Spectator Q&As (including Parking)

Match Day Information - Common Questions

Where can I get tickets?
**Tickets for all days are now completely sold out.

Travelling by Car: Park and Ride Scheme

Where can I park my car?
Five locations have been identified as temporary car parks to facilitate a Park and Ride scheme, with spaces for approximately 9,800 vehicles. Signposting will be in place on the day from major routes to the venue, directing motorists to the appropriate car park. There will be a £5 charge per vehicle for access to the car parks but thereafter the shuttle service to the golf course will be free. All spectators are encouraged to refer to the detailed travel information included along with their tickets, or they can visit the Irish Open section within www.europeantour.com for further details.

Park and Ride operating times
Wednesday 08:00hrs-18:00hrs
Thursday 06:00hrs-22:00hrs
Friday 06:00hrs-22:00hrs
Saturday 07:00hrs-24:00hrs *
Sunday 07:00hrs-22:00hrs
*The service will run later on Saturday evening to accommodate those spectators who wish to stay in Portrush town to see the evening fireworks display.

Please note, “No Parking /Tow Away Zones” will be established on major routes and local or estate roads adjoining to Royal Portrush Golf Club and the Park & Ride venues. These zones will not only prevent fly parking and reduce congestion but also enhance safety for all road users. Illegally parked vehicles may be removed and a charge will be made for recovery.

Parking Restrictions (Tuesday 26th June - Sunday 1st July: 07:00hrs to 19:00hrs)

1. There will be no through traffic to or from Portrush, via the Bushmills Road
2. Access will be facilitated only via the Dunluce Road
3. No roadside parking will be permitted from the Dunluce Road at its junction with Ballybogy Road to Crocknamack Road

[see below for details of parking for those with a disability].

Travelling by Public Transport

Can I get to the event using public transport?
Yes, to avoid traffic congestion, Translink are operating additional coach and rail services to Portrush. For further information and bookings click www.translink.co.uk/irishopen or phone (028) 9066 6630.  Normal schedules from towns and cities will also apply. To check times visit www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/ - these are purchased on departure.

Taxis

There will be a pick-up and drop-off area at each Park and Ride location, and at the Dunluce Centre, Portrush.

About the Tournament

Who is playing the tournament?
The Irish Open is a full field European Tour event consisting of the leading 150 European Tour professionals. We are anticipating that this will incude numerous European Tour winners and Ryder Cup Players.

I haven't been lucky enough to get tickets, where else can I watch?
The Irish Open will be broadcast nationally on television on Sky and RTE.
A number of local bars and restaurants may be showing the event - please contact the local tourist information centre for more information.

Schedule for the Week
Monday 25 June 2012 - Official Practice Day (No Public Entry)
Tuesday 26 June 2012** - Official Practice Day £10 (tickets available on gates only)
** Please note that Season Ticket Holders will also gain entry on Tuesday.
Wednesday 27 June - Pro-Am Competition (Gates open 07:30)
Thursday 28/ Friday 29 June - Championship 1 &2 (Gates open 07:00)
Saturday 30/Sunday 1 July - Championship Days 3 & 4 (tee times subject to cut size and TV transmission times) (Gates open 07:00).

Disabled Facilities

Car Parking
Blue Badge holders are asked to follow the signs to the Public Car parks and will be issued on a first come first served basis and will also be free of charge.

On the course
A viewing area on the 18th green
All tented village facilities will have access ramps
There will be a disables toilet at all toilet locations
The use of private scooters is discouraged due to ground conditions, however there will be easy access to the driving range and short game area, 17 and 18 holes. Those who do use scooters do so entirely at their own risk. There will not be scooters for hire at the tournament.

Services On-site

What public activities will be available?
In the Tented Village there will be the Main Scoreboard, BIg Screen, public catering outlets, Official Merchandise Area and Exhibitors. There will also be an interactive zone on the 1st fairway of the Valley Course, parallel with the 17th fairway which will include Junior Golf Ireland, Snag Golf and Provision Golf (free tuition from qualified professionals using inflatable nets and golf simulators).

Where Are The Grandstands/ Viewing Areas?
These will be located at the 16, 17 and 18th greens and also on the 1st tee.
Please note: smoking and alcohol are not permitted on the grandstands.

Where Can I Go on The Course?
Spectators can move around freely, but please stay outside the ropes. Controlled crossing points, which are clearly marked by yellow signposts, should be used when crossing fairways.

Where Can I Eat and Drink?
A variety of hot and cold food will be available in the tented village and on the course. There will be mobile catering units in the tented village, a steakhouse bistro, coffee shop and public bar area.
Catering units will also be adjacent to the 17th green, behind the 9th green and adjacent to the 4th green.

Programmes and Drawsheets
Programmes including drawsheet, will be available for sale in the Welcome Tent and Information Centre. Programme will cost £6, with £1 going to the tournament's official charity, Clic Sargent and the drawsheet will be £2 with £1 going to Clic Sargent.

Public Conveniences
Spectator toilet facilities will be available in the Tented Village, public car parks and the catering areas on course.

ATM Facilities
There will be two ATMs available in the Information Centre in the Tented Village.

Prohibited Items
Please check back of spectator tickets for full details.
Please note: NO cameras are permitted on Match Days (Thursday-Sunday), however they are permitted on the Practice Day and Pro-Am Day (Tuesday and Wednesday). Also please note, step ladders or similar are not permitted.

Mobile Phones**
Mobile devices are permitted but must be on silent
Calls are only permitted in designated 'Mobile Phone Zones'
Data Use is permitted outside these areas but please be respectful to the players and spectators around you
No video recording is permitted at any time
No photographs permitted during competition round (i.e. after Wednesday)

** Violation of any of these may result in confiscation of your mobile device or removal from the tournament.

General

What Shall I Wear?
It would be recommended to wear casual golf wear. Under wet conditions the ground may become slippery and appropriate footwear should be worn. Please exercise caution whilst walking on the course, tented village and interactive zone.

For an idea of the weather check out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2635167

Where Can I Eat Outside the Venue?

There are lots of places to eat in Portrush town, however there may be peaks in demand and visitors will also be able to enjoy a meal out in neighbouring Portstewart and Coleraine, only a short drive away.

Can I Bring My Pet?
No pets are allowed on the course, with the exception of Guide Dogs.

Venue Information
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Dunluce Road
Portrush
County Antrim
BT56 8JQ
Tel: 028 7082 2311 - Clubhouse
Email: info@royalportrushgolfclub.com
Website: www.royalportrushgolfclub.com

Also check out: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Royal-Portrush-Golf-Club-Portrush-P1672