Up to 32,000 fans will be welcomed on each Championship day of The 149th Open, taking place this year at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, White Cliffs Country.
The announcement was made from the R&A, who are now actively working with the government and public health authorities, including those in Kent, in the next phase of the Events Research Programme, which will enable a number of events to take place with higher capacities than the current Step 3 guidance.
Played on links golf courses, The Open is golf’s oldest championship. This will be the 18th time that The Open has been held in White Cliffs Country, the home of Kent’s Golf Coast - which has three championship links golf courses, as well as a golf club where players can tee off on the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover. The 149th Open is being held between 11th and 18th July, with Championship days from 15th July onwards.
Walmer Castle and Gardens, White Cliffs Country (© DDC)
Fans attending The 149th Open can look forward to a fantastic visitor experience during their stay in White Cliffs Country. The charming and laid-back ancient Cinque Port of Sandwich is full of history and hidden gems waiting to be discovered and explored, with bespoke shops and eateries nestled in the perfectly-preserved medieval streets. Visitors can relax by the river at the quayside, wander along to the Bird Observatory at Sandwich Bay or visit the Roman Fort at neighbouring Richborough, from where the Romans launched their successful invasion of Britain in AD43.
Further along the coastline, the quaint and quirky coastal town of Deal boasts an award-winning high street of independent shops and eating establishments, a Tudor artillery fortress built on the orders of King Henry VIII, and a pier with a restaurant at the end offering picturesque views over the water and the Georgian buildings of Deal seafront.
Dover Castle, White Cliffs Country (© DDC)
The historical gateway to England, Dover is home to medieval Dover Castle, a formidable fortress standing on the cliffs and overlooking Dover Harbour, as well as the ten-mile long White Cliffs of Dover – an incredible, world-famous natural feature that offers breathtaking views over the English Channel from the clifftop paths. The picturesque villages of the surrounding rural area are idyllic and full of fascinating history – such as St Margaret’s Bay, which played a vital role in Britain’s defence during World War 2, and was once home to Bond’s creator Ian Fleming.
Sandwich Guildhall Museum, White Cliffs Country (© DDC)
During the week that The 149th Open takes place, a number of special events and experiences have been organised by local hospitality businesses and visitor attractions, in line with current government guidelines. Visit our dedicated webpages to find out about places to stay, where to eat and drink and the unique and exciting things to do in White Cliffs Country during the week of The 149th Open.
The Claret Jug Tours White Cliffs Country!
As excitement continues to build ahead of the The 149th Open, White Cliffs Country is delighted to have welcomed the prestigious Claret Jug – the world-famous Golf Champion Trophy for which players will compete at the championship – to this unique destination. White Cliffs Country’s new video, “The Claret Jug Tour of White Cliffs Country” - which takes in the character towns of quaint and quirky Deal; adventurous, historical Dover and romantic, medieval Sandwich – along with the striking shoreline and breath-taking beauty of the surrounding rural areas - is available to watch now.
Known amongst professional golfers as “The One To Win”, the Claret Jug has toured a selection of the beauty spots of White Cliffs Country, showcasing a unique place where coast meets countryside, ancient meets modern, relaxation meets adventure and England meets Europe. In visiting some of White Cliffs Country’s most alluring locations – as well as uncovering some of its hidden gems – the Claret Jug has enjoyed a snapshot of the beautiful destination that will greet world-class golfers when they arrive to compete at The 149th Open, and in which spectators will gather to experience golf’s most historic and international tournament in July 2021.