![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/0_JS365321161.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThousands of spectators will arrive on Merseyside for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale<\/p>\n
The 154th Open takes place at Royal Birkdale(Image: Chris Condon\/R&A\/R&A\/PGA Tour via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If you’re heading to The Open, the ECHO <\/a>has rounded up everything you need to know including tickets, travel and dress code.<\/p>\n The Open 2026 start date<\/p>\n The 154th Open will take place at Royal Birkdale in Southport<\/a> from Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19 2026.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Open takes place from Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19(Image: Liverpool Echo\/Andrew Teebay)<\/p>\n The Open 2026 gate opening times<\/p>\n Sunday, July 12 – 9am<\/p>\n Monday, July 13 – 7am<\/p>\n Tuesday, July 14- 7am<\/p>\n Wednesday, July 15- 7am<\/p>\n Thursday, July 16- 6am<\/p>\n Friday, July 17- 6am<\/p>\n Saturday, July 18- 7am<\/p>\n Sunday, July 19- 7am<\/p>\n The Open 2026 tickets<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fans can also purchase tickets for the practice days which are taking place from Sunday, July 12 to Wednesday, July 15.<\/p>\n Tickets for Sunday are sold out, but some are still available for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.<\/p>\n Sunday, July 12- SOLD OUT<\/p>\n Monday, July 13- \u00a340 per adult, \u00a320 per youth, junior free<\/p>\n Tuesday, July 14- \u00a350 per adult, \u00a325 per youth, junior free<\/p>\n Wednesday, July 15- \u00a360 per adult, \u00a330 per youth, junior free<\/p>\n The Open 2026 travel<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Public transport<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/0_JS402041860.jpg\")
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