A Spectators Guide to The Open: Everything worth knowing for those heading to Royal Troon

Everything you need to know ahead of your trip to The Open

If you’re lucky enough to be attending the 152nd Open Championship but have a bunch of questions that need answering…fear not! Here’s everything you need to know.

In the blink of an eye, the season’s final Major of the season is upon us. America has already crowned Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Bryson DeChambeau as Major champions this year, but now attention turns to Scotland where the British public gets its chance to watch history unfold at the oldest tournament in the world – The Open Championship.

This year sees Royal Troon in South Ayrshire, Scotland return to the limelight for a tenth time to host the 152nd edition of the tournament, welcoming a stellar field of 156 golfers vying for the Claret Jug. The week promises to be packed with all the drama and excitement you would expect from one of the most iconic events on the sporting calendar.

And for those lucky enough to have secured tickets, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions to help reduce stress and make your trip to Troon as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

What time do the gates Open?

You’re unlikely to feel rushed for time in Troon with gates opening to the public from 6 am across the first two days of play with play not expected to conclude until after 8 pm. That’s over 14 hours of golf action! Here are the opening times in full.

Can you get back in if you leave the venue?

Yes. All ticket holders will be free to leave and return on the same day permitted you collect a wristband when leaving the venue. If you are unable to display a valid wristband and your digital ticket on The Open Tickets App upon return, you will not be permitted re-entry to the event.

Is the use of cameras and mobile phones permitted?

Yes. Still photography of play is permitted providing it does not disrupt play and images are not used for commercial purposes. Video recording is prohibited at all times. Spectators are welcome to bring mobile phones to The Open, unlike the Masters, but devices must be kept on silent at all times.

Is there an App to help keep up to speed with the action?

The Open’s official App is the best way to ensure you stay up to date with all the key action from across the week and is regularly updated with the latest news, images, and video. Complimentary WiFi will be available across the course in grandstands and in the Spectator Village

Download the App from the App Store and Google Play.

Is there a dress code for The Open?

There is no dress code in public areas although it is advised to wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions. Knowing the British summer, we strongly advise packing a decent waterproof!

Are bags allowed in, and what about bringing your own chair?

Small bags/backpacks will be accepted into the event and may be subject to security searches, however, oversized bags will not be permitted within the venue. Folding chairs (with the exception of seating/tripod sticks) are not permitted into The Open.

Can you bring your own refreshments?

With the exception of alcohol, you can bring your own food and drink into The Open. A number of hot and cold food and beverage outlets will be available, however, catering for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. Make sure to bring a refillable bottle for the dedicated water stations too.

Is there a shop at The Open?

There certainly is, and no trip to The Open is complete without stopping by to grab yourself a piece of sporting memorabilia. The 24,000 sq/ft Open Shop is situated at the heart of the main spectator village featuring products from official outfitter BOSS, along with many other brands covering lifestyle, technical apparel, outerwear, headwear, luggage & other accessories.

Note that The Open operates as a cashless venue; therefore only debit and credit cards are accepted.

Where is the best place to watch from?

There are thousands of public seats dotted across the course including grandstands around the 1st hole & 18th green. There is also seating available at the Practice Ground for spectators to sit and enjoy the world’s best prepare for action. Giant TV screens are also located in the Spectator Village so you can take a break from the course and enjoy everything else The Open has to offer without missing a shot.

Can you hire binoculars?

Yes. You can enhance your experience with a high-quality pair of binoculars from the Nikon Binocular Hire stand. Rentals are free of charge from Sunday to Wednesday, with a fee of £10-20 (depending on the model) charged on the days of the Championship. The stand operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where can you park at The Open?

There is no public parking available at Royal Troon and those traveling by car or motorcycle must use the dedicated Park & Ride sites which will be signposted by Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) and specific black and yellow event signs provided by The AA. Overnight parking is not permitted at The Open Park & Ride facilities.

Will taxis be operating at The Open?

There will be a designated taxi rank and private hire drop-off/pick-up area in operation across the week, located on Bentinck Drive, approximately 250-300m from the main public entrance. On approach to The Open, ask the driver to follow signs for taxis and private hire vehicles to avoid the road access restrictions. Demand for taxis and private hire vehicles is expected to be high, so it is highly recommended to book in advance.

Can you bring in pushchairs?

Push chairs and buggies for children are permitted into the venue but please be aware that the terrain can be uneven.

And what about the dog?

Unfortunately for your four-legged friend, dogs are not permitted into the course, with the exception of Guide Dogs.

About the author

Ross Tugwood

Senior Digital Writer

Ross Tugwood is a Senior Digital Writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

He is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism, enabling him to critically analyze and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions.