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The 153rd Open Championship is underway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. The action kicked off early on Thursday morning and will continue through Sunday evening when a champion is crowned.
Visitors have come from all over the globe to take in the sights and sounds of historic major tournament. Some opted to test out the site’s camping village during their stays.
These camping villages were introduced as a way to help attendees, specifically younger golf fans, avoid overpriced hotels and rentals while still having the option to stay near the course.
They’ve been seen at past British Opens, including in 2019, the last time the tournament was played at Royal Portrush.
Our Camping Village is strategically located only a short shuttle bus journey away from the course for easy access to the Championship, ensuring you’ll never miss a moment of golfing history…
Bring your loved ones and immerse yourselves in the game. Under 25s stay for free, allowing you to enjoy the tournament without breaking the bank.
Included in the village are dining options, live entertainment, showers, toilets, parking, and other accommodations unique to the Open like fan photo ops with the Claret Jug.
Is camping at the Open Championship worth it?
Well, that depends on who you ask. The majority of folks on hand for this year’s event seem to be enjoying themselves immensely. The Belfast Telegraph spent time with a few of the visitors on site to learn about their personal experiences.
One younger attendee described it as being like a music festival, “but a lot more chill.”
“More civilized is the best way to put it… You don’t want it to be too wild.”
A pair of more seasoned golf fans shared about their time in the camping village, too. They’d visited before for the Open at St. Andrews in 2022.
“We had a very good experience [in ’22], so we decided to do it again,” they said. “Shuttle buses are only five minutes away… You don’t sit in traffic. It’s ideal.”
Both visitors commented on the tame environment, which most viewed as a positive. Entertainment hours end early. Lights go out around 10 or 11 PM, which allows for adequate rest before hitting the course the next day.
At least for most…
Golf Monthly writer Michael Weston detailed his account of the camping experience at Royal Portrush, too. It was far different than those previous guests. He admittedly came unprepared, so take that into consideration.
At just before 2am, I started shivering. Violently. By 3am, as the rain battered my tent, I had put on every item of clothing in my bag…
The occasional flatulence coming from a nearby tent I could handle (we all do it), but the non-stop snoring was too much… After just one night, I packed up and left…
Weston described a sleepless cold and rainy night filled with the snoring of fellow guests followed by a warm and muggy morning.
It wasn’t all negative. Weston called the set-up “decent,” which included “a bar, plenty of food options, and on-site entertainment that made for a great atmosphere.”
There weren’t, however, beds, and there was no way to avoid the nuisances of noise and mosquitos. Maybe the Open Championship’s glamping option would better suit him!
A record number of campers are on-hand this year.
The village is set up at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus, just minutes from the course. An anticipated 4,800 golf fans are expected to show.
@ulsteruni This week marks the start of The Open! We are delighted to partner with the Royal Portrush Golf Club and the R&A for this prestigious event. From our Coleraine Campus hosting the official camping village, to our students gaining hands-on experience working alongside the biggest names in golf, this partnership provides an unmissable opportunity for students and staff. Watch as Peter Boland, MSc Golf Management Course Director, and Danny Campbell, General Manager of Royal Portrush, share what it means to be part of The Open. #WeAreUU
It’s easily the most affordable option when considering its location to the venue. Those under the age of 25 years old stay for free. Adult camping costs start at around $75 per person per night.
For those that enjoy both golf and the outdoors, it seems the perfect spot to stay. Just make sure you bring the necessary accessories to avoid a negative experience.