Fans take up European Open ticket offer

Thousands of golf fans will be watching some of the game’s biggest names for nothing at the European Open this week – and organisers could not be happier about that.

Following the success of “Free Ticket Thursday” last year, when a crowd of nearly 24,000 watched the first round action at the London Club in Kent, the voucher scheme was extended to all four days this time.

And the spectators who took advantage of the offer can have no complaints about the quality of the performers on view.

Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson, the fourth and fifth ranked players in the world, rising star Rory McIlroy, new Irish sensation Shane Lowry, Masters champion Angel Cabrera, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, John Daly and Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie are among the attractions.

Jamie Birkmyre, director of championship management for the European Tour, said the idea of free tickets started when the event was held at The K Club near Dublin.

“We did a deal with Ulster Bank where they gave us what we would expect to take in ticket sales for a day and they then had the opportunity to promote it through all their branches and on the internet,” Birkmyre said.

“Instead of the normal 7-8,000 people I think we had upwards of 26,000 and it was huge.

“I remember Tom Lehman saying it was better than The Open and so when the switch was made to the London Club last year we decided with a new venue in a new area for us it would be a good idea to continue with the scheme.

“It was a marketing opportunity for us to create a buzz and because it went so well we extended it to the whole championship this time.

“Seventy thousand vouchers were applied for and we’ve not had to spend a penny on promoting the event. All the advertising has been done through the website.”

The offer closed on Wednesday last week, but one-day tickets priced £25 (€28) on the gate are still available. There are reductions for senior citizens and juniors 16 and under will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

“I think it’s going to be a very exciting week and the whole operation has been stepped up to cope with the numbers we are expecting,” added Birkmyre.

“There will be more medical staff on hand and the caterers should have a field day.”

Dubai-based Leisurecorp have an interest in the event and earlier this month it was announced that November’s Dubai World Championship – the climax to the new “Race To Dubai” money list – will have a free ticket policy as well.

Greg Norman has designed the course being used for that and he said: “I am thrilled that when we open the doors everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament for free.

“This course deserves a special tournament and what could be more special than having 60 of the world’s top players battle it out in front of a huge crowd.”