The Open Championship is golf’s oldest major, dating back to 1860.
It’s one of the most prestigious events in the entire sport, and one that is hosted by some of the most historic and iconic courses on the planet.
While the majority of these courses are private clubs, because of their major championship status, most do allow visitors to book tee times. These tee times are, of course, far more expensive than your local club, but some are far more affordable than others.
Here are the five cheapest options for you if you want to play an Open Championship course in 2026! These are all courses that have hosted the major since 2000.
5. Muirfield
Estimated price: £395
Muirfield is famous for its history and its strict adherence to tradition, famously only allowing visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
While it sits at the higher end of this list, the fee includes an experience often cited as the best in golf.
For £395, you can play 18 holes of fourballs in the morning, followed by a world-class carvery lunch in the jacket-and-tie clubhouse, and 18 holes of foursomes in the afternoon.
So that’s 36 holes of golf for a similar price to the rest of the courses on this list, which all offer just 18.
Handicap Limit: 24 (Men & Women)
4. Royal Troon – Old Course
Estimated price: £395
Fresh off hosting the 152nd Open Championship in 2024, Troon’s Old Course remains one of the most punishing tests on the circuit, featuring the iconic Postage Stamp 8th hole. Rory McIlroy has that hole on his Mount Rushmore of par threes in the world.
Where does Phil Mickelson rank among the all time golfing greats? 🤔
Visitors are typically restricted to Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, but the price is actually a relative steal compared to its neighbors, like Trump Turnberry or Prestwick.
Handicap Limit: 20 (Men), 30 (Women)
3. Carnoustie – Championship Course
Estimated price: £360
Widely considered the most difficult course on the Open rota, this venue has gotten the better of the world’s best players over the years. And Carnoustie offers a surprisingly streamlined booking process for the public.
Unlike some other private clubs, Carnoustie operates more like a high-end public facility, making it one of the easiest bucket list courses to book online without a ballot.
Handicap Limit: 28 (Men), 36 (Women)
2. St Andrews – Old Course
Estimated price: £355
The “Home of Golf” is technically the second cheapest on the list, but it comes with a massive caveat: you must be lucky.
PROVE US WRONG: You can’t name all four PGA Tour venues! ⛳
While you can walk up to the Pavilion and join the Singles Daily Draw, or enter the two-day ballot, a guaranteed pre-booked time usually requires buying a commercial package that can cost three times this face value.
Handicap Limit: 36 (Men & Women)
1. Royal Liverpool – Hoylake
Estimated price: £350/£400
Hoylake, host of the 2023 Open, currently offers the most competitive standard walk-on rate for 2026.
While they have introduced a £400 peak rate for mid-summer, they frequently offer shoulder-season rates in March and October, starting at £300.
That makes it the most accessible and affordable modern Open venue for a guaranteed tee time.
Handicap Limit: 21 (Men), 32 (Women)
