The R&A is listed as the organization organizing the 2026 Open Championship. Based in St Andrews, Scotland, The R&A governs and promotes golf worldwide and is responsible for running The Open.
The organization’s name comes from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, founded in 1754. In 2004, the club’s commercial and championship-administering responsibilities were transferred to The R&A, allowing the club and the governing body to operate separately while retaining their historic connection.
The DP World Tour and PGA Tour are professional tours whose players compete in The Open, but neither is the event’s listed organizer. The USGA organizes the U.S. Open, a separate major championship. The R&A also oversees other major golf competitions, including the AIG Women’s Open and The Amateur Championship.
The 2026 Open will be played at Royal Birkdale in Southport from 16–19 July. It will be the 154th Open Championship and the eleventh time Royal Birkdale has hosted it.