Fans race to secure Open tickets as ballot enters its final 24 hours

PSA: if you're looking to attend The 155th Open at St. Andrews next year, you've got just one more day to enter the draw.

The Open's spiritual home of The Old Course will once again return to hosting duties next year, with yet another historic major championship all but certain.

With Open Championships hosted at the Old Course subject to particular demand, this year's ticket ballot – the primary means by which the general public can score tickets – has once again seen a record wave of interest.

A reported 1 million ballot applications were received for tickets to the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale last weekend, the tournament eventually breaking records for the course with 306,000 spectators attending over the weekend.

With St Andrews both more accessible and even more iconic than even Royal Birkdale, ballot numbers for next year's Open are, naturally, set to exceed even that lofty number. The R&A stated that it received 1.3 million applications for the 150th Open in 2022.

"Following an unforgettable week at Royal Birkdale, we have seen huge demand and interest from fans wanting to attend The 155th Open at St Andrews," said Chris Gabe, Director of Fan Experiences at The R&A. "With just 24 hours left before the ballot closes on 24 July, we are encouraging fans to submit their ticket applications right away so they avoid disappointment and do not miss out on their chance to enjoy a true celebration of golf next year.”

To enter the ballot in its final 24 hours, fans need to sing up to One Club, a free-to-join digital membership programme presented by Mastercard.

Ticket Plus, a ticketing level that affords fans general admission access to the course as well as access to a dedicated viewing platform and a relaxed festival-style base close to the course, has already sold out, while hospitality tickets and travel packages are selling at record pace.

Fans will also have the option to apply for practice day tickets, which includes the The Last-Chance Qualifier on Monday 12 July, and July 13's Heroes Classic: a showcase event where Champions of The Open and special guests will play in teams over the 1st, 2nd, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course. 

The R&A reports that ballot entries for these two days have a much greater chance of success.

To get your name in the mix, head to The Open's website now. Entries close on Friday 24 July at 3pm BST.