The Open Championship 2026 takes place from 16 to 19 July at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport (England), for the 154th edition of the world’s oldest major. General Admission championship tickets are sold out (ballot closed July 2025), but Ticket Plus options (£160–300), Practice Days (£30–50) and hospitality packages remain available. Visitors from outside the UK and Ireland will need a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter Great Britain. From London Euston, the journey to Hillside station takes around 2h30 via Avanti West Coast and Merseyrail — a 5-minute walk from the entrance.
In July 2026, Royal Birkdale becomes the centre of the golf world once again. Eleven times this Lancashire links has hosted The Open Championship — a record no course outside St Andrews can match. But this 154th edition carries a particularly charged narrative: Rory McIlroy, Masters champion in April 2026, arrives at Southport with an historic chance to complete the calendar Grand Slam, an achievement only Ben Hogan has pulled off, back in 1953. For golf fans planning the trip, the logistics require careful planning: transport, sold-out accommodation and — for international visitors — the UK ETA. This guide covers everything you need to be there.
Royal Birkdale: eleven Opens and a course rebuilt for 2026
A links in the dunes of Merseyside
Founded in 1889, Royal Birkdale received its « Royal » designation in 1951. Its 1935 Art Deco clubhouse, evoking an ocean liner, has become one of the most recognisable images in British golf. The design philosophy — holes in the valleys, not over the dunes — creates natural amphitheatres along each hole, giving spectators clear sightlines without having to scramble up the sandhills. According to Wikipedia, the course consistently ranks in the world top 10 links.
The roll-call of champions at Birkdale speaks for itself: Arnold Palmer (1961), Lee Trevino (1971), Tom Watson (1983), Padraig Harrington (2008), Jordan Spieth (2017). During that last Open, Branden Grace carded a 62 in the third round — the first 62 in major championship history. And Jordan Spieth’s drop on the 13th hole, from the practice area, remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent golf.
For 2026, according to National Club Golfer, architect Tom Mackenzie (Mackenzie & Ebert) has substantially reworked five holes: the 5th completely redesigned, the 7th with a new elevated green, the 15th transformed into a fresh par-3, and the 18th tee repositioned to bring bunkers back into play for modern drivers. The original 147 bunkers have been cut to 108, removing those that unfairly penalised shorter hitters. Birkdale in 2026 is not the course Spieth won on.
Course highlights
- Eleven Open Championships (record outside St Andrews), returning in 2026
- Natural valley amphitheatres between the dunes — exceptional spectator sightlines
- 2025–2026 renovation by Mackenzie & Ebert — five holes transformed
- Historic record: Branden Grace’s 62 in 2017 (first 62 in major championship history)
Rory McIlroy and the calendar Grand Slam
For anyone who needs the full context: Rory McIlroy won the 2026 Masters in April, adding that title to a collection that already includes The Open Championship 2014 (at Hoylake, just down the road in the same county). According to masters.com, McIlroy becomes one of only a handful of players to have won all four majors during their career.
If McIlroy lifts the Claret Jug at Birkdale, he would complete the calendar Grand Slam (all four majors in the same year) — an achievement accomplished only once in modern men’s golf, by Ben Hogan in 1953. McIlroy’s odds at BetMGM sit around +700, making him a favourite but no certainty. His main rival: Scottie Scheffler, world number one and the bookmakers’ overall pick.
The emotional connection with Birkdale is strong. McIlroy has spoken about feeling at home on Irish-style links, and Merseyside’s coastal holes are as close to home turf as it gets for him. The narrative around The Open 2026 is as rich as any in recent memory, which explains the unprecedented spectator demand — National Rail is forecasting 300,000 visitors across the week.
Getting tickets for The Open 2026: what’s still available
Ticket Plus: the premium alternative to sold-out GA
The Ticket Plus gives access to « Links », a private festival zone with an elevated viewing platform over the par-3 4th hole, covered and outdoor seating, large broadcast screens, a £25 food voucher redeemable at selected food trucks, and a private bar. According to theopen.com, prices range from £160 (Thursday) to £300 (Sunday). Note: Friday and Sunday are sold out — a waiting list may be possible via [email protected] or +44 (0) 1334 460090.
