St Andrews – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

The R&A transforms iconic Scottish locations for AIG Women’s Open

The R&A has continued to build on its “Never Stop Playing” campaign with a new and playful initiative which has seen golf terminology pop-up at iconic Scottish landmarks.

This fresh chapter aims to heighten excitement for the AIG Women’s Open, which is set to take place from 21-25 August, 2024, at the historic Old Course in St Andrews. The latest activation cleverly merges golf with Scotland’s renowned sites, continuing to engage and captivate fans in the lead-up to the Championship.

Highlights

See Birdies

Where: Edinburgh Zoo
What: Adapted plaque at the flamingo exhibit
Copy: “See birds at Edinburgh Zoo. See birdies at the AIG Women’s Open. St Andrews, 21-25 August. Never Stop Playing”
Quiet Please

Where: The National Library, Edinburgh
What: Quiet sign
Copy: “Quiet Please. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

The 19th Hole
- Where: Loch Leven Castle
- What: Makeshift tee box facing into the loch
- Copy: “Hole 19. 596 yards. Par 5. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”
Chip Shots
- Where: Anstruther Fish Bar, St Andrews
- What: Signpost outside
- Copy: “World Class Chips ➡ World Class Chip Shots. ➡ Never Stop Playing. AIGWO

This pop-up initiative follows the recent launch of the world’s first playable golf billboard. Unveiled at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station on 1st August, this interactive billboard allowed fans to experience the thrill of playing the par-3 8th hole of the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, host of this year’s AIG Women’s Open.

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A, commented: “Our latest activation is designed to infuse golf with a fresh and engaging twist, transforming iconic Scottish landmarks with golf-themed elements.

“As part of our ‘Never Stop Playing’ campaign, this initiative invites fans to see familiar sites through a new lens, amplifying their excitement and connection to the AIG Women’s Open.

“We’re thrilled to offer both new and long-time golf enthusiasts a unique way to experience the championship and celebrate the sport in a creative and memorable manner.”

Edinburgh Locations:

1. See Birdies

– Where: Edinburgh Zoo

– What: Adapted plaque at the flamingo exhibit

– Copy: “See birds at Edinburgh Zoo. See birdies at the AIG Women’s Open. St Andrews, 21st-25th August. Never Stop Playing”

2. Ground Under Repair

– Where: Victoria Street, Edinburgh

– What: Fly posters on scaffolding/building sites

– Copy: “Ground Under Repair. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

3. Quiet Please

– Where: The National Library, Edinburgh

– What: Quiet sign

– Copy: “Quiet Please. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

4. Heavy Rough

– Where: Carlton Hill

– What: Sign in heavy rough at an iconic location

– Copy: “Very heavy rough, recommended unplayable lie. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

5. Water Hazard

– Where: The Water of Leith Walkway

– What: Water Hazard sign

– Copy: “95 yards to clear the water. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO”

Fife Locations:

Guerrilla Golf Campaign – Day 1 – 13.08.24 – Raymond Davies

1. The 19th Hole

– Where: Loch Leven Castle

– What: Makeshift tee box facing into the loch

– Copy: “Hole 19. 596 yards. Par 5. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO“

2. Chip Shots

– Where: Anstruther Fish Bar

– What: Signpost outside

– Copy: “Chip Shop ➡ Chip Shots. Never Stop Playing. AIGWO“

With less than a week to go until the AIG Women’s Open, the Old Course at St Andrews, renowned as the home of golf, is set to showcase world-class golf.

Lilia Vu, the reigning champion following her standout performance at Walton Heath last year, returns to defend her title. She’ll be joined by Yuka Saso, Amy Yang, and Ayaka Furue, all of whom have secured major victories this season. Leading the British challenge is Charley Hull, who was the runner-up in last year’s Championship and Scotland’s own Gemma Dryburgh. With these top players in action, the AIG Women’s Open is set to be an unforgettable week.

Tickets to the AIG Women’s Open are on sale via aigwomensopen.com. Adult tickets are available from £25, with Saturday tickets including a full day of golf action and entry to the Tom Grennan concert priced at £60.

