Muirfield Continues To See British Open Crowds Down From '02

The British Open wrapped up today at Muirfield, with Phil Mickelson winning the event for the first time in his career. British Open attendance during yesterday's third round was down "for the third consecutive day" compared to the last Open at Muirfield in '02. More than 33,000 people attended the third round in ’02, but "only" 28,932 attended yesterday. Rising ticket prices have "been blamed for some of the problem" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 7/21). Attendance has been down despite "idyllic weather and the venerable venue." Thursday's attendance was 23,393, a 23% drop from the first round in '02, while Friday's crowd was down 15% (GOLF.com, 7/20).