2026 Open Championship heads to Royal Birkdale
The 154th Open Championship will take place July 16–19, 2026, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Merseyside. One of the most respected venues in major championship golf, Royal Birkdale hosts its 11th Open following a recent renovation that reshaped the back nine and added strategic complexity for the world’s best players. The R&A expects a deep, competitive leaderboard as past champions, top‑ranked golfers, and global qualifiers compete for the Claret Jug.
Course details and championship setting
Royal Birkdale will play as a par 70 stretching 7,223 yards. The layout’s trademark dunes, tight fairways, and demanding approach angles remain central to its identity, but the updated back nine introduces new risk‑reward decisions that will influence weekend scoring. The field will include 156 players representing the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and other qualifying circuits. With a purse of $17.75 million, the stakes match the stature of golf’s oldest major.
Recent champions enter with momentum
Several recent winners arrive with strong major pedigree. Scottie Scheffler captured the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush, Xander Schauffele won in 2024 at Royal Troon, and Brian Harman claimed the 2023 title at Royal Liverpool. Cameron Smith’s 2022 triumph at St. Andrews and Collin Morikawa’s 2021 victory at Royal St. George’s round out a group of champions who have proven they can handle links golf under pressure. Their presence adds depth to an already formidable field.
How to watch across NBC and Peacock
NBC Sports will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the championship. Early‑morning broadcasts on NBC and Peacock anchor Thursday and Friday, supported by featured groups and the Par‑3 channel. Saturday coverage runs from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on NBC, with Peacock carrying additional groups. Sunday’s final round airs from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET, ensuring fans can follow every decisive moment from Southport.
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