Want to Experience the Open Championship For Yourself?

Our guest poster is Robert Tuchman, author of "The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime."  Included in the book are several passages related to golf events, such as the Masters, Ryder Cup, and the Open Championship - the subject of this post.

For most of us, golf is a lot of walking with interjections of failure, disappointment and bad arithmetic.  But for those at the top of the sport, the game is quite the opposite. 

One of the best venues to see the game of golf at its prime is the British Open.  Held every year after the third Friday in July, the British Open is one of the oldest of the four major golf championships with its roots dating back to 1860.  Known as the Open Championship in the UK, it is the third major event on the circuit, following the Masters and the US Open (preceding the PGA Championship).  The course is changed each year as it rotates between nine historic courses throughout the British countryside. 

If you wish to make the jump across the pond, there are some tips and advice you should know to make your adventure much more enjoyable.  At the Open, of course, the best action and drama will take place on the 18th hole.  Make sure you get there plenty early and grab a seat in the grandstand.  Here you will see the final shots played out and the victor make history. 

If it is an autograph you seek, check out the specifically designated autograph area.  Wait here to avoid a chaotic, "Happy Gilmore"-esque environment with spectators rushing the players in between holes for autographs.  Check with the course volunteers as to where this area is.

Be sure to balance your golf vacation between playing and watching.  While the British Open is played on a specific course, other links close by are perfect for a quick golfing excursion during off times.  England boasts many British Open-style venues.  Scotland, too, offers some of the finest courses in the world.  Play golf where history has been made! 

Some day, I hope to get to the Open myself.  From what I understand, it's quite a different feeling as compared to the US Open.  For those of you that have been to the Open or played some of the Rota (::cough:: Shane Bacon ::cough::), feel free to share your experiences!