Ticket Plus highlights
- Full course access like a standard GA ticket, plus the premium « Links » zone
- £25 food voucher included (fish & chips, British gastropub fare)
- Covered seating — essential on the Lancashire coast in July
- Large screens in the Links zone to follow the whole leaderboard
Practice Days (12–15 July): the best value tickets left
The 2026 Practice Days introduce a new themed format for each day. According to theopen.com: Sunday « The Opening » (course access + live Wimbledon broadcast), Monday « The Dream » (Last-Chance Qualifier live on course), Tuesday « The Inspiration » (Heroes Classic with Jordan Spieth, Padraig Harrington and former champions), Wednesday « The Eve » (Open Preview Show, final practice). For families, the « Kids Go Free » policy applies to both Practice Days and championship days: under-16s enter free with a paying adult (maximum 3 children per adult).
Practice Days highlights
- £30–50 vs £160+ for a championship day — ideal budget option for families
- Up-close access to players at the putting green and on the fairways
- Heroes Classic on Tuesday 14 July: Spieth, Harrington and guest champions
- Last-Chance Qualifier on Monday 13: one spot in the full field up for grabs
Summary of options still available
| Option | Indicative price | Availability | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA Championship Tickets | — | Sold out | Ballot closed July 2025 |
| Practice Days GA | £30–50 / day | Available | Course access + Spectator Village |
| Ticket Plus Practice | £125–135 | Available | GA + Links premium zone |
| Ticket Plus Championship | £160–300 | Thursday/Saturday only | GA + Links zone + £25 food voucher |
| Hospitality Premium | £400–1,020 / day | Selected days | Dunes House lounge, meals, bar |
| Hospitality Platinum | £1,410–1,560 / day | Selected days | All-inclusive, prime viewing |
| Destination Package | From £845 / person | Check availability | Ticket + accommodation + transport |
| Camping Village | £736–946 (3–4 nights) | Check availability | Erected tent + shuttle + pitch |
Getting to Royal Birkdale: travel options and the UK ETA for international visitors
UK ETA: required for overseas visitors (not UK or Irish citizens)
Since 25 February 2026, all visitors from EU/EEA countries, the US, Canada, Australia and most other nationalities require a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. According to gov.uk/eta, the « No Permission, No Travel » policy is enforced at check-in: without an ETA, you’ll be refused boarding on any flight, ferry or Eurostar, with no on-the-spot fix. Cost: £20, valid for 2 years, multiple trips. Apply via the official « UK ETA » app (iOS/Android) or at gov.uk/eta. Decisions usually come through in minutes. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Key ETA facts
- Required for most overseas visitors (EU, US, Canada, Australia) since 25 February 2026
- Valid 2 years / multiple entries / up to 6 months per stay
- Apply only on gov.uk/eta or the official app — avoid third-party sites charging inflated fees
- ETA is linked to your passport (must be a valid passport, not a national ID card)
From London: Avanti West Coast + Merseyrail, the winning combination
The most comfortable journey from London runs entirely by train. According to Merseyrail and National Rail, the recommended route is:
- London Euston → Liverpool Lime Street: Avanti West Coast, ~2h15 (⚠ reduced service Sat–Sun 18–19 July)
- Liverpool Lime Street → Liverpool Central: 10-minute walk through the city centre
- Liverpool Central → Hillside station: Merseyrail Northern Line, ~40 min, every 10–15 minutes (enhanced Open week service)
- Hillside station → spectator entrance: 5-minute walk. Hillside is fully step-free accessible (lifts available).
- Tip: buy your Merseyrail day return in advance via the Merseyrail app for the best price; ticket offices can get busy during Open week.
From Edinburgh or Glasgow: take the West Coast Main Line to Liverpool Lime Street (approx. 2h45–3h from Edinburgh), then Merseyrail as above. From Manchester: Manchester Piccadilly → Liverpool Lime Street (50 min), then Merseyrail. By air: flights to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), ~45 min from Liverpool Central by bus or taxi; or Manchester Airport (MAN) — Northern Rail via Manchester Victoria → Southport (~1h30). For flight options, see our guide to visiting the UK. If you’re extending your stay in Liverpool, check out our Liverpool city guide.
