Southport is this week preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors as The 154th Open Golf championship gets underway at Royal Birkdale this on Sunday (12th July 2026).
Merseyside Police has a long tradition of supporting the organisers of major events in partnership with other emergency services and stakeholders and months of planning, led by The R&A, have gone into ensuring that the eight-day Championship is safe and enjoyable for players, spectators and the residents of Birkdale, Southport, Sefton and the wider Merseyside area.
More than 300,000 people are expected to attend The Open but Merseyside Police has been working closely with organisers, The R&A, Sefton Council and our other key partners and have a robust policing plan in place.
Chief Inspector David Morgan, who is Silver Commander for the event, said:
“A considerable amount of work goes into events such as this and we constantly review our approach to supporting The R&A and our partners in delivering it.
“The public should expect to see high visibility policing across The Open as we complement and support other security agencies.
“Anti-social behaviour, disorder and criminal activity will not be tolerated, and we will be robust with anyone who behaves in such a manner.
“Visitors can help the organisers by giving themselves extra time to get to the course, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along. They should also expect to undergo the normal security checks, including bag searches.”
Project Servator officers in uniform and plain-clothes will also be deployed during the event. These officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.
Chief Inspector Morgan added: “During deployments, officers will encourage the public, including people working in local businesses and event security staff, to be extra eyes and ears, and report anything suspicious.
“If you do see a Project Servator deployment, there’s nothing to worry about. Feel free to talk to officers, they will be happy to explain what they are doing.”
For more information about The Open, visit the event organiser’s websites www.theopen.com
For information about how to get to the event by bus or train visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk
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