The Open Championship 2026 is heading to Royal Birkdale from 12 to 19 July, with Championship play starting on Thursday 16 July and running through to Sunday 19 July, when the next Champion Golfer of the Year will be crowned.

That alone is enough to get golf fans going, but Royal Birkdale adds even more to it. The Southport links will be staging The Open for the 11th time, which says a lot about the place it holds in the history of the championship. 

It was established in 1889, redesigned in 1922 into the layout used today, and its fairways run through huge sand dunes that sit above the holes all the way round. It’s one of those venues that really feels like part of The Open story.

The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale

A big part of the fun here is that the full event runs from Sunday to Sunday, and from 12 to 15 July fans can get involved with the new practice days, which come with their own different attractions. 

There will be a 12 player Last Chance Qualifier where one final place in the field is up for grabs, plus a Heroes Classic event with Champion Golfers and special guests.

That gives the week a bit more going on before the first round even starts, which is always good from a fan point of view. You’re not just turning up and waiting for Thursday. There’s already a load of stuff happening in the build-up.

And there’s still plenty to follow with the field as well. Some players are already exempt, while others still need to come through one of the different qualification routes before the first tee shot on 16 July. 

Between the exemption categories, The Open Qualifying Series, Regional and Final Qualifying, and the new Last Chance Qualifier, there’s a lot still to be decided.

Royal Birkdale will also be the first host of The Open Experiences, which brings in a new range of ticket and hospitality options. The main ticket ballot has closed, but there are still other ways for fans to attend through those packages.

So if you’re already looking ahead to this summer’s biggest golf weeks, The Open Championship 2026 has plenty to get excited about. Royal Birkdale, a full week of action, and the Claret Jug on the line is a very exciting combination.

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