The attraction of the Old Course at St Andrews as the venue for the Open Championship in millennium year has been emphasised by a record entry of 2,460. This is a significant increase on the previous record of 2,222 set in 1998 when the Championship was held at Royal Birksdale.
The entry includes 49 of the Top 50 in the World Rankings – the exception being Scott Hoch – and the Championship will get underway with regional qualifying at a record 17 courses on Monday 10th July.
The Final Qaliying rounds, hrough which defending Champion and joint runner-up Jean van de Velde gained entry into lat year’s Championship will be played at Ladybank, Leven Links, Lundin and Scotscraig on Sunday 16th and Monday 17th July.