British Open officials have "vowed to lead the way with new technology to enhance" the fan experience for the July 17-20 tournament at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, according to Phil Casey of the London INDEPENDENT. Large LED screens will be "placed on each hole apart from the 18th, which will retain the iconic yellow scoreboard, with a wifi mesh again surrounding the course to allow fans to follow the action on mobile devices." R&A Communications Dir Malcolm Booth said, "The big challenge at a golf tournament is that you are only able to be at one hole at a time and we hope this allows spectators to keep up to date with what is happening around the course." Casey notes there will be "seating for 20,000 spectators," with a "unique 'horseshoe' structure of grandstands surrounding the 18th green." Championship Operations Dir Rhodri Price added, "That's something we can't do at any other venue and we think it's a great chance to wrap the 18th and create a great atmosphere." A total of 230,000 fans attended the last Open at Royal Liverpool in '06, won by Tiger Woods, and officials are "confident of large crowds again even if Woods is unable to play after undergoing back surgery earlier this month" (London INDEPENDENT, 4/24).