Where to stay for The Open 2026: an extremely tight market
According to SouthportGuide, accommodation in Birkdale village and Southport town centre has been almost fully booked for months. Four-bedroom properties are fetching up to £10,000 for the week; seven-plus bedrooms up to £20,000. Here are the zones still worth checking at time of writing:
| Area | Distance from Royal Birkdale | Indicative price | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkdale Village | 10-min walk | £200+ / night | Open atmosphere, restaurants |
| Southport town centre | Shuttle/taxi 10 min | £100–160 / night | Lord Street, transport links |
| Formby | 20 min by car | £80–120 / night | Quiet, better availability |
| Ormskirk | 30 min by car | £60–100 / night | Good value for money |
| Liverpool | 45–60 min Merseyrail | £80–140 / night | Wide choice, Beatles bonus |
| Manchester | 1h30 by train | £70–130 / night | Best value, great selection |
| Camping Village Victoria Park | Shuttle included | £736–946 (3–4 nights) | Golf atmosphere, all-inclusive |
On the course: rules, best vantage points and practical tips
The Open Championship enforces strict spectator etiquette. Here are the essentials according to the official spectator guide:
- Phone on silent at all times. Photos are allowed (silent shutter, max 300mm lens, no flash, non-commercial use only). Video of play: strictly prohibited.
- Folding chairs and loungers: not permitted. Shooting sticks (seat sticks) are allowed.
- No glassware, no alcohol brought from outside. Cashless site. Outside food is permitted (no alcohol).
- Re-entry allowed with official wristband + valid ticket.
- Free Wi-Fi in grandstands and the Spectator Village. The Open app (iOS/Android) provides the live leaderboard, ball tracker and real-time weather.
The best vantage points
- 18th green: the final grandstands deliver the most intense atmosphere, especially on Sunday’s closing holes
- 7th green (new elevated par-3): panoramic views from the dunes, less crowded than the 18th
- Dunes between holes 14–15: a naturally elevated position with views over several holes simultaneously
- 1st tee in the morning: a unique atmosphere — watch every group tee off from the first hour
Southport and surroundings: what to do before and after the golf
Southport: the Victorian seaside resort of England’s Golf Coast
Southport is a Victorian seaside town known for Lord Street (boutiques, award-winning cafés, live music bars), Marine Lake (pedalo, boating, mini-golf, Southport Model Railway Village) and its title of « England’s Golf Coast » — 14 championship courses within 20 km, including Hillside Golf Club right next door to Royal Birkdale (green fees £75–110) and Southport & Ainsdale (host of the Ryder Cup in 1933 and 1937).
Worth noting: Southport Pier (the second-longest pier in England at 1,108 metres) is currently closed for renovation — reopening expected mid-2027. Don’t include it in your July 2026 plans. The Formby National Trust reserve (8 km away), however, is one of the last strongholds of the red squirrel in England — a popular detour for families (accessible by Merseyrail from Liverpool).
Activity ideas in the area
- Liverpool Beatles Story (Royal Albert Dock): the world’s largest Beatles exhibition — perfect combination with Merseyrail
- Formby National Trust: red squirrel reserve, pine dunes, coastal paths (Merseyrail + 40-min walk or bus)
- Ainsdale Beach (Blue Flag): kite flying, kitesurfing, free bike hire from Ainsdale Discovery Centre in summer
- Hillside Golf Club: right next to Royal Birkdale, green fees £75–110 — widely considered England’s finest links never to have hosted The Open
- Lord Street: cocktails at the Bold Hotel, lunch at The Swan Birkdale, dinner (book months ahead) at Bistrot Vérité (French cuisine, Harden’s Best UK 2026)
Budget guide for a championship day
Based on aggregated data from SouthportGuide, Merseyrail and theopen.com, here’s a per-person estimate for a full championship day:
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket (Ticket Plus Thursday) | £160–175 | £160–300 |
| Accommodation (Liverpool base) | £40–70 / night (shared room) | £90–140 / night |
| Transport Liverpool → Hillside return | £10–15 | £10–15 |
| Food on site | £15–25 | £30–50 |
| Dinner Birkdale/Southport | £20–35 | £50–100 |
| Total for the day (excluding international travel) | ~£245–320 | ~£340–605 |
For a Practice Day, the total drops to around £65–85 per person (£30–50 ticket + £15 return train + £20 food) — a very accessible option for families, as under-16s enter free.
