Explore Royal Birkdale

Situated in the North West coast of England, Royal Birkdale is one of the world’s most magnificent links. Fairways weave through the imposing sand dunes that tower over the course, providing wonderful vantage points for spectators at The Open. One of the most demanding opening holes of any of The Open’s host venues sets the stage for a true test of links golf, made more challenging when the unrelenting wind blows from the Irish sea.

Tight fairways require accurate ball-striking, with few consecutive holes playing in the same direction. The finishing hole plays toward Royal Birkdale’s distinctive white Art Deco clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green where the 2017 Champion Golfer of the Year will be crowned.

Course Overview

Since first hosting The Open in 1954, Royal Birkdale has been (alongside Royal Lytham) the most regular venue for the Championship other than St Andrews.

The course has produced many memorable moments including Arnold Palmer’s magnificent shot out from a blackberry bush at 16 in 1961, where a plaque now sits to commemorate the feat that contributed to his first Open victory.

Royal Birkdale was also the scene of the great Peter Thomson’s first chance to the lift the Claret Jug in 1954, as well as his final of five wins in 1965. Padraig Harrington is the most recent Champion to taste success at Royal Birkdale, after overcoming injury to earn back-to-back victories in 2008.

The Open at Royal Birkdale is regarded as one of the truest tests of links golf and 2017 promises to deliver another worthy Champion Golfer of the Year.