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The Global Golfer Top 100
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Southport, Lancashire, England · #5 in the World
Location: Southport, Lancashire, England | Ranking: #5 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links | Partner Stay: The Vincent Hotel, Southport
Editor’s Note: Royal Birkdale is considered by most professionals the fairest of all the Open Championship venues. Unlike most links courses where the wind direction affects some holes vastly more than others, Birkdale’s routing through the valleys between its sand hills means every hole receives equal treatment. The quality of the course is unimpeachable from the 1st to the 18th; there are no weak holes and no unfair bounces. In the game’s most significant venues, Birkdale stands apart for its integrity.
1. Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Royal Birkdale is 20 miles north of Liverpool via the A565, on Waterloo Road, Southport.
- Nearest Airport: Liverpool John Lennon (LPL) — 35 mins. Manchester Airport (MAN) — 50 mins.
- By Train: Liverpool Lime Street to Southport (40 mins); 20-minute taxi from Southport station.
2. Contact & Booking
- Tel: +44 (0)1704 567920 | Email: secretary@royalbirkdale.com
- Website: royalbirkdale.com
- How to Book: Visitor tee times Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only. Handicap certificate required (max 18 men, 24 ladies). Book minimum 2 months in advance.
- Course Rating / Slope: Championship: 76.5 / 148 | Medal: 74.2 / 142
- Green Fees: From £280 per round
3. Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 34 |
| Yards | 449 | 421 | 451 | 203 | 344 | 480 | 177 | 457 | 411 | 3,393 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 35 | 70 |
| Yards | 403 | 408 | 183 | 499 | 199 | 542 | 416 | 547 | 472 | 3,669 | 7,156 |
4. Hole-by-Hole Strategy
Hole 1 — Par 4, 449 Yards
- Strategy: Birkdale opens with a strong par 4 — a wide fairway giving way to an elevated green protected by deep bunkers. The prevailing wind is at your back on this first hole; use it.
Hole 6 — Par 4, 480 Yards
- Strategy: The longest par 4 on the course — a slight dogleg right with sand hills squeezing the landing zone. The second shot is a long iron into a green that appears to float in a hollow surrounded by gorse.
Hole 15 — Par 4, 542 Yards
- Strategy: The famous Arnold Palmer hole — a plaque marks where Palmer hit a memorable iron from willow scrub during the 1961 Open. A reachable par 5 in two for the long hitter, but cross-bunkers demand a precise carry.
Hole 18 — Par 4, 472 Yards
- Strategy: One of the finest finishing holes in championship golf — a long par 4 that bends gently left toward the iconic Art Deco clubhouse. In 1991, Ian Baker-Finch birdied this hole to claim the Claret Jug.
5. The 19th Hole — Where to Stay & Dine
- The Vincent Hotel, Southport (4★): Art Deco boutique hotel on the Southport seafront — 10 minutes from Royal Birkdale. The cocktail bar is one of the North West’s finest. Book via Expedia →
- Birkdale Golf Club Bar & Dining: Post-round lunch in the Art Deco clubhouse is essential — traditional Lancashire menu and outstanding Open Championship memorabilia.
- Bistrot Vérite, Southport: Outstanding French bistrot 15 minutes from the course. The most surprising fine dining address in the North West.