Honestly, if you're a golf fan, the wait for an R&A announcement feels like watching a slow-play group on a Sunday afternoon. We know where we’re going next, but after that? It’s basically a mix of tradition, logistical nightmares, and a tiny bit of political chaos.
The Open Championship doesn't just pick pretty courses. They pick survivors. The "Rota" is a shifting list of links courses that can handle 200,000 fans, sideways rain, and the massive infrastructure of a modern major. As of early 2026, the roadmap is clear for a bit, then it gets murky.
Open Golf Future Venues: The Confirmed Stops
Right now, we have two massive dates locked in.
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In 2026, the 154th Open is heading to Royal Birkdale in Southport. It’s the 11th time the Claret Jug will be settled on these dunes. If you remember 2017, you remember Jordan Spieth playing from the driving range. It was wild. Birkdale is widely considered one of the fairest tests in the rotation because the dunes are huge but the fairways are mostly flat.
Then comes 2027. This is the big one. The 155th Open goes back to the Old Course at St Andrews. It’s the 31st time. People used to think the Old Course was too short for the modern ball, but Cameron Smith proved in 2022 that if you don't have wind, these guys will just tear it apart. St Andrews is the heart of the sport. Every five years or so, we go back. It’s non-negotiable.
What Happens After 2027?
This is where the speculation starts. The R&A is notoriously tight-lipped.
Usually, they announce venues about three or four years out. We are sitting in 2026, and the 2028 slot is still technically "TBA," though rumors are flying. Muirfield is a name you hear constantly. It’s arguably the best layout in the world, but it has baggage. They were kicked off the rota for a while because of their membership policies regarding women. They fixed that. They’re back in the good graces. It’s been since 2013 (Phil Mickelson’s win) since we’ve been to the East Lothian links. It's due.
Then there is Royal Lytham & St Annes.
It’s been over a decade. 2012 was the last time Ernie Els hoisted the trophy there after Adam Scott’s heartbreaking collapse. Lytham is weird. It’s got over 200 bunkers and it's barely on the sea anymore—you can’t even see the water from the course. But it’s a brutal, strategic test. Some say the R&A is worried about the space for the "tented village," but the fans love it.
The Portmarnock Wildcard
This is the story everyone is talking about in the pubs. For the first time ever, The Open might leave the UK.
Portmarnock Golf Club in the Republic of Ireland is officially under "feasibility study" status. We’ve seen how successful Royal Portrush was in 2019 and 2025. The crowds in Northern Ireland were record-breaking. Now, the R&A is looking south of the border. The Irish government is basically throwing money at it. If Portmarnock gets the nod for 2028 or 2029, it would be historical. It’s a world-class links just north of Dublin, but it requires some serious road and infrastructure upgrades to handle a major.
The Turnberry Problem
We have to talk about Turnberry. It’s arguably the most scenic course on the planet. The Ailsa course is a masterpiece.
But it’s owned by Donald Trump.
The R&A has been very clear: they aren't going back as long as the "focus" isn't strictly on golf. Mark Darbon, the R&A's CEO, recently reiterated that they love the course but the "media noise" and security logistics are just too much. It’s a shame for the sport, honestly. You want the best courses to host the best players. But right now, Turnberry is in the freezer.
Predicting the 2028-2030 Window
If you're looking to book a trip or a hotel three years early, here is how the smart money is betting:
- 2028: Likely Muirfield or Royal Lytham. If the Portmarnock deal moves fast, it could slide in here, but 2030 feels more realistic for a new country.
- 2029: Expect a return to Royal St George’s or Royal Liverpool. Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) just hosted in 2023, so it might be a bit soon, but the R&A loves the revenue that the Liverpool market brings in.
- 2030: This could be the year for Portmarnock. Or, we might see Carnoustie again. "Car-nasty" is the hardest course in the rotation, and by 2030, it will have been 12 years since Francesco Molinari won there in 2018.
Why the Rota Matters
The Open isn't the U.S. Open. It doesn't go to parkland courses with thick rough. It stays on the coast. It stays on the sand. This limits the options to about 10 active courses.
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- St Andrews (The Home of Golf)
- Royal Birkdale (The Fair Test)
- Royal Portrush (The Northern Irish Hero)
- Royal Troon (The Brutal Back Nine)
- Royal St George’s (The Bumpy One)
- Royal Liverpool (The Flat One)
- Muirfield (The Classic)
- Carnoustie (The Beast)
- Royal Lytham (The Bunker Trap)
- Turnberry (The One in Exile)
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to attend any of these future venues, the game has changed. The R&A moved to a ballot system for tickets. You can't just log on and buy them anymore unless you're looking at high-end hospitality.
Join the One Club. It’s free. It’s the only way to enter the ticket ballot for Royal Birkdale 2026. The window usually opens about a year in advance. If you miss the ballot, you’re stuck paying thousands for "Open Experiences" packages.
Look at Southport hotels now. For 2026, the area around Birkdale will sell out fast. People forget that Liverpool is only a 40-minute train ride away. Staying in the city is often cheaper and the "Golf Coast" rail line drops you right at the gates of the course.
Watch the Irish news. If Portmarnock is confirmed, the golf world is going to explode. The demand for tickets will be higher than St Andrews. If that announcement drops, you want to be ready to move on accommodation instantly.
The future of the Open is a mix of keeping the old guard happy and finding new ways to grow. Whether it's the 17th hole at St Andrews or a potential new frontier in Dublin, the Claret Jug is staying on the links. That’s all that really matters.
Next Steps for Planning
- Register for the 2026 Ballot: Head to the official Open website and sign up for "The One Club" to get alerts for the Royal Birkdale ticket window.
- Monitor Portmarnock Updates: Follow Irish golf outlets for news on the R&A feasibility study; a positive result will likely trigger a massive shift in the 2028-2030 schedule.
- Check Open Experiences: If you have the budget, look into the 2026 hospitality packages which are often available before the general public ticket ballot.