Over the past 12 months The R&A has been undertaking an in-depth review of all ticketing and hospitality operations and processes, including our relationships with third-party agents, tour operators and travel agents.

Our objectives of this review have been to:

1. To identify improvements for how we work with third parties for the continued success of The Open
2. To identify opportunities to provide an increased level of support for third parties who enter into an agreement with The Open
3. To provide clarity and reassurance to fans who wish to purchase official tickets and hospitality packages from approved third parties

The R&A is introducing two new programmes for the sale of official tickets and hospitality packages for The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019 which reflect these objectives.

Programmes:

1. ‘Authorised Ticketing Provider’ programme (592kb PDF)
2. ‘Authorised Hospitality Provider’ programme (594kb PDF)

The introduction of the two new programmes means that any third party wishing to resell official  hospitality packages to The Open or include official tickets or hospitality packages in their own products for sale must join one of the above two programmes.

Each of the two new programmes will have two levels, Gold and Silver, for third parties to join and they offer a range of benefits and requirements. Please also find the link to the AUTHORISED PROVIDER PROGRAMME APPLICATION FORM (46kb DOCX).

Please note that any third party who does not wish to join either of the two programmes will not be permitted to purchase tickets or hospitality packages for onward sale.

Please note this does not mean your clients can not attend as part of their trip. They can still purchase the tickets or hospitality packages directly from The R&A.

The above changes will come into effect immediately for The 148th Open at Royal Portrush and applications for the new R&A Authorised Provider Programmes are currently being accepted.

Please contact Dan Killen, Hospitality & Ticketing Customer Relations Manager, dankillen@theopen.com, for more information.

ENDS