The R&A is taking steps to protect golf fans from the mis-selling of tickets and hospitality products by unofficial operators when The 147th Open is played at Carnoustie next year.
As The Open returns to Scotland in 2018, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce wishes to ensure that all of our members remain vigilant to unsolicited approaches by unofficial operators who often target local businesses with offers of discounted rates due to cancellation
Fans are often left disappointed when they discover that they have purchased tickets with no guarantee of entry and on-course hospitality that transpires to be several miles from the course.
We advise all members to check with The Open Hospitality team before making a purchase to ensure they are bonafide resellers of official hospitality.
The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and when it was staged at Royal Troon two years ago the Championship generated more than £110 million of benefit to the economy as tens of thousands of visitors travelled to the region, booking accommodation and visiting restaurants, bars and shops.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “It is an absolute priority for us to protect our customers from rogue hospitality operators and the mis-selling of tickets. We will be working with the local authorities including Angus Council to ensure that fraud prevention measures are in place and that local businesses are made aware so that they don’t fall victim to mis-selling practices.
“The no readmission policy introduced at Royal Birkdale last year also proved an effective deterrent to these unofficial operators and was well received by more than 235,000 spectators who attended the Championship.”
The guidance for fans is as follows:
Fans are advised to purchase tickets and hospitality through The Open’s official channels to avoid disappointment. Spectators risk being denied entry to the course if they are using a ticket purchased on their behalf by an unofficial supplier or third-party reseller.
The R&A has reviewed and updated the admissions policy for The Open and fans will not be permitted to re-enter the venue after leaving Carnoustie.
Official hospitality packages sold by The Open hospitality team and verified third party agents are the only on-course hospitality experiences at Carnoustie.
By purchasing tickets and hospitality from official sources, golf fans are contributing to the future success of the sport through golf development programmes in the UK and around the world.
Tickets for The 147th Open at Carnoustie from 15-22 July 2018 go on sale today to members of The One Club. They will go on general sale to the public next month.
Concession tickets are available for under 25s (age 16-24) and children under the age of 16 attend The Open free of charge when accompanied by an adult. To purchase tickets please visit www.TheOpen.com/Tickets.
To purchase official hospitality packages, please contact The Open hospitality team on +44 (0) 844 371 0883, email Hospitality@TheOpen.com or visit www.TheOpen.com/Hospitality for further information.