Practical information: eSIM and travel insurance
Skip roaming charges entirely. A UK eSIM gives you local network access from the moment you land — live leaderboard on The Open app, navigation to Hillside station, sharing shots from the 18th green.
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From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently asked questions
Are there still tickets available for The Open 2026?
General Admission tickets for championship days (16–19 July) are completely sold out — the ballot closed in July 2025. Options still available include: Practice Days (£30–50, 12–15 July), Ticket Plus Championship for selected days (£160–300, mainly Thursday and Saturday), Premium hospitality packages (from £400/day), Destination Packages (ticket + accommodation, from £845/person) and the Camping Village at Victoria Park. Official face-value resale is available exclusively through the One Club platform (free membership). Avoid Viagogo and StubHub: tickets purchased there may be cancelled by The R&A. Source: theopen.com.
Do international visitors need a visa or ETA to attend The Open in the UK?
British and Irish citizens need nothing. Most other nationalities — including EU/EEA citizens, Americans, Canadians and Australians — require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) since 25 February 2026. Cost: £20, valid 2 years, multiple trips. Apply only at gov.uk/eta or the official « UK ETA » app (iOS/Android). Without an ETA, boarding will be refused on any flight, ferry or Eurostar — no on-the-spot fix. A valid passport is required (national ID cards are not accepted in the UK).
How do I get to Royal Birkdale from London by train?
The most straightforward train route from London: London Euston → Liverpool Lime Street with Avanti West Coast (~2h15), then Merseyrail Northern Line from Liverpool Central → Hillside station (40 min). Hillside is a 5-minute walk from the Royal Birkdale spectator entrance. Enhanced Merseyrail services (every 10 minutes at peak times) are planned throughout Open week. Note: the Avanti West Coast service is reduced on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July — plan ahead for the final rounds. Source: Merseyrail.
Can children attend The Open for free?
Yes — the « Kids Go Free » policy means under-16s enter free with a paying adult, on both Practice Days and championship days. Maximum 3 children per adult. The child must be under 16 on 11 July 2026. Young people aged 16 to 24 benefit from half-price tickets. For families, Practice Days (£30–50 for the adult) offer the most affordable way to experience the Open atmosphere without championship-day pricing. Source: theopen.com spectator guide.
What’s the weather like in Southport in July?
July in Southport averages around 17°C with roughly 129 hours of sunshine a month, but the Lancashire coast is exposed to Irish Sea winds — gusts of up to 40 mph are possible (as seen at The Open 2017). Pack: a compact waterproof jacket, thermal layers and waterproof walking shoes. Don’t rely on town shoes. July is one of the better months, but rain can arrive without warning, and wind can make a day feel cold even in bright sunshine.
Can you film or take photos at The Open?
Photography is permitted under these rules: silent shutter required, maximum 300mm lens, no flash, non-commercial use only. Video of play is strictly prohibited at all times. Selfie sticks, tripods and drones are all banned. Your phone must stay on silent on the course at all times. Professional and commercial recording requires press accreditation from The R&A. Source: theopen.com spectator guide.
Sources
- The Open — 154th Open at Royal Birkdale — official programme, confirmed dates
- The Open — Ticket Prices 2026 — official prices ex-VAT
- The Open — Ticket Plus 2026 — Links zone details
- The Open — Practice Days Royal Birkdale — daily programme
- The Open — Spectator Guide — etiquette rules
- Royal Birkdale Golf Club — Wikipedia — history and champions
- 2026 Open Championship — Wikipedia — general data
- National Club Golfer — Royal Birkdale renovations — detail of the five modified holes
- Merseyrail — Plan your travel to The Open — timetables and enhanced services
- National Rail — The Open at Royal Birkdale — visitor numbers and transport data
- GOV.UK — UK ETA — official ETA application
- SouthportGuide — The Open 2026 — comprehensive local guide
- SouthportGuide — Accommodation for The Open 2026 — prices and zones
- VisitSouthport — official local tourism site
- National Trust — Formby — red squirrel reserve
- Masters.com — McIlroy Masters 2026 — victory and Grand Slam context
- Golf Business News — Royal Birkdale renovation — official Mackenzie & Ebert announcements
- Sportskeeda — Camping Village The Open 2026 — prices and availability
Research conducted on 22 June 2026. Availability and prices subject to change — verify on theopen.com before any purchase.
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