Ed
Good for you. Four of us entered the draw for the Friday each looking for four tickets and none of us were successful. Personally, I've attended every Open bar one played in Scotland, even if only for one day, since 1975. At least two of the other three would be similar. We may still go to St Andrews on the day and enjoy the atmosphere and see if we can get a ticket but I think it unlikely. Sorry to say but I think it's the end of an era with the corporate/ticket touts taking over. A real shame.
Niall
The first Open to not offer tix by simply walking up was 2019 Portrush(pent up demand in Ireland), then we had RSG and the pandemic.
I entered the lottery for all 7 days of The Open at St. Andrews and did not hit once.
It truly is the end of an era, and I'm confident Golf(the game) is not better for it.
This is another reason why I am so sick of the "grow the game" mantra etc. which is generally simply code for grow the pocketbooks of those in the business.(and yes I'm in the business)
It also greatly changes the makeup of those in attendance at tournaments.
Golf booms are great for course owners, ticket brokers and developers-not golfers.
Pity.