Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Royal Birkdale — the Lancashire coast’s most legible championship links

The course occupies a vast system of dunes between Southport and the Ribble estuary. The fairways wind through natural valleys, offering a rare degree of visibility for a championship links.

The club was founded in 1889 and moved to its current site in the Birkdale Hills at the beginning of the 20th century. George Low Jr. designed the first major course, then Fred Hawtree and J. H. Taylor extensively remodelled it in the 1930s.

The architecture features fairways framed by dunes, deep bunkers, and greens that are often slightly elevated. The strategy is clear: hazards are visible, but safe lines leave more challenging approaches.

The course is long, exposed, and remarkably balanced. It stands up to major championships without losing its playability for the club golfer.

Royal Birkdale offers the experience of a grand championship club, with a historic clubhouse, caddies, visitors welcomed under certain conditions, and a strong Open tradition.

Founded in 1889; multiple Open, Ryder Cup and Walker Cup venue.

Club founded in 1889; current course is the work of George Low Jr. H. Taylor; multiple host of The Open, Ryder Cup, and Walker Cup.