My husband and I are planning on an extensive trip through Europe within the next 18 months, (after he retires). Surfing the Web we have been contacted by a GolfScotland package to attend the British Open in 2005. Any suggestions on travel agencies in the states that would offer the same?

Celtic Golf is a good company - BUT you really don't need a tour operator or travel agency to attend the British Open.

It is very easy (and usually a lot cheaper) to arrange your own accomodations/tickets, etc.

if you can get tickets for it, who would you contact? the pga?? or the european tour? any suggestions would be helpful.

The Open is put on by the R&A, not the PGA.

You can start by looking at their website www.randa.org/

or the ticket ballot at www.randa.org/opentickets/

There are also plenty of secondary golf ticket companies (U.S.) that sell over the internet or phone. I was able to get my husband really good Ryder Cup tickets for almost half of the going rate at the gate. So if you decide to go at the last minute, you can probably still get tickets.

I attended the Open at Troon a few years ago. Just walked up and purchased my ticket at the Gate on Saturday and Sunday with no problem, unlike the Canadian Open this week a few minutes from my house, that is sold out.

By the way it's name is "The Open" not the British Open, as you will find out once you are there.

It's a great experience that any golf fanatic shouldn't miss.