High hopes of bumper Open at Birkdale

Organisers optimistic more than 200,000 spectators will turn up

Tournament officials are optimistic of drawing more than 200,000 spectators to this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the 10th to be staged at the Southport venue.

That compares with the 173,134 for Royal Troon last year, while weather and high-ticket prices were blamed for only 142,036 fans making the trip to Muirfield in 2013.

R&A director of communications Mike Woodcock said: “Birkdale has traditionally been one of the strongest venues, and the tickets have been selling very fast for this year.

“It’s been one of the fastest-selling Opens we’ve had. We’re certainly optimistic it (the attendance) will be more than 200,000, even though it’s early in the process.”

At 7,156 yards, Birkdale will play 17 yards shorter than in 2008, when Padraig Harrington successfully defended his title.

“Intermediate” tees have been created on the 11th and 16th, while the undulating 17th green has been reconfigured and softened.

“The changes were made quite some time ago, soon after 2008, and there was a feeling at the time it needed to be looked at,” Woodcock added of the green on the 17th, one of just two par fives on the par-70 layout.

“The contours have been softened and the green slightly repositioned, and one of the main benefits is it has created many more pin-position options than previously.”

Five extra viewing platforms on the fourth, fifth, 12th and 17th holes have been added, with a total of between 14,500 and 16,000 seats for spectators.

No additional security measures have been outlined, but Woodcock added: “We work very closely every year with our security advisers and the police and it’s something we review every year ahead of the championship.

“I don’t think we have any specific concerns this year, but obviously we are aware of what’s going on more widely. We will be working very closely with our security advisers and the police to make sure everyone is safe and can enjoy the championship.”

Tributes are being planned to Arnold Palmer, who died in September.

Widely credited with reviving the fortunes of the Open, Palmer won the first of two successive Claret Jugs at Birkdale in 1961.

Tributes to the late Arnold Palmer are being planned at Royal Birkdale, where he won the first of two successive Claret Jugs in 1961.