Britain's heatwave could have contributed to smaller crowds than expected at the Open last week, according to tournament organisers.
The R&A expected 160,000 fans at Muirfield and hoped for 170,000, but a total of 142,036 made the trip to East Lothian during the week, with 29,247 there on the last day to see Phil Mickelson lift the Claret Jug.
A total of 160,595 spectators were at Muirfield the last time the Open was staged there in 2002, with 31,422 watching Ernie Els emerge victorious on the final day following a four-man play-off.
Ticket prices of £75 have been blamed for the drop in attendance, but a spokesman for the Open Championship said: "More than 142,000 people attended the Open. That is almost 90% of the figure in 2002 and we are pleased with this attendance. Advance ticket sales were very strong and we believe the extremely warm weather put off some pay-at-the-gate customers.
"That is perhaps why, unusually, we had a higher attendance on Sunday in cooler weather than we did on Friday, which is normally the busiest day. The blend of a British winner of the Tour de France and Ashes cricket on television may also have had an impact."
More than 180,000 were at Lytham last year when tickets cost £70, although children under 16 are given free entry when accompanied by an adult and organisers feel the amount of play – particularly on the first two days – ensures value for money.
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