See Golf's Finest for Free

Golf fans will be able to enjoy the first day’s play in this year’s European Open at The London Golf Club in Kent free of charge – with an opportunity to watch one of the other three rounds at a heavily discounted rate. Following the huge success of a similar initiative in 2006 and 2007, when the event was played at The K Club in Ireland, The European Tour will adopt the same policy on Thursday, July 3 when the 2008 European Open tees off for the first time over the stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed Heritage Course. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for spectators living in and around the Capital, who can witness Scotland’s eight-time Order of Merit winner, Colin Montgomerie, launch his defence of the title - the 31st of his illustrious career – over a course located near Brand’s Hatch, less than 30 miles from Central London. http://www.europeantourtickets.com/ to apply for up to two tickets per applicant. Electronic tickets will then be emailed to applicants, incorporating details of how to collect discounted tickets for any one of the subsequent three day’s play. The free Thursday e-tickets can be exchanged at the course on July 3 for tickets for play on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at a cost of £15 each – a saving of £10 on the official daily price on the gate. Senior Citizens (aged 60 and over) will get a reduction from £15 to £5. Montgomerie welcomed the initiative and said: “I am looking forward to defending one of the most prestigious titles on The European Tour at The London Golf Club in July and it is great news that spectators can watch the opening day free of charge. “It’s nice that we have a venue with ‘London’ in the title on the Tour’s International Schedule and I am sure that golf fans in and around the Capital will come along and support us.” Jamie Birkmyre, The European Tour’s Director of Championship Management, said: “Following the success of the innovative scheme we introduced in Ireland in 2006 and 2007, we are delighted to make this tremendous offer to all golf fans who enjoy watching the leading players in action. “The London Golf Club affords easy access to London and the suburban area and is close to the major motorway arteries. The Heritage Course will be a spectacular test for a wonderful celebration of the best in professional golf. This opportunity to come along to see the action free of charge on Thursday and on any other day at a massively discounted price is something no golf fan can afford to miss.” A full-price Adult Season tickets costs £50 if purchased before Sunday, June 22 and £60 on the gate during tournament week. A one-day ticket is priced at £20 if purchased before Sunday, June 22 and £25 on the gate, while for Senior Citizens the charge for a season ticket is £25 in advance and £35 on the gate. Senior day tickets are £10 in advance and £15 on the gate. Entry for Under-16s is free providing they are accompanied by an adult. All public parking is also free of charge. Information on the Free Ticket Offer, Hospitality Packages and opportunities to take part in the pre-tournament Pro-Am event can be located on: http://www.europeantourtickets.com/ or by telephone on The European Tour Ticket Hotline: 0800 0232557. Telephone applicants will receive their ticket information by post.