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The best golfers in the world are descending on Southport for the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale for the four-day tournament.
Staged at the historic Merseyside venue for the 11th time, this year’s Open promises a fiercely competitive field, with a course layout that has undergone some major updates since the Claret Jug was last lifted there.
Whether you are heading to the green or watching from your living room, here is everything you need to know:
The Schedule: Key Dates & Times
The Open takes place across a full week, with practice sessions taking place at the beginning and finishing off with four intense rounds of championship golf.
Sunday 12 July – Wednesday 15 July: Practice Days.
Thursday 16 July: Round 1 of Championship play.
Friday 17 July: Round 2 – The 36-hole cut takes place, reducing the field for the weekend
Saturday 18 July: Round 3 – Universally known as “Moving Day” because it’s typically when players shoot for low scores to move up the leaderboard into contention for the final round.
Sunday 19 July: Round 4 – The final round, concluding with the crowning of the Champion Golfer of the Year.
USA’s Jordan Spieth won The Open Championship in 2017 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Credit: PA Images
What’s new at Royal Birkdale?
First hosting The Open in 1954, Royal Birkdale is widely regarded as one of the fairest yet most “unforgiving” links courses in the world because of its terrain of natural sand dunes.
The course offers spectators incredible views but leaves players zero room for error if the coastal winds pick up.
However, competitors will face a whole new challenge this year as significant course updates have taken place across the course.
According to organisers, five changes will test world class field at The 154th Open, including:
The 5th Hole (New Par-4): Roughly in same location as before but it has been redesigned so the green is now fully visible from the tee – unlike the blind shot in 2017. It is heavily guarded by bunkers.
The 7th Hole (Redesigned Par-3): The shortest hole on the course now features a raised green surrounded by steep run-offs and the deepest bunkers on the course. The so-called “donut bunker” has been updated.
The 14th Hole (Redesigned Par-5): Built on what was previously the 15th hole, this long par-5 demands “extreme precision” because it is built with bunkers on both sides, while the green itself is small.
The 15th Hole (New Par-3): Located on the site of the old 14th, this is now the longest par-3 on the course. Despite having the largest green at Royal Birkdale, a narrow entrance makes it look deceptively small. It typically plays downwind, making it difficult to stop the ball on a green that runs from front to back.
The 18th Hole (Altered Par-4): The tee box has been moved significantly to the left, changing the hole from a dog-leg into a straight shot toward the clubhouse.
Who to watch
The last time The Open was held at Birkdale was in 2017, with US golfer Jordan Spieth winning a final-round duel. He will be looking to recapture that day when he competes in this year’s tournament.
2024 Champion Xander Schauffele, from the US, will also look to pick up the trophy, alongside Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, and Tommy Fleetwood, who will likely have the loudest backing from his hometown crowds.
Local lad Tommy Fleetwood during 2017’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Credit: PA Images
How do I get there?
Taking the train is the primary recommended method of travel for the tournament.
The Closest Station to The Open is Hillside Station on the Merseyrail Northern Line. It is just a 4-to-5 minute walk from the main entrance.
Merseyrail is operating an enhanced timetable. Trains between Liverpool Central/Moorfields and Hillside (as well as Southport and Hillside) will run every 20 minutes, increasing to a 10-minute frequency during peak times.
If arriving via National Rail into Liverpool Lime Street, it is a short work to nearby Liverpool Central or Moorfields stations to catch the Northern Line to Hillside.
If travelling from Manchester or Wigan via Northern Rail, spectators can connect at Southport station.
Seats cannot be reserved on Merseyrail so, to avoid queues at the ticket machines, spectators are strongly advised to use the “Tap & Go” system at the start and end of journeys for the cheapest fare.
Driving and Park & Ride
There is absolutely no public parking at Royal Birkdale or the immediate surrounding residential streets. A strict Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is in place, and illegally parked cars will be ticketed.
The Open has organised two dedicated Park & Ride sites. You can park your car at these locations and take a dedicated shuttle bus directly to the course.
Local Buses
Cycling or walking
If you live nearby or are staying locally in Southport, walking or cycling is recommended to beat the traffic.
There will be free bicycle parking near the main spectator entrance.
USA’s Jordan Spieth at The Open Championship 2017 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Credit: PA Images
Can I bring a bag?
Organisers ask spectators to keep in mind that Royal Birkdale has a strict bag policy.
Large suitcases and travel bags are not permitted, so you will need to utilise local luggage storage options if you are coming straight from the airport or a long-distance train.
How to follow the action
If you missed out on the ticket ballot, you can enjoy the open through the official Open App.
You can also watch every single tee shot throughout the week on Sky Sports, while The Open Radio will provide commentary from the Southport dunes.
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