Opening Golf to the World
The Open returns to Royal Birkdale from 12 to 19 July 2026.
As golf’s original Championship, played since 1860, it remains the sport’s most international major with qualifying events on every continent. By staging this world-class championship, The R&A aims to inspire players and fans of all generations, continuing our mission to open golf to the world. For one week each year, the pursuit of the famous Claret Jug is the focus of the sporting world, followed globally by millions of fans. Scottie Scheffler is 2025 Champion Golfer after a dominant performance in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.The 154th Open Field
Discover the full line-up of competitors set to contest The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.
View a list of the elite golfers who have secured their places in golf’s original Championship through rigorous global qualification paths and historic exemption categories.From defending champion Scottie Scheffler and the world's top-ranked professionals to elite international amateurs and qualifiers from every continent, the field represents a true global showcase of talent.
View player profiles and exemption criteria that earned each competitor a coveted tee time on the iconic Southport links.
Last-Chance Qualifier
The inaugural Last-Chance Qualifier - taking place at Royal Birkdale on Monday 13 July - offers another route into The Open.
This 18-hole stroke-play event will feature an exclusive field of 12 players competing directly for the final remaining place in golf’s original championship.The field is determined by strict eligibility criteria, incorporating top non-exempt players from the Official World Golf Ranking, the runner-up of The Amateur Championship, and leading competitors from Final Qualifying.
Introduced to elevate the spectator experience at the start of the week, this showcase event delivers high-stakes competitive drama, concluding with a hole-by-hole play-off in the event of a tie.
Tickets are available for fans wishing to witness this dramatic opening to the tournament, providing a unique opportunity to see elite golfers contest the last coveted spot in the field.
Heroes Classic
The championship week at Royal Birkdale commences on Tuesday 14 July with the inaugural Heroes Classic.
Champion Golfer Scottie Scheffler will officially return the Claret Jug before headlining a field of global stars - including Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose - elite amateurs, and R&A Ambassadors.
Contested over the 1st, 2nd, and 9th holes in a Texas Scramble format, this new showcase event offers fans the opportunity to experience the players in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Champion Golfer Scottie Scheffler will officially return the Claret Jug before headlining a field of global stars - including Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose - elite amateurs, and R&A Ambassadors.
Contested over the 1st, 2nd, and 9th holes in a Texas Scramble format, this new showcase event offers fans the opportunity to experience the players in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
The 154th Open
Royal Birkdale, England
The Open was last held at Royal Birkdale in 2017 when Jordan Spieth clinched a dramatic victory to lift the Claret Jug. Birkdale was established in 1889 but redesigned in 1922 to create the current layout, which winds its way through sand dunes towering over each fairway. Since first hosting The Open in 1954, it has been the most regular venue, other than St Andrews.
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
6,690
Founded
1889
Country
England
The Open Amateur Series
Elite amateur players competing in Europe had an additional chance to qualify for The 154th Open through a sequence of three elite amateur championships.
R&A TV
Highlights
Relive the best moments from Scottie Scheffler's emphatic victory at The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
Recruitment
Work at The R&A
The R&A employs staff in a diverse range of departments including: Championships, Rules, Development, Sustainability, Equipment Standards, Commercial, Legal, People, Finance, Corporate Communications and Heritage.
We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who wish to develop their career at The R&A. If you meet the requirements for any of our available roles then we encourage you to submit an application.