Major Announcement Made About Open Championship 2026
Golf's most anticipated major, The Open Championship, is all set to return from July 17-20, 2025, at the iconic Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Fans are already buzzing about the drama and history the event brings each year, and this time, it might be even more special. With Rory McIlroy chasing a Grand Slam and Xander Schauffele returning as defending champion, Portrush will be electric.
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But while 2025 is shaping up to be thrilling, eyes are already turning to 2026, when The Open heads back to Royal Birkdale. Why? Because the R&A just dropped a game-changing update: a Last Chance Qualifier will debut on the Monday of Open week at Birkdale.
Xander Schauffele plays a shot from a bunker on the ninth hole during the second round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Up to 12 golfers will battle it out over 18 holes for a single remaining spot in the field—on the actual Open course, just days before the Championship begins. R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon explained the move was inspired by fan feedback. 'They want more live golf, more opportunities to engage with the traditions of golf's original championship,' he said. 'So, we've introduced new features… particularly on the days leading up to the Championship.'
It's a modern twist on an old-school tradition. Even legends like Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer had to qualify back in the day. Hogan, in fact, played a 36-hole qualifier at Carnoustie before winning The Open in 1953.
This fresh format is already drawing praise for giving deserving players one final shot at history while offering fans even more high-stakes action. And with a backdrop like Royal Birkdale, it promises to be unforgettable.
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So next year, don't just tune in for Thursday—Monday might be the most intense day of them all.
Related: Multiple PGA Tour Golfers Withdraw Days Before John Deere Classic
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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