The Open 2013: R&A deny increased ticket prices behind poor attendances at Muirfield After first-day figures that showed that only 23,393 people came through the gates, in comparison with the 30,620 who turned up 11 years ago, Friday's attendance also showed a sharp fall: 29,144 against 34,479 in 2002. The R & A countered claims that ticket prices of £75 per day, and £260 for the entire event, have driven spectators away. The Open Championship offers exceptional value to spectators who can enjoy up to 15 hours of golf in one day. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult get in free which makes it ideal for families," spokesman Mike Woodcock said. Nearly 30,000 people attended yesterday and the feedback suggests they enjoyed a first class experience. The R & A had hoped for an overall attendance of 170,000 across the Championship - the 2002 figure was just over 160,000 - but the drops for Thursday and Friday suggest it will struggle to meet that target. It had also been suggested by Championship chairman Jim McArthur that the event would be worth up to £70 million to the area's economy, but those figures may also have to be downgraded as a number of local traders have been disappointed with results. Letting agencies in the area have suggested that around 40 per cent of available properties have not found tenants for the week of the Championship, while it has also been reported that tickets have been offered through internet resellers for less than half of their original face value.