Finding somewhere affordable to stay close to any of the Open venues is always difficult, with hotels and B&Bs often ramping up their prices to cash in on a once-in-a-decade event, so the R&A has decided to step in by setting up a campsite just half a mile from the course, where young golf fans and their families will be able to stay for free during the course of the tournament, which takes place at Royal Troon, on the west coast of Scotland, from July 14-17.
The Open Camping Village, which will be run by The R&A’s official accommodation partner, will be located a 500-yard walk from the course at Marr Rugby Club. It will feature two, four and six person pre-pitched tents, along with inflatable camping beds for each guest. The site will only be available to those aged 25 and under, although children under 16 will have to be accompanied by at least one adult, and a maximum of two – making it a very cheap holiday for a young family.
There are just 500 camping places available each night, with the facility set to be open from July 10-17. There will be catering and shower facilities on-site, as well as free parking, and 24-hour security.
R&A executive director Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, said: “The new camping village will provide a fun and safe accommodation option for young people within easy walking distance of Royal Troon. Our aim is to make The Open as accessible as possible and the new camping village, along with discounted youth tickets and the Kids Go Free programme, are key parts of this commitment.”
Discounted youth tickets (16 to 21) for the Open start from £5 on the first practice day, rising to £25 for the four championship days. Tickets are currently available at early season pricing, with prices set to rise after May 31. Spectators can register their interest for camping at www.TheOpen.com/camping, with bookings to be taken from early May.