Open experience enhanced for fans at St Andrews

Spectators attending this summer’s Open from St Andrews will benefit from cheaper food and drinks, more grandstand seating and wi-fi access across the course.

Tickets for the championship days cost £70 if purchased before the end of May and £80 thereafter.

The R&A are subsidising food and beverage costs to the tune of £150,000. A portion of fish and chips will cost £8.50 instead of £10.50 last year, with a pint down to £4.80 from £6.

This year’s champion will be presented with the Claret Jug in front of the largest arena in the event’s 155-year history.

The grandstand arenas created around the 1st, 17th and 18th holes will seat 10,000 fans.

"This year’s champion will be presented with the Claret Jug in front of the largest arena in the event’s 155-year history."
For the first time, a two-tiered grandstand will be erected behind the 18th green to further enhance the extraordinary atmosphere created by the grandstands located alongside the adjoining 1st fairway.

The arena will be completed by a new L-shaped grandstand being constructed behind the 17th green and a stand sited by the 1st green.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of championships for the R&A, said: “There is always an incredible atmosphere at the Open and particularly when it is held in St Andrews. We want to make sure as many spectators as possible can experience that unique atmosphere and enjoy wonderful views of the play on the opening and closing holes at St Andrews.

“The new arena will provide a fantastic setting for the climax of the championship at the 72nd hole and will be the ideal place for spectators to greet the new Champion Golfer of the Year.”

More than 21,000 grandstand seats will be available across the entire course, giving spectators plenty of options to enjoy excellent views of the links such as at the ‘loop’ where the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th holes can all be viewed.

Following the successful wi-fi ‘mesh’ created across Hoylake, the same service will be offered again this year, meaning fans can keep up to date will all the action via the Open app, which has received 700,000 downloads.

On the eve of the Open there will be a special event for past champions comprising a four-hole challenge. It will be shown live on BBC and confirmed players include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Peter Thomson on the 60th anniversary of his win at St Andrews.