time, try and stay as long as you can and spend time simply soaking up the atmosphere. Through the day you will see Hoylake as a hive of activity, an experience in itself, but come the evening it becomes a calm, serene place. Besides, the last group will not finish until around 9pm, so there will be plenty of golf to watch all evening.

3. DO come armed with supplies

There are plenty of places to eat and drink around the course, but be warned that paying for food and drink here will set you back a fair amount of money. Days at the Open Championship can, and should, be long, so make sure you have plenty of water and food to keep you going throughout the day.
Whatever your viewing tactics, it would be a shame to spend a day at Hoylake and not visit the first tee or the 18th green. 4. DON’T miss out on 1 or 18
Whatever your viewing tactics, it would be a shame to spend a day at Hoylake and not visit the first tee or the 18th green. Watching the players hit their opening tee shots in any round is extremely worthwhile, and with grandstands all around the 18th green this year, the atmosphere there will be electric across the four days. Even if it means waiting in a queue, getting into the stands around both holes will be a great way to spend your time.

5. DO savour every moment
To my mind, there are very few sporting events which can top the Open, and certainly none that are held in Britiain every year. Visiting the championship is an experience, so make sure you enjoy it and use the day to provide lifelong memories. 

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