Previous Open winners at the course include Pádraig Harrington, Mark O'Meara, Ian Baker-Finch, Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer and the brilliant Peter Thomson, who took the first prize twice. The club has also hosted the women's Open six times, and the Senior Open Championship in 2013. Head for the 15th hole to see a special plaque commemorating Arnold Palmer’s legendary shot, taken in truly horrible weather conditions en route to his spectacular 1961 Open win.
The club has hosted more Championship and internationals since World War 2 than any other course, anywhere in the world. Not unsurprisingly given that Royal Birkdale is the recipient of notable accolades, including having variously been voted England's number one club, one of the top five clubs in Britain and amongst the world's top 35. As you can imagine, it offers a supreme golfing experience that really is second to none.
About Royal Birkdale – Brief History
- Founded as Birkdale Golf Club in 1889
- Moved to a new site at Birkdale Hills in 1894
- Clubhouse built in 1935
- Nominated as the venue for the 1940 Open in 1939, an event that was cancelled because of the war
- Hosted the Amateur Championship in 1946, which was won by the Irish golfer James Bruen
- Home to the 1948 Curtis Cup and 1951 Walker Cup
- Given royal status in 1951
- Held its first Open Championship in 1954
- The current layout was created by Frederick G. Hawtree and J.H. Taylor
- W Hawtree, the son of Frederick G, modified the course in the 1960s
- In 1993 Martin Hawtree, the son of Frederick W, modified the layout again, rebuilding 18 of the greens from scratch
- Ranked as the 18th best in the world outside the US in 2007 thanks to Golf Digest magazine
- So far the course has hosted eight Open Championships
Royal Birkdale Scorecard
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Featured hole – Hole 1
The very first challenge you'll encounter on your visit to Royal Birkdale golf course is hole one, a full 450 yards long and an incredibly tricky Par-4. You'll need your wits about you to handle this famously tough start, which is frequently rated one of the most difficult holes on the entire course - a worthy adversary to kick off an exceptional golfing experience. Fail to make a pinpoint-accurate tee shot and you'll stand next to no chance of actually attacking the pin. 'Demanding' just doesn't cover it!
Known for magnificent, majestic sand dunes
It's no surprise that this course’s reputation as one of England’s finest links has endured. Designed by the fertile imaginations of Fred Hawtree and JH Taylor, who cleverly routed the holes through the dunes during the 1920s, you play Royal Birkdale for holes that run along deep valleys running between enormous, imposing dunes. It may be tough going from start to finish but that's what makes this golf course such a pleasure, and why it is still regarded by many as one of The Open’s fairest tests. The 12th hole is also notable, playing to an incredibly steep green within a dramatic amphitheatre of sand dunes.
Royal Birkdale golf breaks
English golf holidays don't get much better than this. A Royal Birkdale golf vacation is something you won't forget in a hurry because of the truly wonderful experience that awats. No wonder tee times at Royal Birkdale are always in such demand. To find out more about our legendary golf breaks and accommodation, feel free to contact us. As passionate golf lovers and players, we'll make your visit the best it can possibly be.
Featured Royal Birkdale golf package:
North West England 7 Nights Programme – Nestled between the scenic Lake District to the North and Manchester to the south is an area of England boasting a supreme golfing experience. Featuring 6 incredible rounds of golf and 7 nights accommodation where you’ll enjoy a daily, sumptuous breakfast and a three-course dinner during one evening of your stay. Airport transfers, as well as transfers to and from the golf courses themselves are, naturally, included. This package is fully customisable so you can have the golf holiday experience of your dreams, so please do get in touch to discuss.