Three-time major champion Jordan Spieth has hailed The Open Championship as “the best golf tournament in the world” as he looks forward to returning to the site of one of his most dramatic victories — Royal Birkdale — for the 154th Open in 2026.
Spieth, who famously lifted the Claret Jug at the Southport venue in 2017, says he is relishing the chance to revisit what remains his “most memorable” and “most dramatic” triumph.
“In my opinion it’s the best golf tournament in the world – and the fans are a huge reason for that,” said Spieth.
“It’s obviously a special place for me. In some ways, it’s the most memorable victory I’ve ever had. It was probably the most dramatic.”
The American became only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to win three of the four men’s majors before turning 24 when he claimed the title at Birkdale.
That unforgettable week saw Spieth recover from a nervy back nine wobble — including a wayward drive on the 13th that ended up on the practice range — before producing a sensational five-under-par finish over the closing holes to beat Matt Kuchar by three shots.
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Reflecting on the moment he was crowned Champion Golfer of the Year, Spieth, now 32, said the memory of lifting the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale still gives him chills.
“I remember many of the shots that I hit throughout the entire week, I remember the house I stayed in and I obviously remember walking onto the 18th green and being called ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’,” he recalled.
“To be able to walk around and really embrace what is the greatest 18th-hole display in all of golf, and receive golf’s most incredible trophy, it was a dream come true for me.”
Spieth described the Claret Jug as “the greatest trophy in all of golf” and reflected on the moment he realised the significance of joining the list of champions to have held it.
“I just found myself thinking ‘wow, this is the Claret Jug’. I’d held it and celebrated with Zach (Johnson) two years prior at St Andrews – and fortunately that wasn’t a curse!” he said.
“When you’re standing there on the 18th, looking at that trophy and the spectacle The R&A creates around you, it’s a real pinch-me moment.”
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Spieth will once again tee it up at Royal Birkdale from 12–19 July 2026, when The Open returns to the famous links for the first time since his victory eight years earlier.
With a world-class field set to descend on the Lancashire coast – including Scottie Scheffler, who triumphed at The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush – demand for tickets has been extraordinary.
The Ticket Ballot for 2026 was heavily oversubscribed, reflecting the growing popularity of golf’s oldest major.
However, fans can still guarantee their place at Royal Birkdale through The Open Experiences, which include Ticket Plus, Hospitality Experiences, and Destination Packages.
Scheffler defends The Open in July 2026
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The R&A has launched a new range of premium options to help fans make the most of their week at The Open.
Ticket Plus offers general admission with exclusive extras, while Signature Hospitality provides a luxury experience featuring fine dining and prime course views.
Also new for 2026 are Destination Packages, combining tickets or hospitality with accommodation and travel options, plus added benefits such as tee times at some of England’s best golf courses — designed to take the stress out of planning an unforgettable trip.
After a record 278,000 fans attended The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush — the highest figure for any Open held outside St Andrews — anticipation is already building for a huge turnout at Royal Birkdale.
Spieth believes The Open is the best tournament
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Spieth has praised The Open’s unique atmosphere, describing the crowds as “the most knowledgeable fans in the world.”
“The crowds are amazing,” he said. “Every year the Championship just seems to get bigger and better. The fans know when a shot is up to the calibre that it should be — and when it’s not!
“Northern Ireland was unbelievable, the support there was incredible. It’s the most worldly tournament, and there’s nothing like that walk up the 18th every year.”
For Spieth, the prospect of returning to Royal Birkdale is not just about nostalgia — it’s a chance to relive one of golf’s greatest moments and chase a fourth major title.
“When I think back to that week, it still gives me goosebumps,” he said. “The Open means so much to all of us, and to win it at a course like Birkdale… it just doesn’t get any better.”
Fans looking to experience The 154th Open in person can find full details on The R&A’s Hospitality Experiences and Destination Packages for Royal Birkdale via the official Open website.
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