The Royal and Ancient (R&A) is preparing for a significant turnout at Royal Troon for the forthcoming Open Championship. In a recent media briefing, the governing body disclosed that all tickets for this year’s event have been sold, with an estimated 250,000 fans expected to descend upon the Ayrshire links this summer. This represents a notable increase from the 2016 Open, where 70,000 fewer attendees witnessed Henrik Stenson’s thrilling victory over Phil Mickelson.
The projected attendance at Royal Troon will only be surpassed by the 150th Open at the Old Course in St Andrews in 2022 (290,000) and last year’s Open at Royal Liverpool (261,000) as one of the largest crowds in Open history. Mike Woodcock, the R&A’s director of communications, underscored the extensive planning and preparations that have been made to guarantee a smooth experience for the influx of spectators. Efforts have been made to optimize pathways and spectator areas, as well as setting up additional viewing decks and grandstand seats, in order to accommodate the record-setting crowd and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
In addition to the anticipated surge in attendance, Royal Troon will also boast the longest hole in Open history. The sixth hole has been extended to an impressive 623 yards, an increase of 20 yards from the previous tournament. On the other end of the spectrum, the “Postage Stamp” hole may be shortened to just 99 yards based on weather conditions, potentially making it the shortest hole in Open history. With the addition of nine new tees, the course will see a total yardage increase of 195 yards, although it will not surpass Carnoustie as the longest course in Open competition.
This year’s Open Championship, scheduled to commence on July 18, will mark the tenth time that Royal Troon has played host to the prestigious event. The defending champion, Brian Harman, will be aiming to retain his title amidst what promises to be the largest and most thrilling Open at Troon to date. With a record-breaking crowd, historic course modifications, and the world’s top golfers vying for supremacy, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be an unmissable spectacle for golf enthusiasts everywhere.