Sport
Southport
The Open at Royal Birkdale sets attendance record with 306,000
The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale attracted an official attendance of 306,000, setting a new championship record.
The tournament took place from 12 to 19 July 2026, with championship play running from Thursday 16 July to Sunday 19 July. It was the 11th time Royal Birkdale had hosted The Open.
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox won the Claret Jug after beating Cameron Young by one shot in the final round. Fox secured victory with a birdie on the 18th hole.
The R&A confirmed the attendance figure in its report on the final day of the championship.
