The ScotRail Alliance is advising those heading to the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, Irvine, from 12 – 16 July to make their travel plans now.

With big numbers expected to flock to the Ayrshire coast to see golf giants like Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Adam Scott, the ScotRail Alliance will be adding extra carriages to services. More seats will be available between Glasgow and Ayrshire on Friday night, as well as all day Saturday and Sunday.

Golf fans and locals alike are advised that trains to and from Irvine will be busier than normal over all four days of the competition, and those planning to attend are encouraged to head through early in the day where possible. A queueing system will be in place at Irvine and extra staff will be on hand to assist.

A free shuttle bus service to the course will depart frequently from outside the station.

Top five tips
1. Buy your ticket before you board. You’ll need a valid ticket for travel, and barriers may be in place.
2. Check your train times. Remember to leave time to catch any connecting services that you need.
3. Listen up! We’ll have extra staff on the ground to help things go smoothly. To help them help you, please listen to their instructions.
4. Download the ScotRail app. You can use it to buy tickets, check train times, and see live service information.
5. Don’t leave it too late – services will be busy, and you might not be able to board your first choice of train.

Communications director Rob Shorthouse said: “It’s great that the Scottish Open is being held for the first time at Dundonald Links, and we want to play our part in making it a success.

“We will be adding extra carriages to services to try to make things a bit easier for people travelling to and from Irvine.

“But trains will be busier than usual, so we encourage people to plan their journey in advance and make sure they have their ticket before boarding.”