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Overview: How to Buy Open Championship Tickets for 2026
If you're looking for Open Championship tickets for 2026, the main routes are the official Ticket Ballot, The Open Experiences (ticket and hospitality packages), official accommodation packages and the face-value Ticket Resale Platform. The 2026 Open Championship takes place at Royal Birkdale from 16–19 July 2026, and demand is expected to be extremely high. Entering the ballot offers the best opportunity to purchase general admission tickets at face value, while hospitality packages guarantee entry with premium experiences. If you miss out in the ballot, the official resale platform allows fans to buy returned tickets securely at face value.
What's the Best Way to Get Open Championship Tickets?
Ticket Option | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|
Official Ticket Ballot | General admission at face value | Limited and demand is high |
The Open Experiences | Guaranteed entry with premium benefits | Available while stocks last |
Hospitality Packages | VIP experience | Limited availability |
Official Ticket Resale Platform | Last-minute face-value tickets | Subject to availability |
Destination Packages | Tickets with hotel accommodation | Available through official partners |
If you're planning to attend The Open at Royal Birkdale, don't rely on a single buying method.
Here's the interesting part.
Many visitors assume they'll simply buy tickets a few weeks before the tournament.
In reality, the championship attracts enormous demand every year, and planning early gives you the widest range of options.
The Ticket Ballot Is the Main Route for General Admission
The Ticket Ballot:
Is the official way to buy standard spectator tickets.
Requires registration before applying.
Operates during a fixed application window.
Allocates tickets through a random selection process.
For most spectators, the ballot is the starting point.
The 2026 ballot is scheduled to open on 6 July 2026 and close on 24 July 2026 for the following championship cycle, while applicants are notified later if successful. The R&A also notes that juniors aged 16 and under can attend free when accompanying an adult, provided they are included in the ballot application.
One thing worth remembering is that entering the ballot doesn't guarantee tickets.
That's why it's sensible to understand the alternative options as well.
How Much Do Open Championship Tickets Cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on:
Practice days
Championship rounds
Seating category
Hospitality package
Ticket Plus upgrades
Practice days are generally the most affordable way to experience The Open, while championship rounds increase in price as the tournament progresses.
Premium experiences naturally cost more because they include additional benefits such as reserved seating, hospitality lounges and dining.
The real reason prices vary isn't simply demand.
Different ticket categories are designed for different types of visitors, from casual golf fans to corporate guests.
For hospitality experiences, prices range from Ticket Plus packages starting around £125 on practice days to premium hospitality options costing well over £1,000 on championship days, depending on the experience selected.
What Is The Open Experiences?
The Open Experiences include:
Championship tickets
Hospitality lounges
Premium viewing
Food and drink
Accommodation packages
VIP services
The Open has expanded beyond traditional ticket sales by introducing The Open Experiences.
These packages guarantee entry while offering a more comfortable day at Royal Birkdale.
Depending on the package you choose, benefits may include premium seating, private hospitality areas, complimentary food and beverages, reserved parking or accommodation.
From experience, these packages suit visitors travelling long distances because much of the planning is already taken care of.
Are Hospitality Packages Worth It?
Hospitality is ideal if you want:
Guaranteed admission
Premium seating
Fine dining
Business entertaining
Special celebrations
Hospitality isn't only aimed at corporate guests.
Many couples celebrating anniversaries, golf enthusiasts travelling with friends and families marking special occasions choose hospitality packages to make the visit even more memorable.
That's where many people get it wrong.
They assume hospitality means formal dress codes and business meetings.
In reality, many packages simply offer a more relaxed and comfortable way to experience the championship.
Demand is particularly strong, and several premium hospitality experiences can sell out well before tournament week.
Can You Still Get Tickets If You Miss the Ballot?
Yes.
Your options include:
Official Ticket Resale Platform
The Open Experiences
Official travel packages
Returned tickets
Missing the ballot doesn't necessarily mean missing the championship.
The official Ticket Resale Platform allows ticket holders who can no longer attend to sell their General Admission and Ticket Plus tickets securely at face value. New tickets are added as fans return them, so checking regularly can improve your chances of finding availability.
Surprisingly, many visitors secure tickets only a few weeks before the event through official resale.
Patience sometimes pays off.
Should You Buy a Travel Package?
Travel packages usually include:
Included | Benefit |
|---|---|
Official tickets | Guaranteed entry |
Hotel accommodation | Easier trip planning |
Optional hospitality | Premium experience |
Flexible stay lengths | Suitable for weekend breaks |
If you're travelling from another part of the UK, a package holiday can simplify everything.
Rather than booking hotels, tickets and transport separately, you'll receive one coordinated booking.
This can be especially useful during Open Championship week when accommodation around Southport becomes harder to find.
Which Day Offers the Best Value?
Each day offers something different.
Practice Days
Perfect for:
Families
First-time visitors
Watching players prepare
More relaxed crowds
Thursday and Friday
Ideal if you enjoy following the full tournament story from the beginning.
You'll see players battling to make the cut, often producing plenty of drama.
Saturday
One of the most exciting days as contenders emerge.
Crowds naturally become larger.
Sunday
The biggest day of the championship.
Watching the Champion Golfer of the Year lift the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale is an unforgettable experience, but Sunday is also the hardest day to secure.
Booking Tips That Can Save You Time and Money
The smallest decisions often make a big difference.
Register for the ballot as soon as applications open rather than waiting until the final week.
Decide in advance which days you'd genuinely like to attend instead of making last-minute decisions.
If you're flexible, consider weekday rounds or practice days, where availability is often better.
Avoid buying from unofficial sellers unless you're confident they're authorised. The safest options remain the official ballot, The Open Experiences and the official resale platform.
And don't forget accommodation.
Hotels in Southport, Liverpool and the surrounding area become increasingly expensive as July approaches.
Booking your room soon after securing tickets usually gives you the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Open Championship tickets without entering the ballot?
Yes. Official hospitality packages, The Open Experiences, destination packages and the official resale platform all provide alternative ways to attend.
Do children need tickets?
Children aged 16 and under can attend free with an accompanying adult when included in a successful ballot application, subject to the event's terms.
Is hospitality better than general admission?
It depends on the experience you're looking for. General admission offers flexibility to walk the course, while hospitality provides reserved areas, dining and additional comforts.
When should I book?
As early as possible.
Demand for Open Championship tickets is consistently high, especially for Royal Birkdale.
Final Thoughts
Securing Open Championship tickets for Royal Birkdale in 2026 is easiest if you plan ahead and understand all the available buying options. The official Ticket Ballot remains the primary route for general admission, while The Open Experiences, hospitality packages and the official resale platform provide excellent alternatives if you want guaranteed access or miss the initial allocation.
Whether you're attending your very first Open or returning for another unforgettable week of links golf, booking early, staying flexible and using official sales channels will give you the best chance of enjoying one of the UK's greatest sporting events. With world-class golf, a legendary venue and an atmosphere unlike any other major championship, the 2026 Open Championship promises to be well worth the effort.