The Open: Haotong Li’s Historic Performance and Cocktail Competition
The Open 2026 is set to take place from July 12 to July 19 at the prestigious Royal Birkdale in Southport, Merseyside. This year, the event will not only highlight the skills of top golfers like Haotong Li, who made headlines with his impressive debut performance in 2017, but also feature a unique cocktail competition that invites creativity from both professional and amateur bartenders.
Haotong Li, who finished third on his debut at The Open in 2017, recorded a remarkable final-round score of 63, marking the lowest major round by a Chinese golfer. His performance has made him one of the most celebrated athletes in Chinese golf history, and as he returns to The Open, expectations are high for another standout showing.
In addition to the golfing action, the event will showcase the official gin of The Open, Ben Lomond Gin, which has held this title since 2023. The brand is actively engaging with fans and participants through its “official serve of The Open” campaign, which has gained significant traction in recent years. Elsie Cinnamond, a representative from Ben Lomond Gin, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s competition, stating, “Our official serve of The Open campaign has been hugely successful in the past, and we’re excited to open it up even further this year by inviting both professional bartenders and those with a passion for mixology to take part.”
The cocktail competition encourages participants to create a drink inspired by their personal stories, with submissions accepted through a dedicated portal. The winner will receive VIP tickets to the championships and a cash prize, adding an exciting incentive for bartenders to showcase their mixology skills. Cinnamond emphasized the importance of storytelling in cocktail creation, saying, “Taste is obviously important, but at Ben Lomond Gin we believe the greatest serves come with a great story, and we are always excited to hear the inspiration behind each cocktail.”
Last year’s winner of the cocktail competition crafted a drink that paid homage to his grandmother, highlighting the personal connections that can be woven into the art of mixology. This year, as bartenders prepare their submissions, the anticipation builds around the innovative flavors and narratives they will bring to the table.
As The Open approaches, golf enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike are eager to see how Haotong Li will perform and what creative concoctions will emerge from the competition. With the event just months away, the excitement surrounding both the golfing and cocktail elements promises to make The Open 2026 a memorable occasion.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific number of participants in the cocktail competition and the exact format of the submissions, but the buzz is palpable as the date draws near. Observers are keen to see how the combination of elite golf and mixology will unfold at this iconic tournament.