Local residents and local businesses can learn more about The 154th Golf Open Championship taking place in Southport this summer and how it will affect them. 

All are welcome at the first Community Engagement Event which will take place at Southport Market, King Street, Southport PR8 1LA between 12pm and 6pm this Thursday (12th February 2026).
Royal Birkdale will once again host The Open from 12th-19th July 2026. 

Practice Days take place from Sunday 12th to Wednesday 15th July, followed by Championship Days from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th July 2026.

Significant economic benefits to the local community 

This will be the first time since 2017 that Southport welcomes golf’s original Championship, an event that attracts worldwide attention, brings thousands of visitors to the borough, and delivers significant economic benefits to our local communities.

Public engagement sessions

To help residents learn more about plans for The 154th Golf Open Championship, The R&A, in partnership with Sefton Council and other key stakeholders, is hosting a series of public community engagement sessions.

ou will be able to hear from the teams delivering the Championship. 

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:

“The Open is a huge moment for Sefton, and it’s important that our communities feel informed, involved, and excited as preparations move forward. 

“The Open is a huge moment for Sefton, and it’s important that our communities feel informed, involved, and excited as preparations move forward. 

Source: Stand Up for Southport