Fans hoping to attend The Open at Royal Portrush next year could end up disappointed with tickets for the four Championship days already sold out.

Just six weeks after putting tickets on sale for the first all-ticket Open, the R&A yesterday revealed that demand has “surpassed all expectations” and fans may have to settle for attending one of the four practice days  — Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, July 14-17.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: "It is clear from the record-breaking ticket sales that golf fans are looking forward to the long-awaited return of The Open to Northern Ireland. 

"We knew there would be great demand but it has been even higher than we expected and we expect fans will take advantage of the remaining practice day tickets now that we have sold out on Championship days."

He urged fans to visit TheOpen.com or one of four official ticket providers to book for the practice days.

Practice day ticket prices start from £15 for adults and £10 for youth tickets (aged 16-24) with a “Kids Go Free” programme in place for under 16s accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

A waiting list has been introduced for cancelled or returned tickets for Championship days which may become available at a later date.

Priority for these tickets will be given to members of The One Club, which is free to join and accessible via www.TheOpen.com.

Around 200,000 fans are expected to attend the first Open held in Northern Ireland since 1951.