Future British Open locations: Host courses, schedule for Open Championship in 2026, 2027 and beyond | Sporting News

The Open Championship, golf's original major, stands as a beacon of tradition and ultimate links golf challenge. Each year, the anticipation surrounding its host venue is immense, not just for the players but for millions of fans worldwide eager to witness history unfold on hallowed ground. With the R&A meticulously planning its calendar years in advance, speculation and eager anticipation are already building for where the Claret Jug will next be contested beyond the officially announced championships of 2024 (Royal Troon) and 2025 (Royal Portrush). While specific announcements for 2026 and 2027 are still pending from the R&A, a look at the established rotation of iconic links courses offers strong indications of what's to come, ensuring the championship's enduring appeal and unique character.

The Open typically rotates among a select group of esteemed courses, primarily in Scotland and England, with occasional forays into Northern Ireland. This careful stewardship ensures that the championship graces venues steeped in history, capable of testing the world's best golfers against the unpredictable elements of coastal linksland, while also possessing the infrastructure to host a global sporting event. Following the 2024 Open at Royal Troon and the 2025 return to Royal Portrush, a highly successful and popular venue, the focus naturally shifts to other giants of the rotation. For 2026, Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, emerges as a prime candidate. Last hosting in 2017, won by Jordan Spieth, Birkdale is renowned for its formidable dunes, challenging closing holes, and excellent spectator facilities. Its consistent quality and proven track record make it a near certainty for an upcoming championship. Alternatively, Carnoustie, the "Car-Nasty" of Scotland, which last hosted in 2018, could also be in contention for 2026, offering its famously brutal test of accuracy and nerve.

Looking further ahead to 2027 and beyond, the roster of potential hosts remains equally compelling. Muirfield, in East Lothian, Scotland, a course celebrated for its challenging layout and strategic bunkering, last hosted in 2013 and is due for a return. Its historic significance and reputation as a 'fair yet fearsome' test of golf make it a strong candidate for one of the next available slots. Royal St George's, in Kent, England, which hosted a memorable Open in 2021, is another course that will inevitably feature again in the coming decade, though perhaps not as early as 2027 given its recent staging. And, of course, the 'Home of Golf,' St Andrews Old Course, always looms large. While it hosted the landmark 150th Open in 2022, its traditional role as a host approximately every five years means it will undoubtedly be in the conversation for major milestones, perhaps around 2030 or 2032, continuing its unparalleled legacy. The R&A's decision-making process involves not just course readiness but also logistical considerations, regional balance, and the desire to revisit beloved venues while occasionally exploring new possibilities or returning to courses after a longer hiatus. Regardless of the precise order, the future of the Open Championship promises more thrilling contests on the game's most iconic stages.