Major Golf Tournaments in the UK
Major golf tournaments can be excellent days out and short-break experiences, especially if you enjoy live sport, famous courses, coastal scenery and the atmosphere around big events.
The UK hosts some of the world’s best-known golf championships, along with major men’s, women’s, senior and team events. Some tournaments stay at the same venue each year, while others move between different courses.
Before booking, always check the official tournament website for current dates, venue, tickets, travel advice, accommodation options and spectator information.
The Open Championship
The Open is one of the biggest events in world golf and is often seen as the most famous golf tournament held in the UK. It is played on historic links courses and the venue changes between selected courses, including famous names such as Royal Birkdale, Royal Troon, St Andrews, Royal Portrush, Muirfield and others.
You may enjoy The Open if you want a full championship atmosphere, world-class players, large crowds, coastal golf and a major sporting occasion.
Accommodation and transport should usually be arranged well in advance, especially when The Open is held in popular holiday or coastal areas. The official Open site lists Royal Birkdale as the 2026 venue.
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AIG Women’s Open
The AIG Women’s Open is one of the leading tournaments in women’s golf and is held at major courses in the UK. It is a strong choice if you want to watch elite golf in a championship setting, often with a slightly different feel from the biggest men’s events.
The venue changes, so check the official tournament details before planning a trip. The official AIG Women’s Open site lists Royal Lytham & St Annes as the 2026 venue.
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BMW PGA Championship
The BMW PGA Championship is one of the major events on the DP World Tour and is held at Wentworth Club in Surrey. It combines top-level golf with a festival-style atmosphere, including live entertainment and hospitality options.
This can be a good option if you want a major golf event within reach of London and the South East. The DP World Tour describes the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth as the “Festival of Golf”.
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Genesis Scottish Open
The Scottish Open is one of Scotland’s important professional golf tournaments and is often played in the build-up to The Open. It can be a good option if you want to watch leading players in a Scottish golf setting without necessarily attending The Open itself.
The venue can change, so always check the current official details before arranging tickets, travel or accommodation.
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Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is played over famous Scottish links courses and is known for combining professional golf with an amateur team format. It is strongly linked with St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
It can be especially appealing if you enjoy classic links golf, Scottish coastal scenery and the atmosphere of St Andrews. The official championship site describes it as a long-standing DP World Tour fixture with professional and amateur team elements.
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The Senior Open
The Senior Open is a major senior golf championship and is often played on well-known UK courses. It can be a good option if you want to see famous experienced players in a championship setting, often with a more relaxed feel than the largest events.
The venue can change, so check current details before planning a visit.
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Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is one of golf’s most famous team events, contested between Europe and the United States. It is not held in the UK every time, but when it is in the UK or nearby in Europe, it becomes a major travel and sporting event.
Because the Ryder Cup rotates between venues and countries, it should be treated as an occasional major trip-planning opportunity rather than an annual UK event.
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LIV Golf UK Events
LIV Golf has held UK events and may be of interest to some golf fans looking for a different tournament format and entertainment-led presentation. Because venues and schedules can change, this should be checked carefully before adding specific ticket links or travel details.
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Planning a Golf Tournament Trip
Major golf tournaments can be busy, especially around coastal or resort areas.
Before booking, check:
Venue and tournament dates
Ticket availability
Practice days and championship days
Parking and shuttle buses
Rail and public transport options
Accommodation availability
Weather and clothing
Food and drink rules
Bag restrictions
Accessibility information
Accommodation near famous courses can sell quickly, so it is often worth arranging places to stay early.
Making More of the Visit
A golf tournament can become part of a wider short break.
You may want to combine it with:
Nearby towns and villages
Coastal walks
Restaurants and pubs
Historic sites
Scenic rail trips
Museums and galleries
Golf courses nearby
Places to stay
This is especially useful for non-golfing partners or family members travelling with golf fans.
More Sporting and Event Ideas
You may also be interested in:
Horse Racing Events
Major UK Music Festivals
Theatre Breaks
Where to Stay
Golf
The Golf Coast