Royal Birkdale Golf Club

The course and its character

The club was founded in 1889 and moved to its present site among the Birkdale Hills in 1894; it received royal status in 1951. The routing owes most to Frederick G. Hawtree and J. H. Taylor, and Martin Hawtree rebuilt all 18 greens in 1993. Fairways run through valleys between high dunes, and the art deco clubhouse dates from 1935. Open winners here include Padraig Harrington in 2008 and Jordan Spieth in 2017. The 1969 Ryder Cup at Birkdale ended level and is remembered for Jack Nicklaus's concession to Tony Jacklin.

Booking and visitor practicalities

At the time of writing, visitor tee times for 2027 were fully booked, with 2028 details to follow, so plan well ahead. Online bookings for groups of eight or fewer are paid in full at booking, and two- and three-balls may be combined into four-balls. Caddies and forecaddies can be booked and are paid in cash. Buggies are available only with a medical certificate, on the day, and visitors cannot bring their own. Hire clubs and trolleys are available. Collared shirts must be tucked in; jeans, tracksuits, round-neck T-shirts and trainers are not permitted.

Getting there

The club is on Waterloo Road in Birkdale, on the south side of Southport. Hillside Golf Club is next door, and Hillside railway station on the Merseyrail line is close by.

Highlights

• Hosted The Open ten times between 1954 and 2017
• Venue for the 1965 and 1969 Ryder Cups
• Art deco clubhouse built in 1935
• All 18 greens rebuilt by Martin Hawtree in 1993

Good to know

• Visitor tee times sell out far in advance; 2027 was already full
• Buggies only with a medical certificate, and only on the day
• Caddie fees are paid in cash to the caddie
• Headwear must be removed inside the clubhouse

Frequently asked questions