The Open Championship is set to take place from July 20-23 at Royal Liverpool, with golf enthusiasts worldwide gearing up for the event. This year, the winner will receive a record prize of $3 million (R54 million), marking a significant increase compared to last year’s prize.
Increased Prize Fund and Commitment to Golf’s Growth
The total prize fund for the tournament has been raised to $16.5 million (R300 million), an 18 percent increase from the previous year. The R&A is committed to maintaining the Open’s status as a premier event in world golf and has almost doubled the prize fund since 2016. The organization also strives to strengthen pathways in the sport and inspire more people worldwide to play golf.
South African Players Competing
Ten South African players, including four first-timers, are set to compete in the event. The ranks include former Open champions Louis Oosthuizen and Ernie Els, as well as Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Thriston Lawrence, Branden Grace, and Charl Schwartzel.
Confirmation of Future Championship Venues
Royal Birkdale has been confirmed as the venue for the 154th Open Championship in 2026. The championship has a rich history with the Southport venue, having previously hosted the event ten times. The most recent edition was in 2017 when Jordan Spieth emerged victorious. The championship is also set to take place at Royal Troon in 2024 and Royal Portrush in 2025.
The upcoming Open Championship is poised to captivate sports enthusiasts and casual spectators alike, with the world’s top golfers preparing to vie for the record-breaking prize. With the R&A’s ongoing commitment to strengthening pathways in the sport and fostering global interest in golf, the future of the Open Championship appears brighter than ever.
