
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
A legendary Open Championship links course, Royal Birkdale offers a challenging and historic golfing experience amidst stunning coastal dunes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Open Championship links course, Royal Birkdale offers a challenging and historic golfing experience amidst stunning coastal dunes.
"An amazing experience, truly felt like you were a guest for the day. A must for golfers wanting the best."

Book a Caddie 🤝
Highly recommended for course strategy and local knowledge. They're the icing on the cake!
Embrace the Challenge 💪
Links golf is tough! Expect wind, undulations, and strategic bunkers. Play smart.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 18th Hole
Clubhouse View
Experience the drama of the finishing hole, steeped in Open Championship history. A fitting end to a legendary round.

Hole 9
Coastal Stretch
A picturesque par 4 offering stunning views and a true test of links golf, often playing into the wind.

The Clubhouse
Clubhouse
Soak in the rich history and atmosphere of this iconic clubhouse, a hub for golfers and a gateway to legendary tales.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time Well in Advance
Prepare for an Iconic, Challenging Course
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Caddie 🤝
Highly recommended for course strategy and local knowledge. They're the icing on the cake!
Embrace the Challenge 💪
Links golf is tough! Expect wind, undulations, and strategic bunkers. Play smart.
Dress Code Matters 👔
Adhere to the club's dress code for a smooth entry and enjoyable experience. Smart golf attire is essential.
Factor in the Cost 💰
Green fees are significant. Consider it an investment for a world-class experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Caddie 🤝
Highly recommended for course strategy and local knowledge. They're the icing on the cake!
Embrace the Challenge 💪
Links golf is tough! Expect wind, undulations, and strategic bunkers. Play smart.
Dress Code Matters 👔
Adhere to the club's dress code for a smooth entry and enjoyable experience. Smart golf attire is essential.
Factor in the Cost 💰
Green fees are significant. Consider it an investment for a world-class experience.
Arrive Early for History 📜
Soak in the clubhouse atmosphere and learn about its legendary Open Championship moments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Royal Birkdale for its spectacular course condition, challenging layout, and the exceptional hospitality of its staff. The 'Birkdale Experience' is often highlighted as a memorable, first-class golfing adventure, with caddies adding significant value. While the cost is acknowledged as high, most feel it's a worthwhile investment for a world-class round.
"What an amazing experience. A warm welcome - truly felt like you were a guest for the day. Course was in spectacular condition - and great but fair challenge. Our caddies (Derek and Keith) really were the icing on the cake with their gentle humor, information about the course and the area and importantly help with shot selection and green reads. Expensive for sure, but a must for golfers wanting the best."
CT Hammers
"Great course with great staff.
1st class golf facilities"
jamie s
"It was one of the best golfing experiences. Facilities, course clubhouse, and staff were amazing. If I have the opportunity to play there in the future, I would definitely take the opportunity too."
Andrew Alecock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Royal Birkdale Golf Club is located in Southport, England. The nearest major airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL). From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for private transport, which is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can take public transport: a train from Liverpool Lime Street to Southport station, followed by a short taxi ride to the club. Many visitors also drive, with ample parking available on-site.
Yes, Royal Birkdale is accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Southport. From Southport station, it's a short taxi ride (approximately 5-10 minutes) to the golf club. Buses also run from Southport town centre towards the club.
From Liverpool, the most straightforward way to reach Royal Birkdale is by train from Liverpool Lime Street to Southport. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. From Southport station, a taxi is the quickest way to the club. Driving is also an option, taking about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Yes, there are several accommodation options in Southport and the surrounding areas. You can find hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. For a truly unique experience, consider staying at a golf resort or hotel that offers packages including rounds at prestigious courses.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club provides ample parking for visitors. When arriving by car, follow the signs for visitor parking. It's generally well-organized, especially during major events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking a tee time at Royal Birkdale requires advance planning, often many months or even a year ahead, especially for peak season. You can typically book through their official website or by contacting the club directly. Be prepared for high demand and potentially significant green fees.
Green fees at Royal Birkdale are considered high, reflecting its status as a championship links course and Open venue. Prices can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current rates.
No, you do not need to be a member to play at Royal Birkdale. The club welcomes visitors, but booking well in advance is crucial due to high demand. Playing as a visitor is often referred to as the 'Birkdale Experience'.
Royal Birkdale has a smart dress code. For gentlemen, collared shirts (tucked in), tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes are required. Ladies should wear smart golf attire. Denim, t-shirts, and trainers are generally not permitted.
Tickets for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale are in high demand and typically go on sale well in advance. It's recommended to monitor the official Open Championship website for announcements regarding ticket sales and hospitality packages.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Royal Birkdale is a classic links golf course, known for its challenging layout. It features undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers, and natural marram grass. The course is set amongst dunes and offers stunning views of the Irish Sea. It's a true test of golf, demanding accuracy and strategic thinking.
While Royal Birkdale is a traditional links course, the availability of golf club hire and buggies can vary. It's best to inquire directly with the club when booking your tee time. Many visitors opt to bring their own clubs or arrange hire in advance.
Yes, caddies are available and highly recommended at Royal Birkdale. They provide invaluable local knowledge, assist with shot selection, and enhance the overall experience. Booking a caddie in advance is advisable.
