The 154th Open Championship is played from 16 to 19 July 2026 at Royal Birkdale in Southport, Merseyside. Golf’s oldest major and the only one played outside the United States returns to the famous Lancashire links. Below are the dates, the round-by-round schedule, how to watch and ticket information.
Key facts
| Dates | Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 July 2026 |
| Venue | Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Merseyside |
| Edition | 154th Open Championship |
| Course | Links (par 70) |
| Format | 72 holes stroke play, cut after 36 holes |
| Organiser | The R&A |
Schedule
Practice rounds run early in the week, with championship play across four days from Thursday to Sunday.
| Day | Play |
|---|---|
| Monday 13 – Wednesday 15 July | Practice rounds |
| Thursday 16 July | Round 1 |
| Friday 17 July | Round 2 (36-hole cut after play) |
| Saturday 18 July | Round 3 (moving day) |
| Sunday 19 July | Round 4 — final round, the Champion Golfer of the Year is crowned |
How to watch
Tickets
Tickets for The Open are sold by The R&A, usually through a registration and ballot process opening the year before, with daily and weekly options plus hospitality. Under-16s go free with a paying adult. Buy only through TheOpen.com to guarantee valid entry.
Frequently asked questions
When is The Open 2026?
The 154th Open Championship is played from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 July 2026 at Royal Birkdale.
Where is The Open 2026 being held?
At Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Merseyside, on the north-west coast of England — one of the courses on The Open’s rota of links venues.
How can I watch The Open 2026?
In the UK, Sky Sports Golf shows live coverage across all four days with highlights on the BBC. In the US, coverage is on NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel and Peacock.
How do I get tickets for The Open 2026?
Tickets are sold by The R&A via TheOpen.com, usually through a ballot opening the year before. Under-16s go free when accompanied by a paying adult.