Crowds will return to Open Championship; R&A says up to 32,000 per day

After canceling the Open Championship in 2020, this year’s edition is not only on schedule but could be well-attended. The R&A announced on Saturday that up to 32,000 fans will be able to attend each day at Royal St. George’s, according to a …

After canceling the Open Championship in 2020, this year’s edition is not only on schedule but could be well-attended.

The R&A announced on Saturday that up to 32,000 fans will be able to attend each day at Royal St. George’s, according to a release. That’s 80 percent of the typical 40,000 spectators allowed on the site.

“As a result, we can now confirm that we will be able to welcome up to 32,000 fans on each championship day of the 149th Open at Royal St. George’s and that this will include those existing ticket-holders and hospitality guests who have already purchased tickets,” the R&A said in a statement.

Postponing the event a year also pushed back the 150th Open at St. Andrews to 2022.

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“These fans will play a huge role in creating a very special atmosphere as the world’s best players compete for the claret jug and we look forward to welcoming them to Royal St. George’s,” said Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive.

Shane Lowry will defend his title — the Irishman has had the Claret Jug for 22 months now after he won his lone major at Royal Portrush in Ireland in 2019.