Guide to Attending the 2018 Open at Carnoustie

THE Open Championship at Carnoustie may seem a long way off. The first shot will not be hit in anger until early on the morning of Thursday, July 19, but the tournament is already open for business.

Some weekend ticket packages have already sold out as golf fans return to the course that saw Paul Lawrie win in 1999 and Padraig Harrington take the title eight years later. By comment consensus, Carnoustie is the toughest course on the Open rota, so we can expect to see some drama unfold.

But it is not too late to book your place at the world’s top major. Tickets for the week are still available, as are daily tickets, and twilight tickets, and the good news is that you can still book in at The Open Camping Village. It is a fact of life that local hotels and guest houses increase their prices when The Open comes to time, often to such an extent that genuine fans are unable to afford to come along and watch their golfing heroes, so the R&A are to be commended for an initiative that makes the world’s oldest major both affordable and accessible to all.

Youth ticket holders (those aged 16-24) are eligible to camp for free at The Open Camping Village, as are juniors with valid U16's Kids go Free tickets, as long as they are accompanied by an adult ticket holder. And adult ticket holders will only have to pay around £40 per night to stay in the village.

The site is located close to Carnoustie Golf Links making it even easier and affordable for young people to enjoy the tournament and everything that is associated with it.

The Open Camping Village will be open from July 15 – 22 will include a range of two, four and six person tents that are already pitched and ready for campers, plus inflatable camp beds for each guest. To take advantage of the free camping offer, you need to be under the age of 25 and hold a valid youth ticket for The Open at Carnoustie. Full details are available at www.tickets.theopen.com.

The R&A have also published a list of tips for people going to The Open, some of which may bring a smile to your face. If you were planning to bring your sun lounger,  ladder, your leftover fireworks from Bonfire Night or your portable stereo system then you had better think again! The full list is as follows:

• Download the mobile app and bring your headphones for the live video and radio broadcasts.
• Check TheOpen.com before departing to the course for the latest travel updates.
• WiFi is available on the course. And I am here to tell you that it works. Really well!
• Grandstand seats will be located around the course.
• Don't forget sunscreen and an umbrella. Only at an Open in Scotland would you be advised to bring protection against both the sun and the rain!
• No Ladders, (including step ladders), boxes, crates, (including folding crates), periscopes, selfie sticks and other similar items used to achieve an elevated viewing position.
• No lawn or oversize chairs, folding chairs (with the exception of seating/tripod sticks), or any similar seating item deemed inappropriate by the R&A (or authorised person).
• No items which are, or in the opinion of The R&A (or any authorised person) could be used as a weapon, including firearms, knives, corkscrews and personal protection sprays.
• No pyrotechnic devices including fireworks, explosives, smoke canisters, flares, laser pointers or similar items – the only fireworks will be those provided on the course by the world’s top players.
• No noise producing devices including air horns, portable speakers, PA systems, megaphones or similar items used for amplification or broadcast.
• No unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), including drones, model aircraft, kites or similar airborne crafts/items
• No bicycles (unless authorised by The R&A), skateboards, skates and other ride on equipment, except those required to be used as mobility aids by registered persons with mobility impairment.
• No promotional, commercial, political, religious or items deemed offensive of whatever nature, including but not limited to clothing, banners, signs, symbols and leaflets used for ambush marketing or other similar unauthorised promotional purposes.
• No professional cameras and video cameras or any photographic equipment used for commercial purposes. Further information on this policy will be provided in due course.
• Oversized bags deemed inappropriate by The R&A (and/or authorised person) may be restricted entry and will be required to be stored at the left luggage facility located at the main entrance gate.
• No Pets except for service animals.
• No Alcoholic beverages – don’t worry, you will be able to buy alcohol on the site.

So, if you're thinking of attending the 2018 Open at Carnoustie - whether it be your first time or the continuation of an annual tradition - there are many options available to experience golf's oldest and greatest championship.