While the entire course is iconic, holes like the 9th, 17th, and the finishing 18th are particularly memorable. The 9th offers coastal views, the 17th is a challenging par 5, and the 18th provides a dramatic conclusion to your round.
Visitors can expect excellent facilities, including a well-appointed clubhouse with dining options, locker rooms, and a pro shop. The club prides itself on providing a first-class experience for all guests.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Royal Birkdale offers dining options within its clubhouse, providing a pleasant experience overlooking the 18th hole. You can enjoy a meal after your round, often with a focus on quality British cuisine. Reservations may be recommended, especially during busy periods.
Yes, visitors are welcome to dine at the Royal Birkdale clubhouse. It's a great way to experience the club's hospitality and reflect on your game while enjoying the views.
While specific menus can change, most high-end golf clubs like Royal Birkdale typically offer a range of options to cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and often vegan choices. It's best to check the current menu or inform the staff of your requirements.
Dining at Royal Birkdale is generally considered to be at the higher end, reflecting the club's prestige and quality of service. Expect prices comparable to fine dining restaurants.
Absolutely. The clubhouse bar is a traditional part of the golfing experience, offering a place to relax, discuss your game, and enjoy a drink after your round.
📸 📸 Photography
Royal Birkdale offers numerous stunning photo opportunities. The dramatic dunes, the challenging holes, and the coastal scenery provide a picturesque backdrop. Capture shots of iconic holes, the clubhouse, and the vast expanse of the links.
The tee box of the 9th hole offers great coastal views. The approach to the 18th green, with the clubhouse in the background, is also a classic shot. Many photographers find the natural beauty of the dunes and the challenging bunkering visually striking.
Yes, you can take photos on the course at Royal Birkdale. However, it's important to be respectful of other golfers and the game. Avoid taking photos during other players' swings and be mindful of any specific club regulations regarding photography.
During The Open Championship, photography rules are often more restricted for spectators to ensure the smooth running of the event and to protect broadcast rights. Check the official Open Championship guidelines for specific photography permissions during the tournament.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide landscape shots of the links and details of the course. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing action on distant holes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more family-friendly experience that still captures the essence of the region's golf heritage, consider visiting during a less busy period or exploring nearby attractions in Southport. The club itself is more geared towards serious golfers, so managing expectations for very young children is key.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, focus on experiencing the atmosphere of the clubhouse or exploring the surrounding Southport area, which offers more budget-friendly accommodation and dining. If playing the course is a must, plan your budget accordingly and perhaps make it the highlight of a trip, saving on other expenses.
🏌️♂️ Serious Golfers
Prepare for a true links test. Understand the impact of wind, master the art of bunker play, and embrace the strategic challenges presented by the undulating fairways and greens. Studying the course layout beforehand and listening to your caddie's advice will significantly enhance your round. This is an opportunity to play where legends have competed and test your game on one of the world's most revered golf courses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Birkdale Experience: More Than Just Golf
Visitors often remark on the impeccable conditioning of the course and the challenging yet fair nature of the layout. The natural undulations of the terrain, combined with the ever-present coastal wind, demand strategic thinking and precise execution. The strategically placed pot bunkers are a hallmark of the course, capable of turning a good score into a challenging one. Many visitors recommend hiring a caddie to fully appreciate the nuances of the course and gain insights into shot selection and green reading.
Beyond the golf itself, the clubhouse offers a glimpse into the club's rich heritage. Stories of famous Open moments, like Seve Ballesteros's chip between bunkers or Ian Baker-Finch's reflections on his 1991 victory, add layers of intrigue. The dining experience, often overlooking the 18th hole, provides a perfect setting to recount the day's triumphs and challenges. While the green fees are substantial, most golfers agree that the experience is well worth the investment for a truly unforgettable golfing adventure.
Navigating the Links: Tips for Playing Royal Birkdale
Understanding the course layout is crucial. Royal Birkdale features a unique routing where the front nine winds out through the dunes and the back nine loops back, often playing in the opposite direction. This means you'll likely face different wind conditions on different parts of the course. Pay close attention to your caddie's advice (if you have one) or study the course map carefully before your round. The greens are typically firm and fast, so accurate approach shots are key to setting up birdie opportunities.
Be prepared for the sandy soil and the characteristic pot bunkers. These are not just hazards but integral parts of the course's design, often guarding the greens or fairways. Escaping them can be tricky, so aiming to avoid them is paramount. Finally, embrace the experience. Royal Birkdale is a place of golfing history, and simply playing the course is an achievement in itself. Enjoy the challenge, the scenery, and the opportunity to play where legends have competed.
Royal Birkdale and The Open Championship
The course's design, with its natural contours and strategic bunkering, has led to some of the most memorable moments in Open history. From dramatic finishes to incredible shots, Royal Birkdale has witnessed it all. The return of The Open to Royal Birkdale in July 2026 is highly anticipated, promising another chapter in the storied rivalry between the world's best golfers and this iconic venue.
For golf enthusiasts, playing Royal Birkdale offers a unique opportunity to experience the same challenges faced by Open champions. The club actively promotes this connection, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of legends and gain a deeper appreciation for the demands of major championship golf. The anticipation for the next Open at Royal Birkdale is palpable, with fans and players alike looking forward to another spectacular event.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit