The Royal Birkdale

Published: 28 October 2010 Last updated: 18 September 2013

Southport, Merseyside

DESIGNER: Lowe, 1889
YARDAGE: 7,173
PAR: 70

GREEN FEES: Oct 1-Dec 31, week day £120 per round, weekend £150 per round (includes soup and sandwich lunch).
CONTACT: 01704 552020, www.royalbirkdale.com
CLUB COMMENT: The 5th green has been re-contoured and the step taken out.

Another move up for England’s best course, after another successful Major in the 2010 Womens’ British Open. The changes made to Birkdale prior to the 2008 Open were – the 17th green apart – universally regarded as positive. Several new back tees and the repositioning of numerous bunkers tightened up what has always been a fabulous course. The pros love its flat fairways and lack of blind holes and these aspects also make it very playable for amateurs. The 17th green was a controversial change ahead of the 2008 Open, with Lee Westwood severely criticising its undulations. While Martin Hawtree’s new green undoubtedly features a distinct change in elevation between the two tiers and some seriously steep slopes, it can provide great fun – just ask Padraig Harrington.

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.