Thousands of spectators will arrive on Merseyside for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale
The 154th Open takes place at Royal Birkdale(Image: Chris Condon/R&A/R&A/PGA Tour via Getty Images)
The 154th Open takes place at Royal Birkdale this year, and thousands of people will arrive for one of the most prestigious golf events of the year. Fans from across the world will be planning their journey to the Merseyside town ahead of the event’s start date on Sunday, July 12.
The world’s best players will be arriving in the region to compete for the coveted Claret Jug. Royal Birkdale has been The Open’s most regular venue, other than St Andrews, since it first hosted the tournament in 1954.
Birkdale, located one mile from Southport, is hosting The Open for the 11th time and is the first to host “The Open Experiences”, offering a new range of tickets and experiences for fans.
If you’re heading to The Open, the ECHO has rounded up everything you need to know including tickets, travel and dress code.
The Open 2026 start date
The 154th Open will take place at Royal Birkdale in Southport from Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19 2026.
From Sunday to Wednesday, fans can attend practice days, before the official championship starts on Thursday. It runs across four days, when champion Golfer of the Year will be named on Sunday, July 19.
The Open takes place from Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19(Image: Liverpool Echo/Andrew Teebay)
The Open 2026 gate opening times
Sunday, July 12 – 9am
Monday, July 13 – 7am
Tuesday, July 14- 7am
Wednesday, July 15- 7am
Thursday, July 16- 6am
Friday, July 17- 6am
Saturday, July 18- 7am
Sunday, July 19- 7am
The Open 2026 tickets
General Admission tickets are sold out across all Championship days. You can still purchase hospitality tickets including premium, platinum and signature options, as well as inclusive accommodation packages.
There are also advanced “Ticket Plus” options. These are sold out on Friday and Sunday, but you can join the waiting list by emailing experiences@TheOpen.com.
Fans can also purchase tickets for the practice days which are taking place from Sunday, July 12 to Wednesday, July 15.
Tickets for Sunday are sold out, but some are still available for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sunday, July 12- SOLD OUT
Monday, July 13- £40 per adult, £20 per youth, junior free
Tuesday, July 14- £50 per adult, £25 per youth, junior free
Wednesday, July 15- £60 per adult, £30 per youth, junior free
The Open 2026 travel
Thousands of fans are expected to attend The Open throughout the week. The R&A recommends spectators to use public transport, as there is no public car parking available.
Public transport
Rail services will be significantly enhanced during The Open, with increased frequency and capacity on key routes. Hillside station is the closest to Royal Birkdale, located just 300m, approximately a four minute walk, from the main public entrance to The Open.
Merseyrail services to and from Hillside will operate on a 10-minute frequency at peak times, with easy connections from Northern Rail services at Southport and other National Rail services at Liverpool. Trains are expected to be busier than usual during The Open.
By road
There will be no public car parking at Royal Birkdale or in the immediate surrounding area. All public parking will be located at The Open Park and Ride facilities, where dedicated buses will be available to transport spectators to the course.
Spectators choosing to travel to the event by car or motorcycle will be directed to The Open Park & Ride sites by Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) and specific black and yellow event signs provided by The AA.
The Open 2026 dress code
There is no dress code in public areas. According to the R&A, clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions should be worn.