The world’s oldest major championship is back on England’s famous Golf Coast. From 16–19 July 2026, the world’s best golfers will battle it out for the iconic Claret Jug as The 154th Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport for the 11th time.
Whether you’re planning to attend in person or follow the action from home, here’s everything you need to know about The Open 2026.
When is The Open 2026?
The Open Championship takes place across an action-packed week:
- Sunday 12 – Wednesday 15 July: Practice Days
- Monday 13 July: Last-Chance Qualifier
- Thursday 16 July: Round One
- Friday 17 July: Round Two (36-hole cut)
- Saturday 18 July: Moving Day
- Sunday 19 July: Final Round and presentation of the Claret Jug.
Where is The Open being played?
Royal Birkdale Golf Club, located in Southport, Merseyside, is widely regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world. First hosting The Open in 1954, the venue has produced some of the championship’s most memorable finishes and has become one of the most regular venues on The Open rota outside of St Andrews.
Royal Birkdale will once again provide one of the toughest tests in championship golf, with its famous links layout, deep bunkers and unpredictable coastal winds challenging the world’s best players.
Who will be playing?
As always, The Open will feature the biggest names in world golf.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives as the defending Champion Golfer of the Year after lifting the Claret Jug in 2025, while stars including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood and many more are expected to challenge for golf’s oldest major. The field is completed through exemptions, Final Qualifying and the new Last-Chance Qualifier.
What’s New for 2026?
The R&A has introduced several new features to improve the fan experience:
- Brand-new themed Practice Days.
- A dramatic Last-Chance Qualifier, where one final place in the field is decided at Royal Birkdale.
- The Open Experiences, offering premium ticket, hospitality and accommodation packages.
- A Heroes Classic exhibition featuring former champions and special guests
Why Royal Birkdale is Special
Few Open venues combine fairness and challenge quite like Royal Birkdale. Its towering dunes frame each hole, the fairways are among the straightest in links golf, and the ever-present coastal winds mean no two rounds are ever the same.
Whether you’re attending your first Open or returning for another unforgettable week, Royal Birkdale promises world-class golf, incredible scenery and the unique atmosphere that only The Open can deliver.
The 154th Open Championship is set to be another unforgettable chapter in golf history. With a refreshed Royal Birkdale, an elite field of players and exciting new experiences for fans, The Open 2026 promises four days of world-class links golf.
If you’re heading to Southport this July, be prepared for spectacular golf, unpredictable weather and the chance to witness history as the next Champion Golfer of the Year lifts the Claret Jug.
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