The Open is one of the most popular events on the UK sporting calendar.

Over 250,000 golf fans are expected to visit the golf course over the week of the Championship.

For those of you lucky enough to get to Royal Troon in person, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions for spectators at The Open.

We’ll cover everything from how to get there to if you can bring your dog!

Enjoy The Open 2024 however, or wherever you follow it!

Before we get into the detail here are our top tips for spectators visiting The Open at Royal Troon:

1: Get there early – gates open at 6am so plan your arrival to get the best vantage points & make the most of your experience

2: Getting to the course can be quite a stressful experience – book your park & ride or train Golflink tickets before you set off

3: Remember there is no public parking at the course – you’ll need to use the park & ride service

4: Dress appropriately – the weather can change quite quickly and the wind can be quite strong. We suggest you layer up so you’re ready for anything!

5: Wear the right footwear – the course at Troon is quite undulating so wear comfortable, durable shoes – it’ll make you’re day so much more enjoyable.

6: Stay hydrated – there are water stations all over the course so bring a refillable water bottle & make sure you drink plenty.

7: Use your tech! The Open app is one of the best ways to stay up to date with the action, so make sure it’s on your mobile & take a battery charge pack!

8: Respect the players – keep phones on silent, don’t take photographs of the players mid-shot & definitely no videos!

9: If you leave the course don’t forget to get your wristband for re-entry otherwise you won’t be able to get back in!

10: Enjoy your experience!  The Open is a great occassion savour every moment & create some fantastic memories!

The Open in 2024 will be held at Royal Troon in South Ayrshire, Scotland.

Troon is about 30 miles South West of Glasgow – approximately 45 minutes by car.

The golf course is only 1.8km from Troon town centre so is walkable for many golf fans.

Below you will also find alternative ways to get to the course.

Gate opening times for the 152nd Open at Royal Troon vary depending on which day you are visiting the Championship.

Here are the details:

Thursday 18 July 2024  Gates Open 6am

Friday 19 July 2024  Gates Open 6am

Saturday 20 July 2024  Gates Open 7am

Sunday 21 July 2024  Gates Open 7am

The Open mobile app is available all year round and is regularly updated with the latest news, images and videos.

During the build-up to The Open and over the week of the tournament you can follow all the latest news, scores and spectacular shots through the app so it’s a must to download before you go and is part of our essenetial must-haves in this guide to The Open.

And the best bit you won’t need to chip away at your data allowance while using the app on the course there will be a complimentary WiFi network available across the course in grandstands and in the Spectator Village.

Yes, you can get direct trains to Troon rail station from Glasgow Central Station from most destinations. The journey takes about 40-45 minutes.

You can also get connections from other destinations through Kilmarnock.

Troon station is about 1 mile from the golf course and will be well sign-posted.

There will also be a Golflink bus service to transport passengers to and from the course.

Trains are likely to very busy during the Championship so you’ll need to allow plenty of travel time.

Scotrail are putting on extra trains which will arrive in time for the early tee-times

Full details on train travel to and from Troon can be found on the Scotrail website here.

You’ll also be able to buy train and Golflink bus transfer ticket packages through their website.

While you can drive to Troon for the 152nd Open the R&A recommends using public transport where possible.

Please see the directions below for how to get to Royal Troon for The Open.

Please note there will be no public car parking available at Royal Troon or in the immediate surrounding area.

All public parking will be provided at managed Park & Ride sites, with the exception of pre-booked Blue Badge parking.

Look for the yellow and black AA signage as you approach the area for directions to the nearest available Park & Ride site.

We highly recommend pre-booking your parking as soon as possible here.

You can’t leave your car overnight in the public car park areas.

There will be a designated taxi rank and private hire drop off/pick-up area for each day of the 2024 Open.

The drop off/pick-up zone will be on Bentinck Drive, only 250-300m from the main public entrance.

Drivers should follow signs for taxis and private hire vehicles to avoid the road access restrictions.

As with all major events demand for taxi and private hire vehicles will be very high, so we highly recommend you book well in advance.

Below are the estimated timings for the Park and Ride buses for each day at Royal Troon:

Thursday 18 July 2024:  First Bus – 5:45am Last Bus 10pm

Friday 19 July 2024:  First Bus – 5:45am Last Bus 10pm

Saturday 20 July 2024:  First Bus – 6:45am Last Bus 9pm

Sunday 21 July 2024:  First Bus – 6:45am Last Bus 9pm

Yes! And it might be the best way to get to the course!

Here are the National Cycle Route details:

National Cycle Route 7 (NCR7) runs right past Royal Troon Golf Club and links to Prestwick, Ayr, Irvine and Kilwinning.

National Cycle Route 73 links Kilmarnock to Ardrossan and connects with NCR7 in Irvine to join the route to and from Troon.

A free cycle park will be provided close to the main public entrance to the course.

If you follow the blue cycle route signs to Troon on NCR7 you’ll see signs for Bicycle Parking on approach to The Open.

Please don’t lock bicycles to the perimeter fencing as they may be removed for security reasons.

You can find further information on the cycle network in the local area at the Sustrans website.

The hours of play at The Open are different depending on which day you are visit Royal Troon.

Below are the estimated timings for each day:

Thursday 18 July 2024:  6.35am – 8pm

Friday 19 July 2024:  6.35am – 8pm

Saturday 20 July 2024:  8am – 7pm

Sunday 21 July 2024:  8am – 7pm

Grandstands

There will be thousands of public seats at some of the best vantage points on the course.

Some of the most popular viewing points will be the grandstands around the 1st hole & 18th green.

We recommend taking some time to head to the practice ground where there will be seating for spectators to see the best players in the world close-up.

Fan Screens

It’s impossible to see everything happening out on the course no mater where you base yourself.

However, there will be screens in the Spectator Village and electronic leaderboards all around the golf course so you can keep up with the action!

Here are our top holes for viewing some of the best action at Royal Troon:

Hole 8: The Postage Stamp

This is the most famous hole on the course and a real card killer. It’s a short par 3 but the challenge is hitting the tiny green, (hence the name) and deep bunkers. Bound to plenty of action here but also a lot of people when the key groups go through.

No! If you are in the public areas there is no dress code at the 2024 Open.

However, having been to many golf events over the years we highly recommend wearing some comfortable, durable shoes – you’ll be wlaking a long way during the day!

You should also be prepared for windy, wet, dry or hot weather conditions!  Check the weather before you leave for the course and pack waterproofs, hats and sunglasses accordingly!

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own favourite sandwiches rather than choose from the multiple food and drink options at Troon that’s no problem – and frankly might well save you a fortune!

The only limitation is you won’t be allowed to take alcholic drinks into The Open.  If you do fancy a beer or a G&T there will be plenty of places across the course where you can quech your thirst!

You will also find plenty of water stations so don’t forget your refillable water bottle.

No – with the exception of Guide Dogs unfortuantely, you can’t bring your dogs onto the course at Royal Troon during The Open.