Southport Open Championship volunteers needed for July

Thousands of golf spectators are expected to arrive in Southport when The 154th Open Championship comes to Royal Birkdale, and local residents are being asked to help shape the welcome.

The championship runs from 12 to 19 July 2026 at Royal Birkdale, Southport. Volunteer shifts are expected to last up to six hours, with roles based away from the course at transport hubs, Park & Ride sites, walking routes and course access points. Start and finish times have not been published in the source information, and no price or payment detail is listed for applicants.

The opportunity is aimed at people aged 18 or over who are friendly, confident speaking to the public, able to travel to an assigned location and available during championship week.

Royal Birkdale prepares for championship week

The 154th Open Championship will bring a major international sporting event back to Royal Birkdale, placing Southport and the wider Sefton area in front of visitors from around the world.

Sefton Council says volunteers will join the Open Host Team, a public-facing group set up to welcome visitors and help people move smoothly around key locations linked to the event. The roles are not described as on-course duties. Instead, they focus on the visitor journey around the town and access points connected with the championship.

That means Open Hosts may be among the first local faces spectators meet when they arrive. The work includes giving directions, sharing local and event-related knowledge, supporting visitor movement and acting as a visible, reassuring presence in busy areas.

What volunteers will be asked to do

The source information lists a practical role built around welcome, direction and crowd flow rather than specialist golf knowledge.

Open Hosts will be asked to welcome visitors and spectators, provide helpful information, share local knowledge, support movement at transport hubs and entry points, and help create a positive experience throughout the week.

Volunteer locations are expected to include transport hubs, Park & Ride sites, walking routes and course access points. Applicants should be ready to travel to whichever location they are assigned.

A willingness to complete pre-event training is also required. Details of volunteer benefits and rewards will be confirmed after a successful application, according to the council notice.

Dates, venue and applicant details

The council says applicants must be friendly, approachable and confident when speaking to the public. They must also be available to volunteer between 12 and 19 July 2026.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said The Open Championship is a globally recognised event and a chance to showcase Sefton and Southport. She said Open Host volunteers would play a vital role in creating a warm welcome for visitors arriving from around the world.

Applications are now open, and residents are being encouraged to apply early through Sefton Council.

Source: Sefton Council