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The Open Championship 2027

July 15, 2027 – July 18, 2027 BST

The Old Course at St Andrews

The Open Championship 2027, often referred to as the British Open, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Organized by The R&A, it is the only major championship played outside the United States and is celebrated for its rich history, iconic links courses, and often unpredictable weather conditions. In 2027, The Open will return to its spiritual home, St Andrews Links, specifically the legendary Old Course, for a record 31st time. This guide provides essential information for planning your visit to this historic event.

Tournament Overview

  • Event: The 155th Open Championship
  • Governing Body: The R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews)
  • Established: 1860
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Dates: July 11-18, 2027 (Practice days: July 12-14; Tournament days: July 15-18)
  • Venue: St Andrews Links (The Old Course), St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
  • Format: 72 holes of stroke play (four rounds over four days).
  • Field Size: 156 players.
  • Cut: After 36 holes, the top 70 players (and ties) advance to the final two rounds.
  • Playoff: If there is a tie for the lead after 72 holes, a four-hole aggregate playoff is held. If still tied, sudden-death ensues.
  • Prize Money: One of golf’s most lucrative majors, with a significant purse (e.g., $17 million in 2023).

History & Significance

The Open Championship at St Andrews is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a pilgrimage to the sport’s birthplace. The Old Course has hosted The Open more times than any other venue, making it the spiritual home of golf’s original major. Winning the Claret Jug on these hallowed links is considered the ultimate achievement in golf, a moment that etches a player’s name into history alongside legends. The course’s natural contours, shared greens, and iconic features like the Road Hole and Swilcan Bridge provide a unique and demanding test, often amplified by the unpredictable Scottish weather. The 2027 Open will also mark 100 years since legendary amateur Bobby Jones triumphed in The Open at St Andrews in 1927.

The Old Course’s Open History:

The Old Course at St Andrews has hosted The Open Championship a record 30 times prior to 2027.

Past champions at The Old Course include:

  • 1873: Tom Kidd (First Open at St Andrews)
  • 1900: Harry Vardon
  • 1927: Bobby Jones (Amateur)
  • 1970: Jack Nicklaus
  • 1984: Seve Ballesteros
  • 2000: Tiger Woods
  • 2005: Tiger Woods
  • 2015: Zach Johnson
  • 2022: Cameron Smith (The 150th Open)

Qualification

The field for The Open Championship is comprised of both exempt players and those who earn their spot through qualifying.

  • Exemptions: A significant portion of the field consists of players who are exempt based on various criteria, including past Open champions (up to age 60), winners of other major championships, top finishers in previous Opens, high positions in the Official World Golf Ranking, and winners of specific professional tournaments worldwide.
  • Open Qualifying Series (OQS): A series of tournaments held globally where leading players, not already exempt, can earn a spot in The Open.
  • Final Qualifying: The final stage of qualification, where professional and amateur golfers compete in 36-hole events at various courses in the UK to secure the remaining spots in the field.

Planning Your Visit to The Open Championship 2027: Travel, Tickets & Accommodation

Attending The Open Championship at St Andrews is an extraordinary experience. Due to its global appeal and the historic nature of the venue, careful advance planning for travel, tickets, and lodging is crucial.

How to Get to the The Open Championship 2027

St Andrews is located on the east coast of Scotland, well-connected to major cities.

  • 1. By Air:
    • Closest International Airports:
    • Closest Regional Airport: Dundee Airport (DND) (approx. 20 minutes drive). Offers limited domestic flights, primarily from London City.
  • 2. By Rail:
    • The nearest train station is Leuchars (LCS), approximately 5 miles from St Andrews.
    • Regular train services connect Leuchars to Edinburgh (approx. 1 hour), Dundee (approx. 15 minutes), and other major UK cities.
    • A regular bus service (Stagecoach bus 99, 99A, 99B, 99C, 99D) connects Leuchars station directly to St Andrews town centre and the Links.
  • 3. By Car & Parking:
    • St Andrews is accessible via the A91, connecting to the M90 motorway network.
    • For The Open Championship, official off-site spectator parking with complimentary shuttle services will be organized by The R&A. On-site parking at the course is typically not available to the general public during the event. Always check the Official Open Championship Website for specific parking arrangements and shuttle schedules closer to the event.
    • Traffic: Expect significant traffic congestion on roads leading to and within St Andrews during tournament week. Plan for extra travel time.
  • 4. By Bus:
    • St Andrews Bus Station is in the town centre, offering local services and connections to Dundee, Edinburgh, and other Fife towns.

Tickets & Hospitality for The Open Championship 2027

Tickets for The Open Championship at St Andrews are highly sought after and are typically allocated via a ballot system or through official providers.

