Royal Portrush – Northern Ireland
The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club, and is back in absolutely stunning form when it returns in 2025. Located on the beautiful North Antrim coast, Royal Portrush is home to a spectacular course which is equally beautiful and challenging. The ubiquitous Dunluce Links is what gives Royal Portrush it’s renown, a rugged course built on ragged cliffs and wild, rolling dunes, most notably the punishing 16th hole which has the dubious nickname “Calamity Corner”.
And off the golf course, there are plenty of attractions to explore in the area. It is Dunluce Castle, a once crumbling ancient ruin poweing on a cliff face and teetering above the waves of the Atlantic ocean. The UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway is a short drive away, and despite its natural wonder status it remains a must-visit, with its mesmerising hexagonal basalt columns. In the mean time, the town of Portrush has great dining options, friendly pubs and all the madness of the seaside. Nearby, Bushmills treats whisky fans to tours of its internationally acclaimed distillery.
Travelers to The Open at Royal Portrush can fly into Belfast, or Derry. And they are both easily accessible from the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, so the journey there is half the fun! Hotels and guesthouses in Portrush and the surrounding towns go quickly and should be booked in advance.
Royal Birkdale – England
Then in 2026, The Open will be held at Royal Birkdale, in the coastal town of Southport, in Merseyside, England. The age-old track is most famous for its traditional links setting that includes rolling dunes and strategic bunkers that even the pros consider crafty.
Those at Royal Birkdale ‘inside the ropes’, are entitled to some proper English Seaside. It has broad sandy beaches, traditional ex-Victorian bathing huts, the oldest iron pier and the Peninsular Barracks to the south. Golf lovers are also superbly catered for, with championship courses at Hillside and Formby, steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful pine forests.
Close to Liverpool and Manchester Located close to Liverpool and Manchester, Southport is easily accessible, offering a number of train stations with excellent links and a short distance to a number of motorways which can take you straight to the scenic town. You will find all kinds of accommodation from quaint guesthouses to up market seafront hotels for those who want a golf holiday to remember.
St Andrews – Scotland
The Open will be played in The home of golf the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland in 2027. (St Andrews is a town famed for its golf history and has hosted The Open more than any course.) The Old Course is renowned not just for its traditional beauty, but also its Swilcan Bridge and thought-provoking course design that has tested the best golfers in the world for hundreds of years.
Away from the golf, St Andrews is steeped in history and culture. While in town, visitors can explore the medieval town, visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, or stroll West Sands Beach, which appeared in the movie “Chariots of Fire.” The town-University of St Andrews and the lively student community about town, are just some of the reasons why the it’s so full of life!
Travelers can get to St Andrews by flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports and then taking trains or buses to the nearby Leuchars station, followed by a brief bus ride into town. Lodgings of all types, including high-end golf resorts, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts, are available, but it is a good idea to book early for the championship week.
Travel Tips for “The Open”
If you’d like to support quality experiences at The Open Championship, here is some sane travel advice:
- Book Early: Hotels and tickets don’t last long, especially in championship season.
- Traveling: Rent a car for freedom, especially if you’re staying at Silk Road or other inland sights.
- Local Experience: Experience that local flavour. Treat yourself to authentic dishes, historic landmarks and popular events.
- Weather The Beach: Be sure to plan for all sorts of beach weather — carry along cover-ups for windy, overcast days as well as bathing suits, some nifty SPF, and a few towels that can double as makeshift blankets for cooler, bonfire-friendly evenings.
Why Attend “The Open”
The Open is a precious slalom of world-class golf, prestige and travel. And each host city has its unique culture and history — and stunning scenery, too, so going to the games is all about far more than competition — it’s about unforgettable travel experiences.
Whether it’s the rugged, windswept beauty of Royal Portrush, the laid back, dramatic seaside vistas of Royal Birkdale, or the ageless charm of St Andrews, each host venue provides a unique cultural experience, beautiful scenes and the theatre of watching golf history being made.
Conclusion
The Open Championship provides those golf lovers with the idea opportunity to also see some of the UK’s most beautiful and finest golf venues. Royal Portrush, Royal Birkdale and St Andrews are all worth the journey in themselves and guarantee you once in a lifetime golf and cultural experience. When you combine such championship expertise with a heady cocktail of what one comparative neighbouring place can provide for visitors in the hospitality stakes and you have the formula which defies all known working of great sport, history and restfulness. Plan in advance, support local culture and make some memories at the home of golf’s major championships.
Tags: Royal Portrush Northern Ireland, Golf Open Championship, Travel