All you need to know

Another compelling chapter in golf’s original championship will be written when the world’s best players return to Royal Birkdale in 2026.

The Southport links will stage The Open for the 11th time, with more special moments guaranteed in the quest for the famous Claret Jug.

This page will be updated with everything you need to know in the run up to another memorable week at The 154th Open.

Key information

The 154th Open will take place at Royal Birkdale in Southport, Merseyside, from 12 to 19 July 2026.

Championship play will start on Thursday 16 July and run across four days, concluding when our Champion Golfer of the Year is named on Sunday 19 July.

From Sunday to Wednesday fans can attend our new bespoke practice days, each with their own unique offering.

Witness a dramatic 12-player Last-Chance Qualifier where a final place at The Open will be determined, and enjoy a Heroes Classic showcase event featuring Champion Golfers and an array of special guests.

How to attend

The Ticket Ballot is now closed, however there are still ways you can attend through The Open Experiences.

Royal Birkdale is the first host of The Open Experiences – our new range of ticket and hospitality options – and a number of packages remain available to fans.

Browse ticket and accommodation packages, world-class hospitality experiences and our popular Ticket Plus offering on The Open website now.

How qualifying works

Some of the world’s best golfers have already gained an exemption to The 154th Open, however many others will have to earn their place between now and July.

A range of different qualification pathways are open to players around the world.

The Open Qualifying Series offers places to the highest-placed finishers at each event, providing they are not already exempt, while Regional and Final Qualifying events, along with the new Last-Chance Qualifier, also offer routes into the Championship.

Our qualification tracker will be updated throughout the year as players gain exemptions.

Previous Opens at Royal Birkdale

Some of golf’s finest Champions have enjoyed their greatest moments at Royal Birkdale.

The venue has staged The Open on ten previous occasions, with some of the sport's most iconic figures having lifted the Claret Jug on the Southport links.

Two five-time Champion Golfers, three back-to-back Champions and a host of multiple major winners have written their names into Open history at this iconic venue.

Most recently Jordan Spieth, won The 146th Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017 after a thrilling final round up there with the greatest the Championship has ever seen.