Is it too late to plan a trip to the British Open 2015? Any suggestions on where to start ? I am guessing I am late to the game on reservations for accomodations - and have no idea where to search to stay?? Help is appreciated !

Never heard of such a tournament. Perhaps you mean The Open

I may well be wrong, but this is one of those occasions in which I would try to find a travel agent. There are still some around.

But you might also just google or bing for tours.

I expect your chances of getting lodging and tickets as an independent traveler at this date would be nil.

You do know that this will not be cheap?

The tickets to The Open appear to be reasonable. It was just all lodging - that I could find via googling it - in the St Andrews area - are booked - which I understand since I am late in the planning stage here......... This is a last minute thought - I was told the open only rotates to St. Andrews around every 4-5 years? hence, last minute thought to go. Airfare from my midwest US location around $1800.00 US dollars which is acceptable.. I expected to spend maybe $ 350 - 450 US dollars a night in lodging. I just do not know what outlying towns are options - easy to either rent a car and drive? or take public transpotation. I expect public transportation may be best bet due to high volume of people attending the golf tournament. And Thank You Ackislander for taking the time to give me a considerate response.

Try Edinburgh, they'll be trains to Leuchars and buses to the course

Definitely try in Edinburgh . . TONS of hotels at all price ranges and the train from Waverly station to Leuchars is very easy.

Try searching for an Edinburgh hotel on booking.com where you can search a whole slew of properties by just plugging in the dates.

If that is unsuccessful . . . <i>then</i> would I resort to a TA/package

Buses meet the train at Leuchars and you can be dropped off right at the hotel/golf course. Day trips are easily done.

United flies seasonal nonstop flights from Chicago to Edinburgh.

Hi,
Local travel organiser in Fife, Best of Scotland Holidays, arrange package trips to the Open at St Andrews with accommodation and entrance tickets. See their website for details.
Hope this helps, regards,

Thanks so much for your suggestions everyone! I have sent an message to Best of Scotland - waiting to hear back from them.
Does anyone know of the town Glenrothes? Is that a town? I had a friend say that name to me, commenting that it was close to St. Andrews. If you do know it - maybe you would have input on traveling between it and St. Andrews. We will also want to spend time seeing the sites. I will see what Best of Scotland says....also if you have input on car rental that would be helpful.
Most people are always so nice on these forums and I appreciate it!
Janisj - I think I remember you from years ago when I was looking for help on travel in London!

Hi,

Glenrothes is certainly 'in the area' -- but if I was going to stay that far -- I'd just stay in Edinburgh myself.

The train station for Glenrothes isn't in Glenrothes but in Thornton which is 10 miles away. If you want to stay in that general area then Kirkcaldy would be better because the train connections are much better - less than 30 mins to Leuchars and likely far enough away that rooms wouldn't be all booked yet.

Hi, again, would you be interested in renting a cottage 12 miles from St. Andrews?. It has 2 bedrooms and would sleep 4. If so I could get the owner to email you details direct.
Regards,

JanisJ- The tour company recommended above had packages from Edinburgh. With that being said - seems like that could be something I could easily book myself - booking a hotel in Edinburgh should not be too tricky?? any suggestions?? and take the train as you suggested. Do you need to book the train to Leuchars in advance?? Do they book up because everyone is traveling to The Open? I am guessing that is easier than renting a car - and then again - do cars book up during this time also? I think we will be able to be gone for around 10 days. We will want to watch golf probably 3-4 days. So I see buying the week pass would be the best deal on golf entry. Would you or ( anyone else reading this) have any input as to should we stay in Edinburgh the entire time or venture out and stay in other locations as well? Once again - can't tell you all enough how much I appreciate this discussion ! Thanks again!