Paul Lawrie 'trains' for The Open

Monday 29 June 2009

Paul Lawrie, the Scottish golfer who won The Open ten years ago, is urging golf fans to use GOLFLINK  - a special all-in-one rail and bus ticket - to get to this year’s tournament.

“It seems fitting to take the train because it was actually the railway that introduced golf to Turnberry,” said Paul.  “The Glasgow and South Western Railway Company built the original hotel and golf course in the early 20th century, employing Willie Fernie, the 1883 Open champion, to lay the course.”

From Wednesday 15 until Sunday 19 July, ScotRail will be providing more trains and more seats to and from Girvan station.  A shuttle bus in partnership with Stagecoach will whisk passengers to the course entrance.  This will operate between 0630 – 2030 Wed-Sat, and 0830 - 2000 on Sunday.

Standard rail fares apply, plus a supplement for the return bus travel to the course.  

Theresa Gault, events manager at ScotRail, said:  “Our advice is to buy your GOLFLINK tickets in advance which will save you time in the morning and give you longer at the course. Taking the train means you can relax and enjoy your day right from the start.”

Queuing systems will be in operation at Glasgow Central, Paisley Gilmour Street, Ayr and Girvan stations.

Media enquiries
Clare Meikle: 0141 335 5152 / clare.meikle@firstgroup.com

Note to Editors
For more details on how to book and train times, please go to www.scotrail.co.uk/opengolf, pick up a leaflet at staffed stations or call ScotRail Telesales on 08457 55 00 33.