(Caption: Nigel Huddlestone MP, Minister for Sport & Tourism visits Royal St George's to see preparations for The Open © DCMS )
With The 149th Open at Royal St George’s just six weeks away, the local community is being kept up-to-date with publication of the latest plans for the Championships which return to Sandwich from 11-18 July.
The latest community information is available on the Dover District Council website, and information boards will be on display outside the Guildhall in Sandwich in June.
The information includes details on traffic and parking restrictions, public transport and park-and-ride sites, sustainability and legacy, along with information on the economic benefits of hosting The Open. There is also a comprehensive list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “We are thoroughly excited about playing The 149th Open at Royal St George’s. We’ve been working very closely with the government and Public Health, and the safety of the players, officials, media, spectators, and the local community is paramount.
“We’re cautiously optimistic of a significant attendance at Royal St George's where the course is in great shape.
“My thanks go to all the members and the team at Royal St George's, and the wider community, who have been quite frankly terrific during the uncertainty of this past year or so.”
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “Hosting The 149th Open is just the fillip we need to kick-start the visitor economy and get the tills ringing again in East Kent!
“The R&A, and all the partners involved in staging The Open have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Championship provide a safe and warm welcome to Royal St George’s.
“I’m grateful to the many local residents and businesses who have shown their support. Of course, hosting a world-class sporting event comes with some degree of disruption to the local community, but I’m confident we’re in for a great summer!”
Mike Hill, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “The Open is the biggest sporting event hosted in Kent and provides a major boost to the local economy.
“It is an honour for the county to host this important event and, after the extensive coordinated effort that has gone into its organisation in challenging circumstances, I am confident it will be a great success.”
See our Online Community Exhibition about preparations for The 149th Open >>
Posted on 28 May 2021