To encourage children and young people to attend the AIG Women’s Open, The R&A will continue the successful ‘Kids go Free’ programme on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, which provides children under-16-years-old free entry to the Championship when accompanied by a paying adult. Half-price youth tickets are also available on those days for 16-24-year-olds. Junior and youth tickets for Saturday’s golf action and Tom Grennan concert are £20 and £40 respectively.

Hospitality packages are also on general sale, offering an unrivalled way to experience the Championship in which guests can enjoy over ten hours of world-class action and fully inclusive hospitality. Visit www.aigwomensopen.com for further information.

For information on the AIG Women’s Open or to purchase tickets, please visit www.aigwomensopen.com.

Never Stop Playing: World’s First Playable Golf Billboard Unveiled for the AIG Women’s Open

The R&A has unveiled the world’s first ‘playable golf billboard’ at Edinburgh Waverley Station to allow fans to experience playing the par-3 8th hole of the iconic Old Course in St Andrews, host venue of this year’s AIG Women’s Open.

As part of AIG Women’s Open new ‘Never Stop Playing’ campaign, the activation aims to elevate the excitement of golf for fans. This innovative billboard transforms into a golf simulator, offering an engaging opportunity for both new and longtime fans to connect with the Championship in a fun and interactive way.

The R&A has created this playable billboard to reimagine how golf enthusiasts engage with the sport, while also promoting the upcoming AIG Women’s Open, which will be held at St Andrews from 21 – 25 August 2024.

Fans can step up to the billboard, grab a real club and ball, and take a swing like never before. The technology employs cameras to track the player’s velocity, arc, and direction, digitally encoding the swing in real-time to show where the ball will land on the virtual par-3, 8^th hole.

Players will be captivated as they watch the ball fly across the LED screen, displaying its arc and flight path towards the target.

With a real-time leaderboard tracking nearest to the pin shots, participants can compete in a fun golf challenge. Those nearest to the pin will receive an exciting prize from the AIG Women’s Open: a pair of Sunday tickets and a chance for the winner to be an official walking scorer for one of the groups during the final round at St Andrews.

Not just for avid golfers, those keen to take their first ever golf shot can also win prizes in the furthest from the pin challenge.

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A said, “This activation brings the excitement of golf to a whole new level, allowing players to experience the thrill of golf in a fun and interactive way.

“As part of our new ‘Never Stop Playing’ campaign, we are giving both new and longtime fans the opportunity to engage with the AIG Women’s Open like never before, reaching new audiences and enhancing their connection to golf.”

Georgia Hall,2018 Women’s Open champion, said, “This looks like such a fun and innovative concept from The R&A.

“The playable billboard is a brilliant idea to introduce more people to golf and get them excited about the AIG Women’s Open. It’s initiatives like these that will keep our sport growing and evolving.”

Designed to resemble a traditional advertising billboard, this innovative attraction offers a unique and eye-catching experience for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a casual player or a first time golfer, the playable billboard promises a one-of-a-kind experience.

The R&A will compile all the shot tracers from the day’s play onto the billboard screen at once, creating a stunning visual display. This impressive feature highlights the relentless passion and continuous engagement of golfers, showcasing how they ‘Never Stop Playing’.

Tickets to the AIG Women’s Open are now on sale via aigwomensopen.com. Adult tickets are available from £20, with Saturday tickets including a full day of golf action and entry to the Tom Grennan concert priced at £55.

Half-price youth tickets are also available on those days for 16-24-year-olds. Junior and youth tickets for Saturday’s golf action and Tom Grennan concert are £20 and £40 respectively.

Visit www.aigwomensopen.com for further information.

For information on the AIG Women’s Open or to purchase tickets, please visit www.aigwomensopen.com.

St Giles at Six: Renowned Pomona College choir is coming to Edinburgh

POMONA COLLEGE GLEE CLUB CONCERT TOUR

The internationally-renowned chamber choir from Pomona College, California, USA, are about to undertake a concert tour of the UK, including concerts in London, Cambridge, York and Durham as well as appearances in St Andrews and Edinburgh on the 27th and 28th May, respectively.

