Staff WriterRoyal Birkdale will thunder back onto golf’s centre stage from 12–19 July 2026, and the custodians at The R&A have lobbed in a present that’s harder to ignore than a shank on the 1st tee.
The governing body today unwrapped “The Open Experiences,” a smorgasbord of hospitality and travel options designed to let spectators savour every bunker lip and birdie putt on Royal Birkdale’s fabled links.
Early-Bird Access Before the Ticket Ballot
Instead of biting their nails until the public ballot swings open this summer, devotees can now lock down entry with experiences that range from plush lounges overlooking the 15th green to elevated viewing platforms that make even the tallest spectator irrelevant.
It’s the first time The Open has offered guaranteed access this far in advance—and it arrives nine years after Jordan Spieth edged Matt Kuchar in that dramatic 2017 showdown on the same Southport turf.
A Menu of New Ways to Watch
Fans can take their pick:
- Dunes House – an immersive, close-to-the-ropes experience beside the 15th and 16th.
- The Retreat – a luxury hideaway perched over the par-3 7th.
- All-Inclusive Lounges – food, drink and story-swapping in climate-controlled comfort.
- Elevated Viewing Platforms – because seeing over a sea of visors was never this easy.
For those who like their logistics as tidy as a DeChambeau wedge, the R&A is also rolling out Destination Packages—bundling tickets with accommodation and transport in one click.
Later in the year, Open Lodgings will add camping and glamping, so purists can drift off to sleep with the whiff of gorse in their nostrils.
What the R&A Is Saying
“After the announcement this week that this summer’s Championship at Royal Portrush will host record crowds, we are anticipating a continued high level of demand from fans eager to attend The Open next year.
Our new experiences not only offer them a guaranteed place at the Championship, but also unparalleled access to enjoy watching the world’s best golfers compete for the iconic Claret Jug.”
“Following extensive fan surveys and focus groups, we have developed a new range of packages that appeal to both golf enthusiasts wishing to enjoy an unforgettable experience of attending The Open with family and friends, as well as corporate partners wanting to network with clients and entertain them in an iconic setting, whether that is Dunes House, an immersive experience overlooking the 15th green and 16th tee or The Retreat, a luxury hideaway on to the par-3, 7th hole.”
— Brett Tonkyn, Director of Premium Experiences, The R&A
Fueling the Future of the Game
Proceeds from The Open Experiences aren’t just lining marquee tents; they feed a long-term mission.
The R&A has pledged £200 million over the next decade to grow golf worldwide and keep the sport as accessible as a Sunday muni.
That means junior programmes, sustainability projects and support for emerging golf nations all benefit every time a fan orders another crab-and-cucumber canapé.
How to Secure Your Spot at Royal Birkdale
- Choose an Experience – Decide between destination packages, luxury hospitality or day-ticket upgrades.
- Join The One Club – Membership is free and a must for the summer ballot.
- Enter the Ballot (if needed) – Even with experiences selling fast, the traditional ballot opens later this year.
- Mark the Calendar: 12–19 July 2026 – Southport awaits.
With new bells, whistles and the timeless roar of a links gallery, Royal Birkdale is shaping up to deliver golf’s original major in high-definition comfort.
Whether you’re toasting birdies in Dunes House or glamping under Lancashire stars, The Open 2026 promises to be an experience David Feherty might describe as “part carnival, part cathedral, all unforgettable.”
Pack your sunscreen—and maybe a thesaurus for all the superlatives bound to fly.
