We are planning to attend the British Open next year at St Andrews. Any suggestions regarding acquiring tickets and shuttles between Edinburgh & St Andrews?

We went to the British Open when it was in Troon in about 1982--pre-Internet. We wrote to the British Tourist Authority requesting info about the Open and they sent us quite a bit of material. Now, with Google and the Internet, I'm sure that you will be able to get all the info you want. One thing, tho, St. Andrew's is not a huge town, so it will be crowded. I know there is bus and train service to it from Edinburgh, but if there is a shuttle service, that would be ideal. I'm sure that info will be available soon. We made our reservations to stay in a B&B in Troon in Feb. of the year in which we went. Also went to an Open in Lytham-St. Anne's--found a B&B, just by chance, four blocks from the course, and while there, saw Jack Nicklaus get a "hole in one." mhm

You can buy tickets online, just go to www.randa.org that's the Royal & Ancient's website. I don't know about the shuttle thing.

deborah,

Whenever the Open is held in Scotland, ScotRail always have an inclusive deal where you can buy a package which covers both your travel to & from the venue & your course admission. There will definitely be a shuttle service there & back from Edinburgh.

My only doubt over this is how far in advance you can purchase the tickets - I think they usually start to advertise it around a month before the event. Maybe the Scottish Tourist Board can help.

Jim

Thanks to all, especially to you, Jim. that's exactly what I needed to know.

There isn't actually a railway station in St Andrew's; but presumably if they always lay on special services, there'll be a connecting bus from the nearest station, Leuchers. The website for Scotrail is now http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/index.php (the operator changed a month or two ago).

Caroline - you're quite right. In past years the train did run as far as Leuchars & there were buses waiting to take us on to St. Andrews.

Jim