The Open Championship 2026 Royal Birkdale Guide: Schedule, Players to Watch & How to Stream
The Open Championship 2026 returns to Royal Birkdale Golf Club from July 16–19, featuring the world's best players competing on one of England's most iconic links courses. Scottie Scheffler defends his title against a stacked field including Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Jon Rahm. Coverage will air on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock in the US, and Sky Sports in the UK.
Why Royal Birkdale Matters
Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open Championship ten times — more than almost any other venue on the rota. Located in Southport on England's Lancashire coast, the course has been the stage for some of the championship's most memorable moments since first hosting in 1954.
The club's distinctive art-deco clubhouse overlooks a layout that differs from many links courses: the holes run through valleys between towering sand dunes rather than along exposed ridgelines. This means the course can play differently from hole to hole depending on wind direction, demanding a wide range of shot types.
The last Open at Birkdale in 2017 produced Jordan Spieth's dramatic victory, where he overcame a wild drive on the 13th hole to close out a three-shot win. Before that, Padraig Harrington (2008) and Mark O'Meara (1998) hoisted the Claret Jug on these grounds.
Complete 2026 Schedule
| Date | Event | Coverage Start (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Jul 13 | Practice rounds begin | — |
| Wed, Jul 15 | Final practice / Par-3 exhibition | — |
| Thu, Jul 16 | Round 1 | 1:30 AM |
| Fri, Jul 17 | Round 2 (cut day) | 1:30 AM |
| Sat, Jul 18 | Round 3 (moving day) | 5:00 AM |
| Sun, Jul 19 | Final round | 4:00 AM |
Note that tee times run from early morning to early afternoon local time (BST, UTC+1). East-coast US viewers should expect overnight and early-morning coverage windows, especially for Rounds 1 and 2 when the field is largest.
How to Watch and Stream The Open 2026
Broadcasting arrangements for The Open have expanded significantly in recent years. Here is where to find coverage by region:
- United States: NBC handles weekend coverage, USA Network covers weekday rounds, and Peacock offers streaming for all four days with featured group and hole coverage.
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Golf provides full live coverage. The BBC broadcasts nightly highlights packages.
- Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports carry live coverage.
- International: The R&A's digital platforms offer live streaming options in select markets. Check TheOpen.com for regional broadcast partners.
Players to Watch
Scottie Scheffler (Defending Champion)
Scheffler's 2025 Open victory cemented his status as the dominant force in men's golf. His ball-striking precision is ideally suited to links golf, where controlling trajectory in the wind separates contenders from pretenders. He enters as the world number one and the clear betting favorite.
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy's quest for a fifth major — and a second Claret Jug after his 2014 triumph at Hoylake — remains one of golf's most compelling storylines. His length off the tee is a weapon at Birkdale's par-5s, and he thrives in British weather conditions having grown up in Northern Ireland.
Xander Schauffele
After breaking through with major victories in 2024 and 2025, Schauffele has the game and the composure to contend anywhere. His scrambling ability around the greens will be crucial on Birkdale's firm, fast surfaces.
Jon Rahm
Rahm's power and creativity make him a perpetual contender at The Open. His ability to manufacture shots in windy conditions is a genuine advantage on links courses, and he'll be motivated to add to his major collection.
Other Contenders
Keep an eye on Collin Morikawa (a proven links performer after his 2021 Open win), Ludvig Aberg (whose length and precision continue to improve), and Tommy Fleetwood, a local hero from nearby Southport who will have the crowd firmly behind him.
Course Layout Highlights
Royal Birkdale plays as a par 70 at approximately 7,156 yards for The Open Championship. Here are the holes that will likely decide the outcome:
- 1st Hole (par 4, 449 yards): A demanding opener that runs through a valley. Finding the fairway is essential as the dunes swallow errant tee shots.
- 6th Hole (par 4, 499 yards): One of the toughest holes on the course, requiring a long, accurate approach to a well-protected green.
- 12th Hole (par 3, 183 yards): The signature par-3, where the green sits in a natural amphitheater of dunes. Club selection changes dramatically with the wind.
- 15th Hole (par 5, 544 yards): A reachable par-5 that offers birdie chances but punishes aggression with deep greenside bunkers.
- 17th Hole (par 5, 567 yards): The longer par-5 where players must decide whether to lay up or attack the green in two. Position off the tee dictates everything.
- 18th Hole (par 4, 473 yards): A fitting closer that demands one final accurate drive and a precise approach to the green below the clubhouse.
Recent Open Championship Venues Compared
| Year | Venue | Par | Winner | Winning Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Royal Portrush | 71 | Scottie Scheffler | -13 |
| 2024 | Royal Troon | 71 | Xander Schauffele | -9 |
| 2023 | Royal Liverpool | 72 | Brian Harman | -13 |
| 2022 | St Andrews | 72 | Cameron Smith | -20 |
| 2017 | Royal Birkdale | 70 | Jordan Spieth | -12 |
Ticket Information
Tickets for The Open 2026 are available through the official website at TheOpen.com. Here is a general pricing breakdown:
- Practice rounds (Mon–Wed): £80–£100 per day
- Championship rounds (Thu–Sun): £95–£125 per day
- Season tickets (all 4 championship days): £350–£450
- Hospitality packages: Starting from £500 per day
- Under-16s: Free with a paying adult (limited to 4 per adult)
Demand is high for Birkdale, so early booking is strongly recommended. The R&A operates a ballot system for the most popular days, with successful applicants notified by email.
Weather Considerations for Spectators
July on the Lancashire coast brings changeable weather. Average temperatures range from 15–19°C (59–66°F), but wind chill can make it feel colder, especially near the coast. Rain showers are common — pack waterproof layers and windproof outerwear regardless of the forecast.
Key packing essentials for attending The Open at Birkdale:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Layered clothing (conditions shift throughout the day)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (the course is hilly)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (the sun does appear)
- A small foldable seat or cushion for sitting on dunes
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Open Championship 2026?
The Open Championship 2026 takes place from July 16–19, 2026, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.
Where is The Open 2026 being held?
The 2026 Open Championship is being held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, located in Southport, Merseyside, on England's northwest coast.
How can I watch The Open Championship 2026?
In the US, coverage will be on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock streaming. In the UK, Sky Sports holds broadcast rights with highlights on the BBC. International viewers can access coverage through The Open's official streaming platforms.
Who is the defending champion at The Open 2026?
Scottie Scheffler enters as the defending champion, having won the 2025 Open Championship. He'll be among the top favorites again at Royal Birkdale.
How much are tickets for The Open 2026?
General admission tickets typically range from £80–£100 for practice rounds and £95–£125 for championship rounds. Hospitality packages start around £500. Tickets are available through TheOpen.com.
What is the par at Royal Birkdale?
Royal Birkdale is a par-70 links course measuring approximately 7,156 yards. It features tight fairways bordered by towering sand dunes and requires precise shot-making in often windy conditions.
What is the weather typically like during The Open at Royal Birkdale?
July weather at Royal Birkdale averages 15–19°C (59–66°F) with frequent wind off the Irish Sea. Rain is common, so waterproof gear is essential for spectators. Morning tee times often face calmer conditions than afternoon rounds.