In July 2026, one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments – Open Golf – will return to Royal Birkdale. For golf fans, it’s a calendar highlight. For Southport landlords and property investors, it’s something else entirely: a golden, once-in-a-decade opportunity to maximise rental income, and benefit from a ripple effect that could lift the local property market for years to come.
Events like Open Golf bring more than crowds to the fairways. They deliver economic boosts worth millions, transform short-term accommodation demand, and leave lasting benefits in infrastructure, tourism, and regional profile. If you own, or are thinking about buying, property in Southport, now is the time to start preparing for a surge in interest and income potential.
Why Open Golf matters to Southport property investors
Royal Birkdale has hosted Open Golf 10 times before, most recently in 2017. That year, over 235,000 spectators attended during tournament week, making it one of the best-attended Opens in history. According to The R&A’s event impact report, the 2017 Championship contributed more than £100 million to the UK economy, with a large share going directly into the local area.
For landlords, the impact is twofold:
- Short-term demand spike – Hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnb hosts often sell out months in advance. Short-term rental rates can climb significantly above standard levels as visitors compete for limited accommodation.
- Long-term profile boost – The media coverage and visitor experience often encourage repeat visits and relocation interest, increasing Southport’s appeal as a residential and investment destination.
Historic property portal data shows that in the 12 months following the 2017 Open, Southport’s average house price rose by around 6% (Rightmove House Price Index), outperforming the broader Merseyside average.
Short-term rental surge during major sporting events
To see the real potential, it’s worth looking at patterns from previous tournaments and similar events. In 2017, Royal Birkdale’s Open week saw:
- Airbnb listings in Southport rising by more than 40% compared to the month before the event (InsideAirbnb data).
- Average nightly rates doubling for well-located two- and three-bedroom properties.
- Occupancy rates reaching near 100% across most short-let platforms.
It’s not just about Open Golf either. Cities and towns hosting events such as the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup, or major music festivals have seen similar spikes. For landlords willing to pivot from long-term lets to short-term holiday-style rentals, the uplift in weekly income during event periods can sometimes equal two or three months’ standard rent.
For example:
- A Southport two-bedroom flat that might let for £700 a month on a long-term basis could command £250–£300 per night during tournament week – generating over £1,500 in just five nights.
The long-term benefits for landlords and investors
While the immediate attraction is obvious – high yields during tournament week – Open Golf’s impact lasts far longer.
Elevated profile
Broadcast to a global audience of more than 600 million households, Open Golf puts Southport on the world stage. Golf tourism is big business, and many spectators combine attendance with exploring the local area. For some, it sparks interest in buying a holiday home or relocating altogether.
Infrastructure improvements
Hosting Open Golf often triggers investment in local infrastructure, from improved transport links to enhanced public spaces. These changes make areas more attractive to residents and future tenants alike.
Regeneration and development
Local councils and businesses frequently use the event as a springboard for regeneration projects. The positive effect on town vibrancy can help sustain higher rental demand.
Property price resilience
According to Land Registry data, areas that have hosted large international events often experience above-average price growth in the years following, partly because of increased visibility and desirability.
Preparing your property for Open Golf 2026
If you want to make the most of the opportunity, preparation is key.
Ensure compliance and quality standards
Short-term holiday lets have specific legal requirements. In England, these can include:
- Gas safety certificates and electrical checks.
- Fire safety measures such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
- Appropriate insurance covering short-term tenants.
Many visitors for Open Golf will have high expectations, so presentation matters. Investing in comfortable furnishings, modern decor, and small luxury touches – like quality bedding, coffee machines, and fast Wi-Fi – can set your property apart.
Partner with a professional letting agent
Switching to short-term lets – even temporarily – requires time, marketing skill, and a solid plan for guest management. . Our local knowledge and national network mean we can market your property effectively to visitors long before they arrive.
Risks and considerations for landlords
While the opportunity is exciting, it’s important to balance expectations with realistic planning.
Seasonal nature of income
Open Golf lasts just one week. While you may enjoy a short-term windfall, you’ll need to plan for occupancy during the rest of the year.
Switching strategies
If you currently have a long-term tenant, you’ll need to consider tenancy end dates well in advance. There are legal processes for ending or changing tenancy agreements that must be followed carefully.
Legal obligations and tax
Short-term lets may be subject to different regulations and tax treatment compared to standard tenancies. You’ll need to keep accurate records and consult with a tax adviser to ensure compliance with HMRC rules on rental income.
Why act now
Open Golf may still be nearly one year away, but competition among landlords and investors has already begun. Property owners in prime locations – near Royal Birkdale, central Southport, and transport links – are starting refurbishments, applying for necessary licences, and planning marketing campaigns.
Delaying could mean missing out on:
- Prime purchase opportunities – Prices could rise as more investors target the area.
- Advance bookings – Visitors often secure accommodation months in advance.
- Best contractor availability – Tradespeople will be in high demand closer to the event.
Rightmove’s latest House Price Index shows Southport’s average asking price has already increased 3.2% in the past year, and Zoopla forecasts continued steady growth. For investors, buying now could mean benefiting from capital appreciation before the tournament even begins.
A strategic play for your portfolio
Major sporting events like Open Golf rarely happen in the same place twice within a decade. For Southport, this is a unique moment when global attention, visitor spending, and property market potential align. Whether you’re an established landlord or a first-time investor, the key is to plan early, act decisively, and partner with experts who understand both the local market and the event’s dynamics.
Make your move with Northwood Southport
As a locally owned business with national reach, we know Southport’s property market inside out. From managing high-yield short-term rentals to securing reliable long-term tenants, we’ve helped landlords maximise returns for many years.
Open Golf Golf 2026 will be a highlight in Southport’s history – and it could be a highlight in your property investment story too.
Book your free, no-obligation rental valuation today and let’s explore how your property could perform during and beyond Open Golf.
