THE 146^TH OPEN AT ROYAL BIRKDALE FORECAST


TO BE ONE OF BIGGEST EVER ATTENDANCES

R and A News Release

Southport, England: A record venue crowd of more than 225,000 spectators is expected to attend the 146^th Open at Royal Birkdale this week, making it one of the best attended in the history of the Championship.

Based on strong advance sales, the attendance will surpass the previous high mark of 201,500 at Royal Birkdale in 2008, with this year’s Championship the fastest selling in history. 

Thousands of fans are still expected to purchase tickets throughout the week and this year’s Championship could take its place in the four largest attendances in The Open’s history. 

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The record number of spectators expected to attend Royal Birkdale this week underpins The Open’s reputation as one of the world’s great sporting events.  

“We very much look forward to welcoming fans from all over the globe to Royal Birkdale to join us for a true celebration of world-class sport.”

The Open is increasingly attracting a younger audience with more than 20,000 young people aged under 25 attending the Championship.

More than 10,000 Youth Tickets have been sold in advance of the Championship, while over 10,000 juniors aged 16 years will attend the Championship free of charge as part of the successful Kids Go Free initiative.

Several hospitality and ticket categories have sold out with the Claret Jug Pavilion, Champions Club, Greenside Club, Reserved Seating and Twilight Tickets all selling out in advance of the Championship.

More than 3,000 spectators will take advantage of free accommodation for youngsters and a low-cost rate for adults at The Open Camping Village located at nearby Victoria Park.

The Open’s Biggest Attendances:

2000 St Andrews: 239,000
2015 St Andrews: 237,000
2006 Royal Liverpool: 230,000
2005 St Andrews: 223,000
1990 St Andrews: 209,000
2014 Royal Liverpool: 203,000
2008 Royal Birkdale: 201,500
2010 St Andrews: 201,000
1998 Royal Birkdale: 195,000


PLAYER OUT OF BOUNDS IF HE ATTEMPTS


TO PLAY THE NINTH DOWN 10th FAIRWAY


The decree came down from the R&A on Tuesday at Royal Birkdale: No shortcuts at this Open Championship.
Specifically, the R&A put a stop to a trend it saw developing during Monday’s practice round: players hitting their tee shots from the ninth tee down the 10th fairway.
This strategy allowed players to avoid the dogleg right on the ninth hole. The alternative route gives players a look at the ninth green with wedge, rather than a short iron.
The R&A’s chief referee, David Rickman, released a notice announcing the new local rule on Tuesday: “When playing the ninth hole only, a ball on or beyond the 10th fairway (defined by the edge of the closely-mown area) is out of bounds.”
There will be no white stakes or lines used to define or indicate this boundary, according to the notice.