Spectators attending the 2009 British Open at Turnberry's Ailsa Course can begin viewing a fantastic week of the best golf from the world's greatest players when practice rounds begin, starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 12 through Wednesday, July 15.
Round one tees off Thursday, July 16, with the first group airing out their initial drives at 6:21 a.m. The last group tees off at 4:21 p.m. Times repeat for Friday.
After the cut, the first group arrives for an approximate 8:30 am tee time both Saturday and Sunday with the last tee time slated for 2:30 p.m. both days.
Gates open at 9 a.m. on the 12th; 7 am. On Monday through Wednesday and at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 16 Weekend gate opens at 7 a.m. both Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th.
Make sure you pick up an official 2009 Open program at one of the many kiosks located at the championship. An Information Center will be open in the Tented Village where general assistance about the area is available including information about the 2010 Open to be held at St. Andrew's.
There will be approximately 15,000 seats set up in spectator stands throughout the course, along with scoreboards that will keep spectators up-to-date with all the latest results from your favorite players. In fact, full coverage will be made available on giant television screens in the Tented Village with all the action easily viewed. Spectators will be allowed to move freely throughout the course outside of the ropes. Crossing points will be indicated by yellow signs but all spectators should be aware that course officials may be on hand to control foot traffic and should be heeded at all times.
Wheelchair users have access to the Tented Village and to the 18th hole on a first-come, first-serve basis and this should be noted because space becomes limited on closing weekend play. Much of the course terrain makes wheelchair use precarious, if not downright impossible. However, some areas are suitable including the 1st, 6th, and 14th tees, plus the 2nd and 13th greens. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided at in the Tented Village, to the right of the 14th and 18th greens.
Inclement weather can spring up at any time so spectators are advised to be prepared for wet, slippery conditions. Also, sunny, hot conditions might require spectators wear sun block and drink plenty of liquids. In the event of thunderstorms, all grandstand seating areas may need to be evacuated and all in attendance are requested to always obey the directions coming from identifiable course marshals. No one will be permitted to leave the event and return the same day using the same ticket.
There also will be several luggage storage facilities located throughout the Tented Village available of a first-come, first-served basis.
Banking services, including ATM facilities and check-cashing with approved check-guarantee cards, are provided by Open Championship patron – The Royal Bank of Scotland.
For the safety of all, smoking and alcohol are prohibited throughout the course viewing areas. Please keep in mind, any and all carried bags are subject to security checks.
A number of devices will not be permitted past the gates during the Open including mobile phones, cameras, step ladders and pets. Cameras are allowed during practice days only. Nikon, an Open sponsor, will have binoculars available for lease and sale at the event.
The Open has as a wonderful interactive feature a junior golf tent where players under the age of 16 can receive free lessons for a variety of PGA golf professionals. Another important feature is a designated "Autograph Area" where fans seeking player autographs can go. Spectators are advised not to approach players on the course when seeking autographs.
An "official" merchandise pavilion will present a wide variety of clothing and golf accessories carrying the official Open 2009 logo. Shipping facilities are available.
Additionally, visitors to the open will find a wonder of attractions throughout Ayrshire on their 2009 Open visit. The Maclaurin Galleries in Ayr will present an exhibition depicting the impact Open golf has had on the sport entitled "Whole in One." Ayershire boasts some 32 golf courses and can easily be designated as the birthplace of the sport.
There are a variety of historical points of interest throughout the area including the home of Scottish poet Robert Burns as well as the birthplace of legendary freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
The countryside around the Firth of Clyde presents many hiking and biking opportunities visiting quaint, and ancient, Scottish villages where hospitality reigns supreme.
Visit the nearby Isles of Arran or Cumbrae where history goes back further than time. The Isle of Arran boasts prehistoric monoliths standing in testimony to mankind's early origins yet also boasts a bit of everything Scottish – in miniature – where medieval castles are found within sight of ancient whisky distilleries along with cottage industries making soap, candles and other local crafts. Visit the strange standing stones on Machrie Moor that tie the island into wondrous ancient Celtic myths and legends.
The Isle of Cumbrae is home to the Cathedral of the Isles, the smallest cathedral in all of Europe built in 1851. The island is home to plenty of bird species and its Millport Bay plays home to a colony of seals who winter there. Plus, an amazing array of small woodland creatures calls Cumbrae its home along with thousands of wild flowers including nine species of orchids. Cumbrae is a cyclists dream with more than 10 miles of trail winding though interior hills and along the shore providing breathtaking views of the firth.
All your dining and beverage needs can be supplied by one of the many food catering facilities that are scattered throughout the entire Open site, including the course and Tented Village.
When visiting the city of Ayr, be sure to dine at The West Kirk, a former church turned Scottish restaurant famed for its burgers, chicken pasta and five-bean chili.
The North Beach Hotel in Prestwick serves Cullen Sink, a traditional Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potato and bacon.
Just south of Ayr is the Riverside In that serves chicken stuffed with traditional Scottish Haggis, which is a sheep's heart, liver and lungs minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, boiled in a stock traditionally in the animal's stomach for hours.
There's also Dino's across from the Robert Burns statue in downtown Ayr where a meal featuring traditional British fish and chips is served.
Your visit to the 2009 Open can be well complimented touring throughout Ayrshire and discovering all the wonders it has to offer.