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The rugged links at Birkdale is widely regarded as the finest course in England and to date it has hosted nine Open Championships and was recently called on to stage the Ricoh Women’s British Open again. It is a stunning test of golf and its short 12th hole stands comparison with any par-3 in world golf. Royal Birkdale is ranked as England’s number 1 golf course and is also ranked within the top 10 golf courses of the World!
Royal Birkdale was formed back in 1889 and the 2008 Open marked the ninth time it has staged the Open Championship, the previous eight being won by Peter Thomson (1954 and 1965), Arnold Palmer (1961), Lee Trevino (1971), Johnny Miller (1976), Tom Watson (1983),Ian Baker-Finch (1991) and Mark O’Meara (1998). The club has also hosted the The Amateur, the Women’s British Open, the British Ladies’, the Boy’s Championship, as well as the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup and the Ryder Cup, the latter on two occasions.
On 30 July 1889, nine gentlemen met at the home of Mr J C Barrett and it was here that they took the unanimous decision to form themselves into a Club, to be called the Birkdale Golf Club. The founder members at the first meeting were Messrs George Crowther, R L Worsley, Digby Johnson, John Coney, RG Hayward, W M Simpson, B R Simpson and W W P Shatwell. The somewhat daunting task that they set out to achieve was "to make all necessary arrangements and incur all necessary expense as to preparing the course and greens, hiring a professional and providing suitable accommodation for a Clubhouse etc."
In 1897 the decision was taken to move to Birkdale Hills where an 18 hole course was constructed. In 1991 a decision was taken to redesign and relay all the greens. This considerable investment and ongoing improvement has enabled the club to retain its position as one of the finest links courses.
Even in the early days, the Birkdale Club was forward-thinking, with the members voting in favour of allowing ladies to use the links from 1889. Indeed, one of the first tournaments held was the 1909 ladies' British Open Matchplay Championship. The growing stature of the club was acknowledged in 1951 when the King gave his permission for the club to be known as The Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
Visitors to the course can walk in the footsteps of many of golf's legends, among them Open Winners, Peter Thomson, a double winner at Royal Birkdale, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson.
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Created by: Martin Hawtree and J H Taylor Ltd
The rugged links at Royal Birkdale is often cited as the finest course in England and that reputation was enhanced after a makeover in time for the 2008 Open Championship. The club, with the support of the R & A, brought in renowned architect, Martin Hawtree, and the result of his handiwork was a new green on the 17th, 20 new hazards, 16 of which are fairway bunkers, and six new tees.
“Royal Birkdale is a strong Open venue and we felt that by introducing these changes that challenge can be maintained,” said R & A Chief Executive, Peter Dawson. “We have paid particular attention to the introduction of tee shots that give players a number of strategic options and, through tighter bunkering and the re-contouring of green surrounds, intend to make players play more imaginative recovery shots.”
The links measure 6,690 yards and although the distance itself is a test even for the most accomplised golfer, the wind, whistling down the fairways when it comes from the sea, adds to the challenge. Each hole runs through a landscape of high dunes, the fairways are flat and fair and from the tee there is generally a clear view of the task ahead. Each hole is memorable, from The Open Championship tee the 13th measure 498 yards, one of the longest par 4s in championship golf.
Hole 16: 416 Yards, Par 4
A fine right-handed dogleg. The line is to the left, providing the best line to the hole and avoiding the rough on the right. The green is situated on a plateau and the bunkers on either side make an accurate second shot essential. The Championship tee is 130 yards further back than the members medal tee, creating a long carry over very rough ground.
The Arnold Palmer Plaque is situated 230 yards down the left hand side of the fairway. From there, Palmer hit his famous second shot into the 16th green on his way to his landmark Open Championship win in 1961. As you'll see, the shot is hard enough when encountered in fine weather. Palmer famously struck his in a gale !
To get the most from the your golf break or golf tour of the England's Golf Coast region, simply click on the tabs below to access relevant information regarding Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
- Accommodation
- Club Facilities
- Video Vault
- The 19th Hole
- Location
Located just 30 minutes from Royal Birkdale the Radisson Blu Liverpool offers a luxury and convenient base to play Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
The luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel in Liverpool is easily accessible for guests who are travelling by air, car, rail or sea. Located by a ferry terminal in the central business district, this hotel is close to many Liverpool attractions, such as the revitalized Albert Dock and the highly regarded Walker Art Gallery.
Perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool also has a rich maritime heritage and a number of architectural showpieces, such as the Cathedral Church of Christ, the largest cathedral in Britain. Today, Liverpool is a bustling port city with a passion for shopping, music and sports.
Stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Liverpool, featuring a convenient location, with 194 elegant guest rooms all with modern amenities.
» Putting Area
» Chipping Area
» Professional Lessons
» Pro Shop
» Clubhouse
» Bar
» Restaurant
» Changing Rooms
This video lasts 02:53 and is a Clubhouse tour given by one of the Members. The tour was filmed for the 2008 TV Open coverage. Well worth watching
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» Hosted 9 Open Championships » Held 9 Women's British Opens » Ranked no 1 in England » Ranked in Top 10 of the World » A 'tick the box course' » Just 8 minutes from Southport » An unforgetable round
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