The R&A has announced that 32,000 supporters will be able to attend each day at The Open at Royal St George’s next month. 

There had been concerns that the number of attendees at the final golf major of the season could be reduced due to the UK government's delay to the planned easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Shane Lowry will be defending the Claret Jug between July 11th and 18th after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“We are pleased to now be able to proceed with our plans for having a significant attendance at this year’s championship," Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said.

"These fans will play a huge role in creating a very special atmosphere as the world’s best players compete for the Claret Jug and we look forward to welcoming them to Royal St George’s.

“I would like to acknowledge the support and understanding we have received from the government and public health authorities, fans, players, our patrons and partners, as we have worked through this extremely challenging process.

"The Open is a very special championship in the world of sport and we are fortunate that so many people care as deeply about it as we do.”