Golf Fans Pay Staggering Prices for Booze at The Open, Guinness Receipt Shows

Sky-High Pint Prices Shock Fans at The Open Championship
By Adam Pogrund | Updated: 10:26 BST, 17 July 2025

Golf fans attending The Open Championship at Royal Portrush are facing sticker shock, with pints of Guinness costing a staggering £7.75—even pricier than at Belfast International Airport. As top players compete for a $17 million (£12.7 million) prize pool, spectators are grappling with eye-watering costs for refreshments, adding to the £130 entry fee.

A round of four Guinness pints totals £31, while cider and Singha beer also hit the same price—up 25p from last year’s event. The cost dwarfs the £4.59-per-pint average at April’s Masters in Augusta, where $30 (£22.93) bought five beers. Royal Portrush’s rates now rival London’s premium venues, like Wembley Stadium’s £7.85 pints for boxing matches and Ascot’s £7.80 Peroni. Even Wimbledon’s 300ml Stella Artois bottles rose to £7.50 this year.

[Image suggestion: Crowd at Royal Portrush with pints; caption: "A £7.75 Guinness makes Royal Portrush home to Northern Ireland’s priciest pint."]

Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy’s fans are among those feeling the pinch. While golfers vie for life-changing prizes—including a $3.1 million (£2.3 million) winner’s check—attendees must budget carefully. Social media buzzed with disbelief, with one fan quipping, “At least the golf is free… right?”

[Image suggestion: Rory McIlroy playing; caption: "Fans paying premium prices to watch McIlroy in action."]

The steep pricing reflects a broader trend in UK sporting events. Ascot’s Grolsch at £7 and Wimbledon’s £8.85 pints of Stella highlight rising costs, though Royal Portrush sets a new benchmark. Critics argue such prices alienate casual fans, but organizers cite high demand and logistics for the hikes.

[Image suggestion: Price board at concessions stand; caption: "Spectators face hefty charges for drinks at major events."]

Despite gripes, the scenic Royal Portrush course remains packed, proving that for many, the thrill of The Open outweighs the cost of a round—both on the green and at the bar.