Why I love The Open

I have to say I’m a bit obsessed with The Open Championship.

I went to see it for the first time in 1993 at Sandwich where my dad drove me, my brother and my mate Graham down to the Kent coast for the day.

My abiding memories of the day were numerous, but the standout ones were just how many people were there and the roars echoing around the links when a crowd favourite did something special, whilst watching golfers on the first tee an American golfer, I think it was Tom Purtzer topping one and the crowd going “oooooh” in that awkward way, and when at the range looking at the players warming up, when Seve walked on the range and started hitting balls, other players stopping and watching the Spanish wizard wave his magic wands.

There’s just something about The Open Championship crowds, it’s a unique sound.

I’ve been to five Opens, apart from the first one, all on the train (natuarally!). Two more at Sandwich – 2004 (Ben Curtis) and 2011 when I followed Darren Clarke all the way round to victory over DJ and Phil. I also followed Rory for parts of his final round en route to victory at Hoylake.

The Road to The Open 2024 – Royal Troon

Last year, I went to final qualifying at West Lancs. A unique experience as there are no ropes and you can tred the fairways watching major champions, touring pros, young whippersnappers and scratch amateurs battle it out for a chance to win a place at golf’s oldest major. I followed Sergio for a bit and witnessed DP World Tour pro Dan Brown hole a 20 footer on the last to qualify – he went on to have a pretty decent championship too.

At Troon, I was watching Justin Rose come up just shy of a schitilating performance from Xander on the final day. I’m glad I didn’t have a ticket for the Saturday when the contents of the sy fell out. I was on a train coming down from Fort William and nearing Glasgow it just got darker and wetter! When I reached my hotel (a short walk from Queen Street Station) I looked like a drowned rat along with several folk who had been and come home early from that day’s play.

The Road to The Open 2025 – Royal Portrush

In 2025 I am planning on watching one of the Regional Qualifiers and also Final Qualifying. I’ve also managed to get a ticket for Sunday at Royal Portrush (which is the 10th closest golf club to a rail station in Northern Ireland). Watch this space!

I am also completing my data gathering for all the golf courses on the island of Ireland and how far they are from their nearest rail station!