The Open Championship — often called the British Open — is golf's oldest and most storied major, first played in 1860 at Prestwick. The 2026 edition is held at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, July 16–19. Links golf on the coast of Northern Ireland demands creativity and shot-making that sets it apart from any other major.
The Open Championship 2026 takes place July 16–19, 2026 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland.
Links golf refers to courses built on coastal land (links land), characterized by firm turf, heavy winds, undulating terrain, and virtually no trees — requiring ground game strategy unlike inland courses.
Harry Vardon holds the record with six Open Championship titles, followed by Tom Watson and others with five.
Use the live countdown above to see the exact number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds until The Open Championship.
Play begins at The Open Championship at 6:30 AM BST (UTC+1) on the first day.