The concert in St Andrews will be in conjunction with another student choir, the St Andrews Madrigal Group.

SING GENTLY

A choral celebration of music from the Americas and Britain

Pomona College Glee Club, California, USA

Joint concert with St Andrews Madrigal Group

Holy Trinity Church

South Street, St Andrews KY16 9NL

Saturday 27^th May, 7.30pm

ADMISSION FREE

ST GILES AT SIX

St Giles Cathedral

High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

Sunday 28^th May, 6pm

ADMISSION FREE

The Pomona College Glee Club, Pomona’s elite chamber choir, has been representing Pomona College both internationally and at home for over 100 years.

Recent tours have seen the choir singing in prestigious venues throughout Germany, Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic as well as the UK.

Their current tour will visit London, Cambridge, York, Durham and St Andrews, as well as Edinburgh, presenting the very best of unaccompanied choral repertoire, including music by Beach, Byrd, McMillan, Walton, Weelkes and Whitacre.

Promoted by ACFEA (www.acfea.co.uk)

Scottish golf backed by £3m funding

For the first time Scotland will host the R&A’s three major championships alongside Scotland’s two opens – backed by more than £3 million annually to support golf events and market Scotland globally as the Home of Golf.

The Scottish Open, which teed off yesterday, has received £1.8 million in funding from the Scottish Government to support the event to grow and deliver a first-rate playing and spectating experience. The Genesis Scottish Open has attracted its strongest-ever field this year, with nine of the world’s top 10 players competing at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick.

Culture Minister Neil Gray highlighted the benefits of Scottish Government support for the sport as the landmark event, the first to be co-sanctioned by golf’s governing bodies on both sides of the Atlantic, got underway.

Mr Gray said: “Earlier this week, I was delighted to get the chance to say thanks in person to many of those who have contributed to Scotland’s spectacular summer of golf, including event organisers, governing bodies, sponsors, partners, local authorities, media and broadcasters.

“In the same year as we celebrate the 150^th Open Championship at St Andrews it’s fitting that we underline Scotland’s status as the home of golf and a global leader in golf tourism by hosting an unprecedented series of tournaments which will showcase Scotland and our top courses to a worldwide audience.

“The Scottish Government recognises the importance and benefits of golf and golf events, including boosting tourism and our economy. We have a long-standing track record of support and are proud to fund our annual national men’s and women’s Opens and work with our partners at VisitScotland to support a host of other events.

“Our commitment to all of these fantastic tournaments helps promote our priorities, including health and wellbeing and inclusivity and equality – and I’m delighted to see the Women’s Open at Muirfield for the first time.”

For the first time, the R&A’s three major championships – the Open, the AIG Women’s Open and the Senior Open – will take place in Scotland in the same year, alongside the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open and the men’s Genesis Scottish Open. In another first, the Women’s Open will take place at Muirfield.

A record-breaking crowd of nearly 300,000 is expected at St Andrews for the 150^th Open, with large numbers expected to attend the other events this month and next.

St Andrews takes the crown as the best university in Scotland

The University of St Andrews has taken the crown as the Complete University Guide’s best higher education institution in Scotland.

Some institutions in Scotland have had a stable year in the Complete University Guide’s rankings with notable universities holding their rankings from previous years. These include St Andrews holding its position in 4th place and the University of Edinburgh holding its 12th place for another year.

In the overall league tables, the University of St Andrews is 4th sitting just below the London School of Economics. Naturally, within the region St Andrews came top for Student Satisfaction, Academic Services Spend and Graduate Prospects.

Within Scotland, there are pockets of subject-level excellence. Despite the following universities performing below 40th in the overall table, there are some examples of high-quality subject rankings reinforcing the importance of looking below the overall ranking. The University of Dundee (49th) ranks 1st nationally for Forensic Science as well as 2nd for Medical Technology & Bioengineering and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (93rd) ranks 1st for Complementary Medicine.

