The driving range is an entertaining and somewhat underrated spot to plant yourself at The Open Championship as a spectator.
Sure, there are the grandstands on Calamity Corner at Royal Portrush that are bucket list places to sit. And you’ll probably want to follow some of your favourites around the Dunluce Links and not remain static.
But if you want some respite, a little relaxation from the action and to take in some incredible ball striking, all while the world’s best golfers move in and out of the area like a world-class athletic conveyor belt, then go to the driving range.
This is how to find the driving range at The 153rd Open Championship…

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If you come in from the entrance that is next to the Portrush clubhouse, it is not far to the driving range. If you are coming in from the entrance in spectator village 2, just walk up to the clubhouse. You will need to cross the first hole, which will be the first crossing you see when you enter the property from here.
You will then need to walk around the back of the 18th grandstand, perhaps have a peak on the 18th green on your way, and keep walking until you see a variety of tented structures.
On your left, you will see The Open Arms and the HSBC tent, where all manner of golfing fun is had by adults and juniors alike. There is the large Open merchandise shop to the right, which you may or may not feel like entering depending on how long the queue is.
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Keep going beyond this human snake of people and over the hill. You will see the grandstand behind the par-3 16th hole now, but ignore this and go left. This is where you will find the driving range.
There is a solidly sized grandstand for you to sit in, and there is also a small platform to stand on the right-hand side, where you can watch players join the Sky sports team and have some fun and a chat.
If you walk around the back of the grandstand of the range, you should find the short game area where the players are putting in their last swishes with the putter and wedge before heading out to the golf course.
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