Since 2019, we’ve had the privilege of posting about an event we are proud to work at and eagerly anticipate each year: The Open Championship.
This year is the 152nd staging of The Open, which will be contested at Royal Troon in Ayrshire. It is the 10th time The Open has visited Royal Troon and some of the past winners are legends in the game; Henrik Stenson (2016), Todd Hamilton (2004), Justin Leonard (1997), Mark Calcavecchia (1989), Tom Watson (1982), Tom Weiskopf (1973), Arnold Palmer (1962), Bobby Locke (1950), Arthur Havers (1923) have won around the famous Ayrshire links.
It is also the 5th time that Spectrum has had the honour to work with the R&A at the most famous championship in golf. Our first was at Royal Portrush in 2019, then we went South to Royal St George’s in 2021, and who can forget the scenes at the 150th Open at St. Andrews?
Last year, it was Royal Liverpool when Brian Harman lifted the Claret Jug, but who will it be this year as The Open returns to Scotland? Bob McIntyre certainly looks like a good bet, having struck a rich vein of form by winning the Canadian Open and yesterday becoming only the second Scot to win the Scottish Open. Could he go one better and win the fourth Major of the year?
We enjoy working at all events, but there’s a magic that surrounds The Open; the atmosphere, air of anticipation, and sheer scale of it make it one of our favourites. Knowing that it is the biggest sporting event on the planet this week, and golfers on every continent will be watching, means we need to perform at our best.
Our events team has been preparing on-site for many days. During the week, we are cleaning the public villages, sponsor and partner structures, hospitality areas, and the areas set aside for players, contractors, officials, and technical personnel. In addition, we will be responsible for litter picking, providing hygiene services and products, and replenishing consumables. With such high interest in the event and a massive volume of golfing fans expected, it is an enormous task for which we’re well prepared.
Speaking about this week’s Open Championship, Rebecca Bell, Spectrum’s Operations Director, commented: “It’s really exciting to be back at the Open Championship; it’s one of the highlights on our events calendar. I particularly enjoy the team spirit and interaction with the other contractors. Because of the scale of The Open, we need to collaborate and work in tandem with many more stakeholders than normal, which takes months of planning. And, almost as soon as it’s over, we start all over again for the next year!
However, for the rest of this week, the planning is done; now it’s about ensuring it’s all put into practice to ensure we play our part in delivering another outstanding Open Championship.
” This is the biggest sporting event happening globally this week, and we’re delighted to be at the centre of things. It’s extremely hard work and very long days for the whole team, but it is enjoyable and exciting for everyone.
“We value the relationship we have built with the R&A and are grateful that their team trust us to deliver at The Open ”
We wish all the players our best as they take on the challenge of Royal Troon and try to deal with the pressure of competing in a Major. Who knows, we may even witness a back-to-back winner if Bob McIntyre can continue his winning streak for another week!
Below are a few pictures taken while out and about the course over the last few days, but keep an eye on our socual posts for the latest pictures from Royal Troon.
