When is The Open Championship (Golf) Start?

The official week of The Open Championship begins on Sunday, July 11, 2027. The 155th Open will run through Sunday, July 18 at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. Competitive play starts on Thursday, July 15, followed by four scoring rounds ending with the final round on Sunday.

When Does The Open Championship Start in 2027?

The published event dates are July 11–18, 2027. The opening part of the week is used for practice-day access and preparation before the championship rounds begin.

• Event week begins: Sunday, July 11, 2027
• Practice days: Sunday, July 11 through Wednesday, July 14
• First round: Thursday, July 15
• Second round: Friday, July 16
• Third round: Saturday, July 17
• Final round: Sunday, July 18

The first tee times and daily playing order have not yet been released. They will be published closer to the championship on The Open’s official St Andrews 2027 page.

Where Will the 155th Open Be Played?

The tournament will be played on the Old Course at St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. St Andrews will host The Open for the 31st time. The course last staged the championship in 2022.

The Old Course is in central St Andrews, so spectators should expect access controls, temporary transport arrangements and busy roads during championship week. Anyone attending should follow the travel instructions issued with their ticket and check local transport updates before leaving.

Tickets and Attendance

The public Ticket Ballot for The 155th Open has closed. Organizers are releasing ballot results in waves during August and September 2026, with every applicant due to receive a final outcome by the end of September.

Other official attendance routes include Ticket Plus, hospitality, ticket-and-accommodation packages and ticket-and-camping packages, subject to availability. Current options are listed on the official 2027 tickets and hospitality page.

Tickets are digital and are expected to become available for download closer to July 2027. Buyers should use official sales channels and check the conditions attached to the ticket type before paying.

How to Watch The Open in 2027

The full television and streaming schedule for the 2027 championship has not yet been published. Coverage details vary by country and will be confirmed nearer the event.

During the tournament, The Open website provides tee times, scoring, the live leaderboard and official viewing links. Video and radio coverage may also be available through R&A TV, depending on location and rights restrictions.

The Open Championship Start Date in 2028

The next announced edition after St Andrews will begin on Sunday, July 30, 2028 at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England. The 156th Open will run from July 30 through August 6.

The 2028 championship is scheduled later than usual to avoid a clash with the golf competition at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Open is due to return to its normal mid-July period in 2029, but an exact 2029 start date has not been announced and is therefore not included in the shortcode. Official 2028 details are available on the Royal Lytham & St Annes event page.

Useful Questions

Is July 11 the first day of competitive golf?

No. July 11 is the start of the official event week. The first championship round is scheduled for Thursday, July 15.

When is the final round?

The final round is scheduled for Sunday, July 18, 2027. Weather or course conditions can affect tee times and the finishing schedule.

Can spectators attend practice days?

Practice-day access is offered during the opening part of the week, but entry depends on the ticket held. The date and access terms shown on the digital ticket should be checked before travel.

Are dates after 2028 confirmed?

No exact start date has been published for 2029 or later editions. Those years should not be added until The R&A announces the dates.