FOLLOWING THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 IN MUIRFIELD, SCOTLAND

One of the most awaited sporting events of the year, The Open Championship of Golf is all set to take place in Muirfield, Scotland between 18^th and 21^st July 2013. The Championship is the 3^rd Major on the Professional Golfers Tour (PGA) and the only one to be held outside the United States either in England or Scotland. The 2012 Championship at St Annes, England featured a close run between Adam Scott and Ernie Els. Adam Scott had a 3 stroke lead with just 4 holes to go; after bogeying each of the remaining 4, Enrie Els was declared champion by one stroke, concluding one of the most exciting Open Championships and resulting in a heartbreaking loss for Adam Scott.

The Open Championship is a must-see for Golf enthusiasts from around the world

THE COURSE AND TICKETS

Muirfield is a premier Scottish golf course located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) outside Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh and can be accessed by road and local trains. Most spectators stay in Edinburgh itself and make their way to the course on a daily basis. Daily tickets for the championship cost between 200-265 Pounds Sterling and can be bought on the Open Championship website.

Muirfield Golf Course

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Golf is not a sport which has the same playing field every time, every course is different. This is why it is so difficult to pick out one or two players who are likely to win. Defending champion Ernie Els is definitely in contention yet again, especially after his 4^th place result at the US Open. Last year’s runner-up Adam Scott captured a major title at last at the Augusta Masters this year and looked better than ever, before crashing out early at the US Open. Other than these obvious two, local players Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and last month’s US Open champion Justin Rose are crowd favorites for the title. World number one and one of the greatest players of all time Tiger Woods has been out of sorts of late, though Phil Mickleson carries the hopes of American fans after being runner-up at the US Open for a shattering sixth time!

Beautiful view of the city of Edinburgh

OTHER ATTRACTIONS AND SIGHTS TO SEE IN EDINBURGH

• Edinburgh Castle: The fortress at the head of the Old Town dates back to the 12^th century during the reign of King David I. The castle features military barracks, a prison and the royal palace as well. It is a must-see for those seeking a cultural experience of Edinburgh.
• Golf: Other than the Muirfield Golf Course, Edinburgh has several lush green golf courses to choose from where one can hit a few shots. These include Braid Hills No. 1,Duddingston and the world oldest active golf course, Musselburgh Links.
• Shopping: There are several hubs for high street shopping in Edinburgh, the main one being Prince’s street. Authentic Scottish shopping for Cashmere can be done in The Hawick Cashmere Company. Beautiful knitwear can be found at Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers and Ragamuffin. The Royal Mile offers excellent shopping for traditional Scottish products.
• Museums: Edinburgh has several museums that showcase different kinds of exhibitions and artwork. The National Gallery of Scotland contains several paintings and sculptures including the famous artist Raphael's Bridgewater Madonna. The Museum of Scotland displays Scotland and Edinburgh through the years. The unique new science museum ‘Our Dynamic Earth’ takes visitors back to the origin of the Earth. Some interesting features include the earthquake simulators, which can be both fascinating as well as a bit daunting.
• The Royal Botanic Gardens: The most soothing part of Edinburgh are these gardens which have orchids, plants and trees from all around the world.

The Championship is a must-watch for die-hard golf fans. Furthermore, the lush background of Scotland makes it the perfect location for the sport, after all Scotland is the birthplace of golf. There is a lot to see and do in this beautiful country, I am looking forward to an exciting and nail biting championship, and hope that last years runner-up Adam Scott will go all the way this time and win the title, thereby removing the horrors of his memory of 2012.