If you procrastinated about making plans to attend the Open Championship, your window is still open—barely

By | June 18, 2024

If you procrastinated about making plans to attend the Open Championship, your window is still open—barely

Attending the Open Championship at Royal Troon even at this late date might be less expensive than you think.

David Cannon

If seeing the throngs of fans at Pinehurst for the U.S. Open motivated you to catch the last glimpse of men’s major-championship golf this summer, 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 U.S. Open tickets crested at $200, but you can get in any day of Open Championship week (July 15-23) starting at $53 (Monday) and peaking at $134 (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 the East Coast of the United States is still pretty straightforward even at the beginning of the hot European travel season. A direct flight from New York that lands in Glasgow early during tournament week and departs on the weekend is trending at just over $1,000. Get flexible with where you enter the United Kingdom and you can save hundreds: Going into London Gatwick on the same dates is about $515, but you’ll have to figure out a way to get up north—a minimum five-hour train ride or a 475-mile drive in a rental car.

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 $50 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.

The Coylebrae House sleeps 12 and costs $6,675 per night during the Open Championship.

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 $629 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 center.

Expand your budget (and bring some friends) and the Coylebrae House could be in play for you. This estate sleeps 12 in five king beds and two singles and sits eight miles from the course. The sticker is $6,675 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 in 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 $2,000, 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 ($2,500) and get reserved seating at the first tee and 18th green, fine dining, more Q and 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.

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