Every year the Complete University Guide releases UK university and subject league tables to support prospective students in making informed decisions about their future. The regional league tables help people find the right university for them in their area and are also informative for local employers to know what skills people are coming to the area to develop.

The Complete University Guide follows on from last month’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards, building on the information available to prospective students to help them make the right decisions as they consider their higher education options.

Having eight of the nation’s universities ranking in the UK’s top 50 in this year’s Complete University Guide demonstrates how the area is on track for another year of high-quality education and training provision for students and employers alike. The University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow join St Andrews in the UK’s top 25 universities.

Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: “Congratulations to the University of St Andrews for achieving the top position in this year’s Complete University Guide regional rankings. The tight rankings show just how high the standards are among Scotland’s top universities.

“Many prospective students in Scotland are keen to find the best university in the local area. Complete University Guide’s regional league tables are a valuable source of information to give local prospective students a greater understanding of what higher education options there are in Scotland.”

Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of IDP Connect, said: “With more prospective students actively researching their options each year, the 2023 Complete University Guide league tables will serve as an important guide. We believe these rankings help them to make the right decisions as they consider their next steps into higher education.

“The independence of the Complete University Guide remains a critical part of our organisation. The tables’ independence from our other operations ensures that students, parents, and advisors can trust the results and make informed choices based on them.”

The R&A opens ticket ballot for the 150th Open

The ticket ballot for The 150^th Open has opened today, giving golf fans around the world the opportunity to secure a ticket for the historic Championship.

The 150^th Open, taking place from 10-17 July 2022 in St Andrews, is set to be a true celebration of golf and the long history of golf’s original championship, as well as the many great champions who have lifted the iconic Claret Jug.

With record-breaking levels of demand anticipated for the milestone championship at the home of golf the ballot was introduced to provide the fairest way for golf fans of all generations to obtain tickets.

The ticket ballot will run until Monday, 4 October and will give fans plenty of time to register their interest in tickets. A balance of allocations will ensure fans from near and far will be able to attend the celebrations in St Andrews next summer. Fans will find out the results of the ticket ballot by the end of November 2021.

The ticket ballot is available exclusively to members of The One Club, the free-to-join membership programme. Members who have already registered their interest for the ballot can now apply for tickets. Fans can still sign up at any time via www.TheOpen.com and apply for tickets.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “We are looking forward to a very special occasion in golf next year with The 150^th Open being played at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews.

“We will be celebrating one of the most prestigious and renowned events in the sporting calendar and will be welcoming some of its greatest champions past and present.

“The ticket ballot gives as many fans as possible the chance to be part of this fantastic championship and make it an occasion to remember.”

Ticket prices for The 150^th Open will be £95 for an adult on Championship Days and will range from £20 to £50 on practice days.

The R&A is fully committed to encouraging more children and young people to attend The Open and free tickets will be available to children through the successful and long-running Kids go Free programme, while half-price youth tickets are available for 16-24 year-olds. In order to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the Championship, weekly tickets are being discontinued.

Hospitality for the Championship has been on sale since last year, with 90% of packages already sold. The remaining Origins Hospitality, incorporating a range of fully inclusive experiences, is available to purchase now and is the only way fans can guarantee their place at the Championship.

Visit www.TheOpen.com/hospitality2022 for further information.

Earlier this month, The R&A launched the new 150th commemorative brand which will be displayed across a campaign of content and activations that will run throughout the next 13 months until the conclusion of next year’s Championship at St Andrews.

The focus of the campaign is the remarkable journey of The Open and its enduring impact on players, fans and the sport of golf itself since it was first staged back in 1860, emphasising the campaign’s central message that ‘everything has led to this’ as we count down to what promises to be a truly unforgettable occasion.

For more information on The 150^th Open or to sign up to The One Club and enter the ticket ballot, visit www.TheOpen.com.

The R&A launch ticket ballot to The 150th Open

The R&A has announced the countdown to The 150th Open which kicks off with the launch of a special commemorative brand and the introduction of a ticket ballot to ensure the most equitable ticket sales process possible.