  • Ticket Ballot: The primary method for securing general admission tickets for The Open is often through a public ballot, which usually opens many months in advance (e.g., a year prior to 2027). Registering for The R&A’s ‘The One Club’ can provide early access to ballot information.
  • General Ticket Types:
    • Daily Tickets: For specific tournament days (Thursday-Sunday).
    • Practice Day Tickets: For Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and better opportunities to see players up close.
    • Weekly Passes: For access throughout the entire championship week.
  • Hospitality Packages: Premium hospitality options, offering guaranteed entry, exclusive viewing areas, gourmet dining, and other amenities, are available through official providers. These are ideal for a luxurious experience.
  • How to Purchase: Always purchase tickets directly from The R&A’s official website or their authorized ticket providers to ensure validity and avoid fraudulent sales.

Where to Stay for The Open Championship 2027

St Andrews offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses, all within easy reach of the Links.

  • 1. Key Towns for Accommodation:
    • St Andrews: The town itself offers the most convenient access to the Links, with numerous hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs, many within walking distance.
    • Dundee: A larger city (approx. 20 minutes drive) offering more extensive hotel options and a city experience.
    • Fife Coastal Towns: Charming smaller towns along the Fife coast (e.g., Crail, Anstruther) offer unique accommodation and a quieter atmosphere, though require transport to St Andrews.
    • Edinburgh: For those who prefer to stay in a major capital city, Edinburgh offers a vast array of options, but requires daily travel to St Andrews.
  • 2. Accommodation Types:
    • Luxury Hotels: The Old Course Hotel, Rusacks St Andrews, Fairmont St Andrews (a short drive outside town) offer premium experiences.
    • Boutique Hotels & Inns: Numerous charming options within St Andrews town centre, often within walking distance of the Links.
    • Guesthouses & B&Bs: A popular choice, offering a more personal touch and often excellent value.
    • Self-Catering: Apartments and holiday homes are available for longer stays or groups.
  • 3. Booking Tips:
    • Book Well in Advance: Accommodation for The Open at St Andrews will be in extremely high demand and will be booked solid many months, often a year or more, in advance. Start your search and booking process as soon as your travel plans are firm.
    • Consider Transport: If staying further afield (e.g., Dundee or Edinburgh), factor in train/bus schedules and travel time to the course.
    • Use Reputable Sites: Utilise well-known booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor to find and compare options.
TripAdvisor

Fan Experience / What to Expect

Attending The Open Championship at St Andrews is an unforgettable experience, characterised by the unique atmosphere of links golf and the reverence for “The Home of Golf.”

  • Walking & On-Course Navigation: Be prepared for significant walking across undulating terrain. Comfortable, waterproof footwear is essential. Event maps will be provided, detailing pathways, grandstands, and amenities. Strategic planning of your route can enhance your viewing, especially given the Old Course’s unique layout.
  • The Weather: Links golf is synonymous with varied weather. Be prepared for anything from glorious sunshine to strong winds and rain, sometimes all in one day! Dressing in layers and bringing waterproof outerwear is highly recommended.
  • Best Viewing Spots: While specific prime spots vary by course setup, popular areas at The Old Course often include:
    • Around the 1st and 18th fairways, offering views of the iconic Swilcan Bridge and the R&A clubhouse.
    • Elevated positions within the dunes for panoramic views of multiple holes.
    • Around the practice ground to watch players warm up.
    • The area around the Road Hole (17th) for a glimpse of golf’s most famous challenge.
  • Concessions & Merchandise: Numerous concession stands offering a variety of food and beverages, as well as large merchandise tents with official Open Championship apparel and souvenirs, will be available on-site.
  • Fan Zones & Activities: The Open often features interactive fan zones, historical displays, and sponsor activations, providing entertainment away from the golf action.
  • Prohibited Items: A strict list of prohibited items (e.g., large bags, outside food/beverage, folding chairs with pointed ends, drones) will be enforced. Check the official R&A spectator guide before arriving to ensure smooth entry.
  • Mobile Phone & Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi may be offered in key fan gathering areas. While mobile phones are generally allowed for communication, strict etiquette regarding noise and photography around players is enforced.
  • Accessibility: The R&A provides accessibility services, including accessible parking, pathways, and viewing platforms. For specific needs, contact The R&A or refer to the event’s accessibility guide.
  • Sunday Walk: A unique tradition at St Andrews is that the Old Course is closed for play on Sundays, allowing the public to walk the fairways, including across the Swilcan Bridge. This is a popular activity for non-ticket holders on the final day.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Open Championship at St Andrews Experience

For the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit, always consult these resources:

Official Sites:

Official Social Media:

Travel & Booking Tools:

Old Course at St Andrews

St Andrews, United Kingdom

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