Seven days. Practice rounds, professional play-offs (if needed), and a champion crowned on Sunday evening. Here's what each day looks like, what it's best for, and which days I'd prioritise if you can only go once.
Monday 13 July — Practice Day 1
The most relaxed day of the week. Players arrive, walk the course, hit shots on the range, get their bearings. There are no tee times to follow strictly — players decide their own practice schedule. The atmosphere is quiet, almost collegiate. It's the easiest day to access players and feel like you're part of the inner workings of the championship. Good for golf fans who want up-close access without the crowds.
Tuesday 14 July — Practice Day 2 + Celebrity Pro-Am
The Celebrity Pro-Am typically takes place on Tuesday afternoon. It's exactly what it sounds like — professional golfers paired with celebrities from sport and entertainment. The mood is light, there's more banter between players and crowds, and it's a fun day to attend if you're not a diehard golf purist. The morning session is still serious practice.
Wednesday 15 July — Final Practice + Buzz Building
The last practice day before the championship begins. Players are focused, final preparations are made, and the course staff finish any last adjustments to the setup. The atmosphere starts to shift — you can feel the championship coming. Still good access to players, lower crowds than championship days, but with more tension than Monday or Tuesday.
Thursday 16 July — Round 1
The championship begins. The first tee shots of the 154th Open are struck from around 7am. Thursday has a particular excitement that comes from not knowing anything yet — the leaderboard is blank, and by the end of the day you'll start to see which players the course suits and which are struggling. Get there early. By mid-morning the crowds build fast.
Friday 17 July — Round 2 (Cut Day)
Cut day. After Friday's round, the bottom half of the field is eliminated. This creates genuine drama throughout the afternoon as players on the cut line fight to survive. Friday afternoon is arguably the most emotionally varied day at any Open — there are careers being made, others ending, and the leaderboard starting to resemble something that might actually stick.
Saturday 18 July — Round 3 (Moving Day)
Moving Day. The name exists for a reason. The leaderboard moves more on Saturday than any other day. Players in contention attack, those behind take risks, and the entire shape of the championship changes. If you can only go once, go Saturday. The atmosphere in the afternoon, with the leaders on the course and the crowd responding to every shot, is extraordinary. Get a grandstand seat on 18 if you can. Buy it in advance — there won't be one available on the day.
Sunday 19 July — Final Round
The champion is crowned. By Sunday the field is down to the serious contenders, and every shot carries championship weight. The atmosphere at Royal Birkdale on a Final Round Sunday is something I genuinely struggle to describe to people who haven't experienced it. Start watching from the 15th or 16th hole position in the afternoon. The walk of the champion up the 18th fairway is one of sport's great moments. Stay until the end. Don't plan anything for Sunday evening.
🏆If I had to pick one day: Saturday. If I could go for two: Wednesday practice day and Saturday. That covers the full range — the intimate access of practice rounds and the peak intensity of Moving Day.
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Open 2026 accommodation guide →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
