Staff WriterThe 154th Open at Royal Birkdale is already shaping up to be a showstopper, and we’re still a year out from the opening tee shot.
As the ticket ballot officially opens, The R&A has pulled a few aces from its sleeve to ensure that golf’s original Championship is more than just a battle for the Claret Jug—it’s a full-blown celebration of the game’s storied past and evolving future.
Let’s start with a bit of theatre: The Last-Chance Qualifier, a new addition to The 154th Open festivities, will tee off on Monday 13 July. Think of it as golf’s version of sudden death, where up to 12 hopefuls face off over 18 holes on the wind-lashed links of Southport to claim the final golden ticket into the main draw. It’s raw, it’s dramatic, and it’s a reminder that at The Open, dreams really can be decided by a single putt.
Then there’s the Heroes Classic on Tuesday 14 July, a short-format bash featuring past champions and a few carefully selected luminaries.
This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a proper nod to the traditions that make The Open more than just a tournament. It’s golf’s time capsule, shaken not stirred.
“The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and recognised worldwide for the special atmosphere generated by the tens of thousands of fans who attend the Championship each year,” said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A.
“We have asked them how we can make their experience of attending The Open even more enjoyable and they have been clear—they want more live golf, more opportunities to engage with the traditions of golf’s original championship and more activities onsite to watch, listen and play.”
In response, The R&A is turning Royal Birkdale into a golf lover’s playground for the week. Starting with the opening Sunday, fans can expect live screenings of the men’s Wimbledon final and the Genesis Scottish Open’s closing round in the spectator village—a clever way to get the heart rate going before the real business begins.
By Wednesday, 15 July, all eyes will turn to The Open Preview Show, setting the stage for what promises to be a vintage Championship.
Darbon added, “We have introduced new features which we believe will elevate The Open for fans, particularly on the days leading up to the Championship, providing a memorable experience of attending Royal Birkdale with friends and family next year.”
That experience, however, begins with a ticket—and this year, demand is expected to be as fierce as a Birkdale bunker in a crosswind. Last year, a staggering 1.2 million applications flooded in, and if you’re looking to avoid another summer of regret, get your name in before the ballot closes on 25 July.
The ticket ballot is exclusive to members of The One Club, the R&A’s free-to-join digital clubhouse presented by Mastercard. And here’s a tip: you’ll increase your odds if you don’t just shoot for the Championship rounds—include the lead-in days as well.
Ticket prices for The 154th Open start at £30 for the opening Sunday and climb to £150 for the final day—when history will be made and the Champion Golfer of the Year hoists that gleaming Claret Jug for the world to see.
True to form, The R&A is keeping the gates open for the next generation of golf fans. Kids go free (yes, free) thanks to their longstanding “Kids go Free” initiative, and half-price tickets are available for 16–24-year-olds. Both offers are accessible only via the ballot, so don’t dawdle.
And if you’re looking to turn your Open experience into a proper pilgrimage, The R&A is offering Destination Packages for the first time ever—ticket-inclusive accommodation and travel bundles that guarantee entry and eliminate the hassle. Prefer something posh?
A new line of premium experiences, from ticket-plus options to all-singing, all-dining hospitality, is available for purchase now.
In the end, The 154th Open isn’t just a golf tournament. It’s a gathering of past, present, and future—with a few extra bells and bagpipes thrown in.
Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of links golf or just in it for the spectacle, Royal Birkdale next July will have something for everyone.
To apply for tickets or learn more, visit TheOpen.com.
