Royal Birkdale

Considered the jewel in the crown of the North West golfing coast, Royal Birkdale is a must play for any golfer visiting the region. Formed in 1889 the course has been played by golfing legends such as Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino.

Steeped in tournament history, Royal Birkdale has hosted the Open Championship nine times, and seen tournaments including the Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup, Women’s British Open, British Ladies’ and the Walker Cup.

This rugged links course was improved in preparation for the 2008 Open Championship which involved a new green on the 17th, twenty new hazards including sixteen new fairway bunkers and six new tees. Bunkering was made much tighter and the green surroundings were re-contoured significantly adding to the challenge of the course.

The signature hole proves particularly challenging within this links course with an accurate drive needed to keep the green in sight. Faced with winds rushing in off the Irish Sea, a precise swing is required to compensate.

As a championship course, to play at Royal Birkdale does mean you’re faced with the expensive costs of up to £195. It isn’t a course most can visit regularly, but it remains high on most golfers’ lists for a reason. Conquering Birkdale’s strong winds, tight bunkers and undulating greens proves too testing for many but continues to draw in golfers from around the world.

www.royalbirkdale.com