Golf Travel Guide 2026
From Augusta's azaleas to the links of Royal Birkdale — golf's Major calendar takes fans across four countries and some of the most storied venues in sport. Here's how to plan your trip.
2026 Golf Major Calendar
| Event | Date | Type | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸 The Masters Augusta National | Apr 9–12 | Major | Flights → Fly ATL, drive 2h |
🇺🇸 PGA Championship Aronimink Golf Club | May 14–17 | Major | Flights → Philadelphia International |
🇺🇸 US Open Shinnecock Hills | Jun 18–21 | Major | Flights → New York airports + Long Island |
🏴 The Open Championship Royal Birkdale | Jul 16–19 | Major | Flights → Manchester or Liverpool |
🇮🇪 Ryder Cup (next: 2027) Adare Manor | Sep 17–19, 2027 | Team Event | Flights → Shannon or Dublin |
Ryder Cup 2027 — Adare Manor, Ireland
There is no Ryder Cup in 2026. The next is on 17–19 September 2027 at Adare Manor in County Limerick, the centenary staging of the contest and the second time Ireland has hosted it (after 2006). The Ryder Cup is unique in golf — team colours, flag waving, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the sport.
The Open Championship 2026 — Royal Birkdale
July 16–19, 2026. The 154th Open is at Royal Birkdale in Southport, on England's north-west coast. Links golf in its purest form — wind, rain, and the roar of the crowd among the dunes.
Featured Golf Travel Guides
The Players Championship 2026 — TPC Sawgrass
Golf's fifth major — TPC Sawgrass and the iconic 17th island green.
Solheim Cup 2026 — Bernardus Golf, Netherlands
Solheim Cup 2026 — Europe hosts the USA in women's biggest team golf competition.
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The Masters 2026 — Augusta National
The most coveted invitation in golf. Augusta in April, azaleas in bloom, and the greatest players in the world competing for the green jacket.
Asian Tour — International Series 2026
World-class golf across Asia — from Bangkok to Bangkok, Singapore to Saudi Arabia. The Asian Tour's International Series brings prize money and prestige to the region.
The Open Championship 2026 — Royal Birkdale
The 154th Open is at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, from 16 to 19 July 2026.
The Players Championship 2026 — TPC Sawgrass
Golf's fifth major — TPC Sawgrass and the iconic 17th island green.
Solheim Cup 2026 — Bernardus Golf, Netherlands
Solheim Cup 2026 — Europe hosts the USA in women's biggest team golf competition.
Golf Fan Travel Tips
Ballot vs General Sale vs Resale
The Masters: ballot for practice rounds (free application). The Open: general sale via R&A — buy day tickets are released each morning. Ryder Cup: ballot 12–18 months out. Secondary market exists for all Majors but prices are premium at Augusta and Ryder Cup.
Practice rounds vs tournament days
Practice rounds let you walk the course freely and see players up close on the range and fairways. Tournament days have roped gallery routes. For Augusta, practice rounds are often the most memorable — access to Amen Corner and Eisenhower's Cabin. The Open's links courses offer walking freedom tournament fans love.
Getting to remote venues
The Open at Royal Birkdale: fly into Manchester (MAN) or Liverpool (LPL); Southport is on the coast north of Liverpool. Augusta: fly into Atlanta (ATL) and drive 2 hours — rent a car as local taxis run out fast. Shinnecock Hills (US Open) is on Long Island’s South Fork, reached from New York. Build in flexibility for traffic on tournament days.
Accommodation strategy
Augusta has limited hotels — book 12 months out or consider Columbia, SC (1h) or Atlanta (2h). Royal Birkdale: hotels in Southport, Liverpool or Manchester. Aronimink (PGA Championship) is in the Philadelphia suburbs, so Philadelphia hotels work.
Hotels near Augusta National
Augusta hotels fill up 12 months in advance during Masters week — also consider Atlanta or Columbia.
Find hotels in Augusta, Georgia
Hotels, hostels & more · Expedia
Golf Travel — FAQ
How do you get tickets for The Masters at Augusta National?
Masters practice round tickets are available via a lottery system — applications open each spring on masters.com. Tournament round (competition days) patron badges are extremely limited and are mainly held by badge holders who have attended for decades. A small number of practice round tickets are available. For tournament rounds, the secondary market is the main option, though prices are very high. Practice round tickets offer full course access and are often described as the best value in golf.
What makes the Ryder Cup special as a fan travel event?
The Ryder Cup is the most team-oriented event in golf — fans split between USA and Europe in a partisan atmosphere more like football than golf. It is held every two years, alternating between US and European venues. There is no Ryder Cup in 2026: it was played at Bethpage Black, New York, in 2025, and the next is at Adare Manor, Ireland, on 17–19 September 2027. Tickets are available via the official Ryder Cup ballot. The event is a long-weekend trip — many fans attend practice rounds to get closer to players.
Which golf Major is easiest to attend as a fan?
The Open Championship (The Open) is widely regarded as the most accessible Major for international fans. Tickets are available via the R&A website and daily sale. The Open is held at historic links courses around the UK and Ireland, with a unique festival atmosphere — camping, marquees, and a full fan village. 2026 is at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England (16–19 July). The US Open and PGA Championship also have publicly available tickets through their respective associations.
When is the best time to book for a golf Major trip?
For The Masters, apply for the ticket ballot in spring (as soon as applications open). For The Open, tickets go on general sale several months before the event — buy as soon as they open. For the Ryder Cup, the ballot runs 12–18 months before the event. Book accommodation 6–12 months in advance for all Majors — nearby hotels fill up fast, especially for The Masters in Augusta (a small city) and The Open at links venues in smaller towns.
Golf in Asia — Asian Tour 2026
The Asian Tour's International Series brings world-class golf to Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. Tickets are affordable, courses are spectacular, and you can combine golf with the best food and culture in Asia.
Golf Event Deep Dives
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