The R&A, the Golf Foundation, England Golf and The PGA today announced the launch of ‘Road To The Opens’, an initiative designed to harness the legacy of both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open and inspire the next generation of young golfers.
Representatives from the four organisations were joined at Royal Lytham & St Annes by junior golfers from the club, who stood alongside two iconic trophies – the Claret Jug and the AIG Women’s Open trophy – as part of a special launch event to mark the start of the 2026 campaign in England’s north-west.
Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the 50th playing of the AIG Women’s Open from 29 July – 2 August, with nearby Royal Birkdale staging The 154th Open from 12 July – 19 July.
With both The Open and the AIG Women’s Open taking place in the same region, there is a great opportunity to maximise impact in the local area.
The ‘Road to The Opens’ initiative is designed to connect the excitement of both major championships with grassroots opportunities across schools, golf clubs and communities, creating important pathways for young people to experience and continue in the sport
By engaging with the sport through fun and inclusive formats, young people will not only develop a lasting interest in golf but also feel connected to the championships in their home region, with the opportunity to watch the world’s best golfers in action on their doorstep.
The initiative aims to reach more than 3,500 young people in the local area across five stages of the ‘Junior Journey’, from picking up a club for the first time through to playing fun and competitive golf at a club or facility.
While this is the first time the ‘Road To The Opens’ will celebrate both championships together, the Golf Foundation and The R&A have delivered similar initiatives across Open venue host regions over the years, demonstrating the value of connecting major sporting moments with local delivery – creating inspiring experiences for young people while supporting clubs and communities to grow participation.
Since its introduction, the initiative has:
• Delivered golf experiences in schools, clubs and community settings, as well as training teachers to incorporate golf in ongoing activities.
• Created first opportunities for young people to try golf in engaging, accessible ways.
• Supported local venues to develop sustainable junior activity following The Open.
“With both The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and the 50th staging of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, we have a unique opportunity to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to try golf and take up the sport through the opportunities being provided by the ‘Road To The Opens’ initiative.” said Kevin Barker, Director of Golf Development – GB&I and Africa at The R&A.
Both championships are followed by millions of fans each year, providing a powerful platform to grow interest in the sport, and we want to harness that momentum across the region in the lead up to both championships. While the staging of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open will deliver significant economic benefits, we are equally focused on creating a lasting legacy for local communities through increased participation and by highlighting the many social, health and wellbeing benefits that golf can provide.”
As part of the ‘Road To The Opens’ in 2026, the organisations will be working together to deliver a wide-ranging programme of activity designed to introduce more young people to golf and support ongoing participation.
This will include:
• Trophy Tour visits to primary and secondary schools, golf clubs and community venues, with golf introductory sessions as well as special projects focusing on careers in golf opportunities for young people.
• Delivery of Unleash Your Drive, a structured programme introducing young people to golf alongside key mental toughness skills.
• Community activations delivered in partnership with organisations including Liverpool FC, Everton FC and Aintree Racecourse.
• Opportunities for clubs to build on Trophy Tour visits through junior coaching, events and competitive formats such as GolfSixes League.
• Talks from The R&A, England Golf and Golf Foundation staff to explore the history of golf and highlight the many career opportunities golf can provide.
The Trophy Tour will act as a central feature of the campaign, bringing the two iconic trophies directly into local communities and creating moments that inspire young people to take their first steps into the game.
“The Golf Foundation is delighted to support the road to two Open championships this year,” said Brendon Pyle, CEO of the Golf Foundation. “Using the inspiration of the best male and female players in the world competing in the north-west of England to encourage more young people to want to play golf in their schools, driving ranges and clubs. We know that there are so many physical and mental health benefits to playing our sport as well as some brilliant career opportunities for men and women – the ‘Road To The Opens’ provide the perfect chance to celebrate and showcase the opportunities that golf can bring to young people.”
With the global spotlight of The Open and the AIG Women’s Open, the ‘Road To The Opens’ initiative is focused on ensuring that the excitement of elite golf translates into long-term opportunities at a grassroots level.
By creating clear pathways from first experience to continued participation – across schools, clubs and communities – the campaign aims to leave a lasting legacy that extends well beyond the championships themselves.
England Golf Chief Executive, Jeremy Tomlinson said, “Junior golf is thriving in this country. With our Junior Journey and Junior Hubs providing the perfect venues for youngsters to try, learn and love golf in safe, inclusive and inspirational environments.
“Off the back of huge increases in junior club membership and junior iGolfers, the ‘Road To The Opens’ is only going to build on that momentum as we showcase that golf is a sport for all.”
Speaking about the launch Dr Jonathan Wright, External Relations at The PGA added, “PGA Members are at the heart of growing golf at every level, and the ‘Road to The Opens’ gives us a brilliant opportunity to showcase the incredible work they do every day, from delivering coaching at local clubs to visiting schools and communities.
“With two world class championships coming to the north-west this summer, we look forward to our Members playing their part in turning that excitement into lasting participation for young people across the region.”
