Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Host of The Open Championship 2026 — the pinnacle of links golf
About Royal Birkdale
Royal Birkdale is the greatest links course most golfers will ever play. Set among towering sand dunes on the Sefton Coast, it has hosted ten Open Championships and ranks consistently among the top five courses in the world. The 2026 Open returns here in July — and if you're planning a golf trip to the Sefton Coast, this is the reason.
The course demands creativity and intelligence. Fairways run between steep dunes that channel the wind in unpredictable ways. The rough is brutal. Greens are fast, subtle and positioned to make you think about every approach. It's not a course you muscle your way around — links experience helps enormously.
Visitor tee times are available, but Royal Birkdale is strict about both availability and etiquette. Pre-book well in advance, respect the dress code, and play to your handicap certificate requirement.
Course Data
| Tee | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 70 | 7,156 | 76.5 | 148 |
| Medal | 70 | 6,671 | 73.2 | 140 |
| White | 70 | 6,244 | 70.8 | 134 |
Ratings verified to best available data. Verify with club before competition use.
How to Get a Tee Time
Visitors welcome subject to availability. Handicap certificate required (men 24, ladies 36). No visitors on competition days.
Weekdays preferred. Limited weekend availability.
Book 3–6 months in advance for peak season. Open week accommodation books 12+ months ahead.
Men's handicap limit: 24. Handicap certificate required — bring your club card or EGA handicap card.
Why Play Royal Birkdale?
- 10 Open Championships — more than almost any other venue
- Ranked in world's top 5 links courses
- Iconic willow scrub rough — a Royal Birkdale signature
- No two consecutive holes play in the same direction
- Site of Arnold Palmer's legendary 1961 Open — he played a 6-iron recovery shot from a bush
Practical Notes
- Handicap certificate required — men 24, ladies 36
- Smart/casual dress code — no denim, no trainers
- Caddies available, advance booking recommended
- Trolleys permitted, buggies restricted
- Clubhouse lunch recommended — the bar has Open Championship memorabilia throughout
Major Championship History
After Your Round
Book Your Round
Book tee times and golf packages at Royal Birkdale via Golf Breaks — the UK's leading golf holiday specialist.
View Golf Breaks PackagesGetting There
Postcode: PR8 2LX
From Liverpool Airport: ~45 min by car
From Manchester Airport: ~70 min by car
By train: Merseyrail to Southport, then taxi