THE R&A has announced that a ticket ballot system will be in place for the 153rd Open when it returns to Royal Portrush in 2025.
Tickets for the 2019 Open at the same venue, won by Offaly’s Shane Lowry, sold out in record-breaking fashion and, at the time, set a record attendance for the event outside of St Andrews, with 237,750 fans attending throughout the week. It generated more than £100 million for the economy of Northern Ireland.
“Obviously I am biased because I won it, but I believe it was one of the great Opens and anyone who was there will probably tell you the same,” said Lowry.
“It is one of the great venues and the fact that it in Ireland is amazing.
“The tickets are not going to be on general sale. I would encourage people to put their name into the hat if they want to go because it is an experience they will remember forever. It will be everything they expect and a lot more.”
The ballot approach ensures that all fans will have a fair opportunity to attend on the north coast from July 13-20 next year.
The ticket ballot is available exclusively to members of One Club, the free-to-join digital membership programme presented by Mastercard, designed to bring golf fans closer to the game.
Fans can sign up to One Club at any time and be among the first to be notified when the ticket ballot is open. They can also upgrade to One Club Advantage presented for an enhanced chance of success in the ticket ballot.
The ticket ballot will be open for the whole month of July 2024 for fans to submit applications, with the results being announced in stages during August and September.
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said: “The return of The Open to Royal Portrush in 2019 was a huge success and demonstrated the incredible passion that exists for golf throughout the island of Ireland. We are anticipating, yet again, record-breaking demand among fans to attend the Championship next year.
“The ticket ballot has proven to be the fairest and most equitable way of allocating tickets and so we are encouraging fans to register this July in order to secure their place at The Open and ensure that they are part of a true celebration of golf.
“We are looking forward to holding another historic Championship and welcoming them to Royal Portrush next year.”
Ticket prices will start from £100 for an adult on Championship days and from £25 on practice days.
The R&A is fully committed to encouraging more children and young adults to attend The Open and free tickets will be available to children through the successful “Kids go Free” programme, while half-price youth tickets are available for 16-24-year-olds. These tickets must also be applied for using the ticket ballot.
A range of premium hospitality experiences are available to purchase now when fans can guarantee their place at the Championship in luxurious surroundings with a fully inclusive dining and drinks package.
A Ticket Plus option is also available, offering fans an elevated experience in which they can enjoy The Open in a relaxed environment, with access to a private bar and gourmet food trucks.
Visit TheOpen.com for further information or to register your interest in the ticket ballot.
