The Open Championship 2026 is set to return to the prestigious Royal Birkdale Golf Club, promising a week of unparalleled golfing drama and excitement. As one of golf’s four major championships, The Open attracts thousands of spectators eager to witness history in the making. This guide provides essential information for planning your visit. It covers everything from securing The Open tickets to understanding the golf championship bag policy and navigating transport options from key cities like Liverpool and Manchester. Get ready to experience the 154th Open in style!
The 154th Open: Dates and Venue
The Open Championship 2026, officially known as the 154th Open, will be held from July 12th to July 19th, 2026, at the renowned Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Merseyside, England. The Championship Days, when the world’s best golfers compete for the coveted Claret Jug, will run from Thursday, July 16th, to Sunday, July 19th. Prior to this, fans can attend Practice Days from Sunday, July 12th, to Wednesday, July 15th. It offers unique opportunities to see players up close and enjoy special events.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Official Name | The 154th Open Championship (The Open 2026) |
| Location | Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Merseyside, England |
| Full Event Dates | Sunday, July 12 – Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Practice Days | Sunday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (Opportunities to see players up close and enjoy special events) |
| Championship Days | Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19, 2026 (The official tournament rounds for the Claret Jug) |
Royal Birkdale is celebrated for its challenging links course, winding through towering sand dunes that provide a dramatic backdrop to the action. This will be the 11th time Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open, solidifying its status as a true test of championship golf.
Securing Your Spot: The Open Tickets
Attending a golf major like The Open is a bucket-list experience for many. While the initial ticket ballot for The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale has already closed, there are still ways to secure your place. General Admission tickets for the Championship Days are currently sold out, but fans can explore other options:
•Ticket Plus: Offers access to Links, a specially designed area with a festival atmosphere at the heart of The Open.
•Hospitality Packages: Provide an elevated experience with inclusive dining, drinks, and prime viewing locations.
•Destination Packages: Combine The Open tickets with accommodation, offering a convenient way to plan your trip.
•Practice Day Tickets: General admission tickets for the Practice Days are often available. It allows you to soak in the atmosphere and see the players prepare.
•Ticket Resale Platform: One Club members may have access to a ticket resale platform for face-value purchases closer to the event.
It’s advisable to check the official Open website regularly for the latest availability and information on how to purchase tickets.
Navigating the Course: Golf Championship Bag Policy
To ensure a smooth and secure experience for all attendees, The Open Championship enforces a specific venue bag policy. It’s crucial to be aware of these regulations before you arrive at Royal Birkdale.
Championship officials generally permit small bags and rucksacks into the grounds, but security staff will search them upon entry. However, they do not allow oversized bags inside the venue. This policy is standard for major sporting events to enhance security and manage crowd flow. If you have larger luggage, such as suitcases or travel bags, you will need to make alternative arrangements. A cloakroom service may be available for Experience ticket holders, but it’s not guaranteed for all attendees and is typically for smaller items.
This strict golf championship bag policy means that if you’re traveling directly to the course from a train station or accommodation with luggage, you’ll need a secure place to store it. This is where services like Radical Storage become invaluable.
Getting There: Transport to Royal Birkdale
Royal Birkdale is well-connected, making travel to The Open Championship 2026 relatively straightforward. The nearest train station to the golf course is Hillside Station, which is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the main spectator entrance.
Public Transport Options to Royal Birkdale
| Origin | Route | Details |
| Liverpool | Merseyrail Northern Line | Frequent services from Liverpool Central or Moorfields directly to Hillside Station. Journey time is approximately 40–50 minutes. |
| Manchester | Train to Liverpool or Southport | Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street or Southport. Connect to the Merseyrail Northern Line toward Hillside Station. Total journey time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| Local Buses | Various routes | Local bus services operate in the Southport area, connecting to Royal Birkdale. Check local transport providers for specific routes closer to the tournament. |
| Further Afield | Major Transport Hubs | Both Liverpool and Manchester offer extensive rail networks and international airports, making them excellent starting points for long-distance travelers. |
For those traveling from further afield, both Liverpool and Manchester offer major transport hubs with extensive rail networks and international airports. That’s what makes them excellent starting points for your journey to The Open.
Where to Stay for The Open
Choosing where to stay for The Open is an important part of planning your trip. Southport, the home of Royal Birkdale, offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses. However, due to the popularity of the event, these can book up quickly and become more expensive.
Many spectators opt to stay in nearby cities like Liverpool or Manchester. Both cities offer a wider array of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options, along with excellent transport links to Royal Birkdale. Staying in these larger cities can also provide a more diverse experience beyond the golf course.
When considering where to stay for The Open, factor in your budget, preferred amenities, and ease of access to public transport. Doing this ensures a comfortable and convenient base for your championship visit.
Travel Light: Luggage Storage Solutions with Radical Storage
With the strict golf championship bag policy at Royal Birkdale and the potential for travel with luggage, finding secure and convenient storage is essential. Radical Storage offers an ideal solution for luggage storage Liverpool and luggage storage Manchester, as well as in Southport and other key locations.
Our network of trusted partners, often local shops and hotels, provides safe and affordable spots to store your bags for a few hours or several days. This means you can arrive at Hillside Station, drop off your bags, and head straight to Royal Birkdale without any hassle. Similarly, if you’re exploring Liverpool or Manchester before or after the tournament, you can enjoy the cities hands-free.
Why Choose Radical Storage for The Open Championship 2026?
| Feature | Benefit for The Open Attendees |
| Affordable Flat Rate | Just €5 per bag, per day, with no size or weight restrictions. Perfect for any golf equipment or travel bags. |
| Security Guarantee | Every item is covered by a guarantee of up to €3,000, offering peace of mind. |
| Convenient Locations | Numerous “Angel” locations near major train station hubs in Liverpool and Manchester, as well as closer to Southport. |
| Easy Online Booking | Book your spot in minutes via our app or website, ensuring a seamless experience. |
Final Thoughts
The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale promises to be an unforgettable event for golf fans. By planning ahead, understanding the golf championship bag policy, and utilizing efficient transport from cities like Liverpool and Manchester, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Remember to secure your The Open tickets early and consider where to stay for The Open to make the most of your trip. With convenient luggage storage Liverpool and luggage storage Manchester options from Radical Storage, you can focus entirely on the thrilling action at this prestigious golf major. Get ready for a spectacular week of golf!