Setting the scene

New innovations. Memories made. Mixing with your heroes.

The practice days at Royal Birkdale have seen all of that and more.

From the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier, which saw Joe Dean claim the final spot in the field at The 154th Open, to the Heroes Classic, when Team Scheffler prevailed, the events brought in for 2026 have provided compelling narratives for those in attendance.

The next generation have also been suitably inspired. The world's top players have taken time to pose for photos and sign merchandise, with Jordan Spieth bringing loud cheers in the Heroes Classic when he signed a ball apiece for two young fans, Rhys and Finley, on the 9th fairway.

Fans have been able to practice their own game via one-to-one coaching sessions, win prizes with their long putting and gain insight in the Mastercard Club, with Dame Laura Davies, Luke Donald and Fanny Sunesson among those dropping by for sessions.

The Ticket Ballot is now open for The 155th Open at St Andrews in 2027. Those entering the ballot should be aware that in all recent years, fans who have applied for tickets on Practice Days have had a higher chance of success given that Championship Day ticket applications have been up to ten times oversubscribed.

The Last Chance Qualifier will return on Monday 12 July, while the Heroes Classic - Champion Edition will take place the following day.

Click here to enter the Ticket Ballot for The 155th Open, which closes on July 24, and scroll through the gallery below for some highlights of this year's practice days.