First played in 1860, The Open has been graced by golf’s greatest champions including Tom Morris, the grandfather of golf, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, and will mark its 150th playing with a true celebration of the sport at the Home of Golf from 10-17 July 2022.

With the extremely high levels of demand to attend this historic championship, the introduction of a ballot for tickets is deemed the fairest and most equitable way of ensuring golf fans from around the world have the chance to secure their place at the world-renowned Old Course next July. Hospitality for the event has been on sale since last year, with 85% of packages already sold.

The ticket ballot will run from Thursday, 1 July 2021 to Monday, 4 October 2021 giving as many fans as possible the opportunity to register for tickets.

A balance of allocations will ensure every generation of fan, from all over the world, as well as throughout the UK and the local area, will be able to attend the celebrations in St Andrews next July.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “This is a momentous occasion for golf as well as The Open and one which sports fans everywhere are looking forward to enormously. The 150th Open will give fans the opportunity to be part of a unique and unparalleled celebration at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews.

“We expect exceptional demand to be part of these celebrations and the ballot will give as many fans as possible the chance to secure a ticket and be part of history being made at one of the world’s most revered and renowned sporting events.”

The new 150th commemorative brand will be displayed across a campaign of content and activations that will run throughout the next 14 months until the conclusion of next year’s Championship at St Andrews. The focus of the campaign will be the remarkable journey of The Open and its enduring impact on players, fans and the sport of golf itself since it was first staged back in 1860.

The 150th logo is made up of individual threads that each represent the millions of journeys connected to the Championship.

From the greats of the game, to the hundreds of millions of golfers who have played the game since 1860, to the vast array of championships that take place in the global golfing calendar, the journey of our sport is intimately linked to the pioneers who started The Open to identify the Champion Golfer of the Year more than a century-and-a-half ago.

The threads will be prominently used in imagery throughout the build-up to The 150th Open, emphasising the campaign’s central message that ‘everything has led to this’ as we count down to what promises to be a truly unforgettable occasion.

Ticket prices for The 150th Open will be £95 for an adult on Championship days and will range from £20 to £50 on practice days.

The R&A is fully committed to encouraging more children and young people to attend The Open and free tickets will be available to children through the successful and long-running “Kids go Free” programme, while half-price youth tickets are available for 16-24 year-olds. In order to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the Championship, weekly tickets are being discontinued.

The ticket ballot will be available exclusively to members of The One Club, the free-to-join membership programme.

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 1978: Jack Nicklaus of the United States looks on following his victory during The 107th Open Championship held on the Old Course at St Andrews, from July 12-15,1978 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by R&A via Getty Images)

Fans can sign up to The One Club any time at www.TheOpen.com and will be among the first to be notified when the ballot is open.

Origins Hospitality, a range of fully inclusive experiences, is available to purchase now and is the only way fans can guarantee their place at the Championship.

Visit www.TheOpen.com/hospitality2022 for further information.

Surprise winner of Britain’s best seaside resorts

A Cornish village with a population of less than 1,000 has triumphed over some of the nation’s most famous seaside resorts in Which?’s annual rankings of the UK’s best coastal destinations.

The survey – carried out before the coronavirus lockdown – shows British holidaymakers favour peace and quiet over crowds, crazy golf and roller coasters. It also highlights some of the lesser-known resorts savvy travellers can escape to if they want to avoid busy beaches, bars and restaurants this summer.

Which? asked thousands of holidaymakers to rate their recent visits to the UK seaside across a range of factors including food and drink, seafront, beach, value for money and peace and quiet.

St Mawes, in Cornwall, came top ahead of better-known beach destinations like Salcombe or St Ives – earning a full five stars for its scenery, seafront and peace and quiet – and a glowing overall customer score of 85 per cent.

Those who visited St Mawes recommended eating crab baguettes at Mr Scorse’s deli and spotting dolphins on the ferry to Falmouth, but admitted that avoiding peak season was the best way to dodge the crowds.

