The Alstom Open de France celebrates its 99th anniversary this week and the fans are very much part of the supporting cast in this great French festival of golf.
Not only is there the chance to follow many of Europe’s finest golfers, including seven of the victorious 2014 European Ryder Cup team and 29 home players, and admire the world-class skills on show, but there is also plenty to entertain all fans outside the ropes.
Whether a true golf aficionado or a curious novice, there is something to cater to all among the multiple facilities dedicated to the 50,000 and more spectators who will come through the gates of Le Golf National.
At the course entrance, a public practice range and putting green for spectators offers an opportunity to discover new skills or improve an existing game while testing the latest equipment from club manufacturers, including Ping and Callaway. Promotions, organised by Novotel, Titleist and Emirates, all offer a chance to win special gifts.
And, for the first time this year, an exceptional competition by BMW will allow every fan to try to emulate the professionals, with the new BMW X1 car at stake! The first person to make a hole-in-one on the simulator replicating the Albatros' 16th hole will be awarded the opportunity to drive, for free, the brand new BMW X1 for a year.
Shops from sponsors Rolex and Lacoste, as well as the official Alstom Open de France and 2018 Ryder Cup shops, provide a welcome break coming off the golf course, or before heading out to watch play. These shops are set in the “Village de l'Open”, the living heart of the tournament, where restaurants, bars and a giant screen awaits fans so that they don't miss a single shot from the competition while relaxing. On the French Golf Federation's stand, autograph sessions will be held with champions from Olympic disciplines.
Just a few meters away, near the Recording area, fans can collect the golfers' signatures. More than just a great international tournament, the Alstom Open de France is wonderful sporting occasion in which every fan can play a part.
NEW IN 2015: The Voice of the Open
Live radio coverage of the action, player interviews, features: the Voice of the Open will provide useful information so that everyone can know what is going on at the Alstom Open de France. This portable radio device is sold at the main entrance and at the Information Point in the “Village de l'Open”.
The Alstom Open de France in numbers:
- A
139
-hectares site
-
50,000
spectators and more
-
70
gardeners
-
78
golf carts
-
500
marshals and
70
courtesy-car drivers
-
2700
cumulative hours of international TV broadcast
-
7200
practice golf balls for the pros
-
18
km of ropes and
1.5
km of fences
-
1600
kg of fresh fruit for the pros and
25,000
bottles of water
