THE BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

IS ALMOST HERE

The Open Championship 2008 will be taking place next July 17th through 21st. With all the surprises we received from the past U.S open where, Tiger Woods played amazingly in spite of current problems and thus, we cannot miss any of the action to come on the British Open either. This year’s leaderboards are already a topic of discussion and the rumors seem very impressive. Last year, the championship was taken by Padraig Harrington with 18 holes and -7 pars.

The British Open Championship was first played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club and it is the oldest of the four major championships in men's golf. It is also the only major held outside the USA. If you planning on taking those days off to enjoy all the action of the open golf championship live, all the travel and ticket information is already posted. Here are some very important tips you should take into account though:

• Cameras are not permitted on Championship days.
• Mobile phones can distract players and will not be permitted within the paygates. Please do not bring your phone to the course.
• Step ladders or similar are not permitted within the paygates and should not be brought to the course.
• No pets are allowed at the course and we respectfully suggest that you do not leave your pet in the car.
• Remember that under wet conditions the ground may become slippery and appropriate footwear should be worn. Spectators should wear sun protection and drink plenty of fluids in hot and sunny conditions.
• In the event of inclement weather, it may be necessary to evacuate the grandstands. Please observe the instructions of marshals.

This information was taken directly from the Open Championship website, so it is pretty much official. Tickets may be purchased on arrival at British Open Championship course, but you can go ahead and check prices and dates. Kids under 16 years of age have free admittance as long as they carry a valid identification with their birth date.

As part of the excitement pre-championship (sort of speak), the Open Championship’s big yellow leaderboards on the 18th hole have been replaced after 35 years and the brand new leaderboards have already been unveiled at Royal Birkdale.