Dartmouth, arguably one of the most famous destinations in the Which? top 10, and home of Agatha Christie, scored 84 per cent. Those who visited drew attention to steam trains and delicious seafood, but advised using the park and ride service as finding a parking spot in town is “near impossible”.

With many people seeking to avoid already oversubscribed hotspots, particularly in Devon and Cornwall that may not be able to cope with the surge in people holidaying at home this year, Which? found that there are still lots of beautiful places which holidaymakers may not have considered.

Coastal Suffolk had two entries in the top five, with both Southwold (84%) and Aldeburgh (83%) scoring top marks for scenery and peace and quiet.

Holidaymakers highlighted the great food and drink on offer in Southwold – earning five stars in this category – as well as the deliberate lack of ‘kiss-me-quick’ gimmickry.

Aldeburgh was praised for its tranquillity, with one person telling Which?: “It’s not got the usual ‘seaside entertainments’”. Another described it as “far from the madding crowd of South East England.”

Bamburgh in Northumberland (83%), which topped last year’s rankings, has not fallen out of favour with visitors this year. It was rated a full five stars in almost every category.

One person summed up Bamburgh as “one of the UK’s top-secret locations,” adding that “Northumberland is outstandingly unspoilt and a UK treasure”.

St Andrews (81%), home of Scotland’s oldest university, also made it into the top 10, with a full five stars for food and drink, beautiful views and its attractions, including the world-renowned golf course.

Those who visited pointed to the West Sands beach, which extends for almost two miles and was made famous in the opening scene of the film Chariots of Fire. Visitors looking for peace and quiet were advised to check term times before travel, as the town is much livelier when the students are around.

For a more easy-going Scottish seaside destination, Oban (74%) could be a better option.

It is best known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, thanks to its role as a hub for tourists departing to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, but this seaside town has enough to charm to warrant being a holiday spot of its own and also gets top marks for stunning scenery.

In Wales, St Davids (81%), Llandudno (80%), Tenby (79%) and Conwy (78%) all scored highly, with many destinations in Wales getting high ratings for scenery and value for money.

Which? found that crowds can easily be avoided by missing better-known destinations by heading a little further up the coast. For example, instead of Llandudno and Conwy, fewer people will know Criccieth which achieved a respectable 74 per cent customer score. This town was also received a full five-star rating for its stunning views, and being a bit further afield will also mean that hotel rooms are a little cheaper.

Also in the Which? top 10, but may be often overlooked by holidaymakers is Tynemouth (81%), eight miles east-northeast of Newcastle upon Tyne. This coastal town was awarded five-star ratings almost across the board, including for its sandy beach which is popular with walkers and is a nationally recognised watersports hub.

Meanwhile Skegness, the famous home of the original Butlins, only managed a 44 per cent customer score. It achieved one-star ratings in each category, apart from the three stars for its beach.

While some of those who spoke to Which? were scathing in their comments, going as far as to say the Lincolnshire town was “to be avoided,” nature lovers highlighted the seal sanctuary and bird watching at the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve.

There were also those who spoke fondly of a “typical town that caters for all ages” and one visitor who told Which?: “Don’t be put off by the stereotypical opinions of Skegness. It’s a well maintained, vibrant area.”

Further down the table were other iconic seaside resorts complete with Victorian-era piers, amusement arcades and roller coasters, including Great Yarmouth (48%), Clacton-on-sea (48%), Bognor Regis (49%) and Blackpool (53%).

Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor said: “With many people choosing to holiday in the UK this summer it is a good time to explore parts of the country you may not have considered before and to spread our sandcastles beyond the beaches of Devon and Cornwall. As our survey shows, it’s smaller seaside towns and villages with fewer visitors that holidaymakers love.

“Whether that’s hitting the waves in Tynemouth or camping in Criccieth, there are good options for those of us keen to keep our distance from the crowds this year but still want to combine stunning scenery with sumptuous seafood. Don’t forget, if you book your hotel or accommodation direct and over the phone, you may even get a discount or free bottle of bubbly thrown in.”