Ahead of The 145TH Open at Royal Troon this July and next year’s Championship at Royal Birkdale, The R&A has issued a warning to protect spectators against unofficial hospitality suppliers.
Spectators looking to purchase hospitality places should be cautious of unofficial suppliers offering hospitality packages claiming to be on the course, which in reality may be located several miles away from the venue.
Official hospitality packages incorporate fraud prevention measures including a ticket barcode on the hospitality pass, which is something unofficial suppliers cannot provide.
- Spectators risk being denied entry to the course if they are using a ticket purchased on their behalf by an unofficial supplier.
- Official ticket-inclusive hospitality packages can be purchased through The Open’s hospitality programme at www.TheOpen.com/Hospitality
- The Open has partnered with a number of third party suppliers to sell official hospitality packages on their behalf. Verified third party suppliers are listed at www.TheOpen.com/buyofficialhospitality
- Official hospitality packages sold by The Open hospitality team and verified third party agents are the only experiences that include on-course hospitality inside the gates and a guaranteed entry ticket. Purchasing official hospitality helps to support golf development programmes in the UK and around the world.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “The Open is truly a celebration of sport and to be part of the celebration we are urging all fans to be vigilant and carefully scrutinise hospitality packages on offer to ensure it is very clear what they are going to receive when they arrive on the day.
“We are committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone that attends The Open and we have learned in the past that some suppliers will look to exploit the excitement surrounding the Championship by attempting to mislead our spectators.”
Spectators in any doubt about a package they have purchased should contact The Open Hospitality team on +44 (0) 844 371 0883, email Hospitality@TheOpen.com or visit www.TheOpen.com/Hospitality for further information.