[PHOTO: David Cannon]
If seeing the throngs of fans at Pinehurst for the US Open motivated you to catch the last glimpse of men’s major-championship golf this year, you still have some options to book travel to Scotland for the Open Championship at Royal Troon. However, options are dwindling, especially if you’re going to try to take the train into Glasgow.
Tickets to get in are plentiful – and a steal in comparison to the previous three majors. Masters tickets were easily four figures, and PGA and US Open tickets crested at $US200, but you can get in any day of Open Championship week (July 15-23) starting at $A80 (Monday) and peaking at $A200 (Friday). It’s as easy as registering for a free account at the official Open resale portal and picking the day you want. Tickets there are all listed for a maximum of face value (and often less) from verified sellers, so there’s no risk and no sticker shock.
Getting to Troon, which is about 45 minutes south of Glasgow International Airport, from Australia is still pretty straightforward even at the beginning of the hot European travel season.
If you do decide to fly into one of the London airports and train it up to Scotland, be sure to book your train tickets as soon as possible because seats are almost gone. Fares start at about $A75 from London Euston to Glasgow Central and escalate quickly depending on time and how express the service is. Scotrail offers complete timetables and online booking. Heading back to London at non-popular times (Friday night or Saturday morning) will be easier.
Even in the best of times, Troon isn’t overflowing with budget hotel rooms. Open week means that rooms are scarce on the ground, but this Airbnb is less than a mile from the course entrance and can be had for $A945 a night. Yes, you’ll be sharing a house with some cats, but you’ll have your own bathroom and will be just a few minutes walk from the town centre.
Expand your budget (and bring some friends) and Coylebrae House could be in play for you. This estate sleeps 12 in five king beds and two singles and sits 13 kilometres from the course. The sticker is $A10,000 per night with a five-night minimum stay. The space, game room and solitude would make for a perfect home base for a last-minute player entry where family, caddie and manager could all roll into the same place.
The Open Championship is celebrated for opening the gates wide for any fan to attend, which means the “regular” experience can be Tokyo-on-the-subway-like for some people. If you’re interested in more elbow room – and a fireside chat with somebody like Gary Player or Colin Montgomerie – VIP ticket packages are still available directly from The Open. The Medallists package costs about $A3,000, and offers a reserved seat in the grandstand at 18, private terrace viewing at the Marine Hotel adjacent to the course and visits by present and past players. Upgrade to the Champions package ($A3,750) and get reserved seating at the first tee and 18th green, fine dining, more Q&As with players and a round on the Championship course on Monday.
Just remember you’ll probably have to pay to check that big bag.
