Royal Birkdale needs no introduction. Host to The Open, the Ryder Cup and the Women’s British Open, it is one of the finest links courses in the world and a must-play for any keen golfer.
Every hole runs through a valley between towering sand dunes. The fairways are flatter and fairer than on many links, so a good drive is rarely kicked off line, but stray from the middle and the dunes can be costly. The greens are the course’s great defence: immaculate all year round and famously difficult to read.
Royal Birkdale sits at the heart of England’s Golf Coast in Southport, so it is easy to combine with Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St Annes and Southport & Ainsdale for a few days of world-class links golf, as on our Three Royals and Southport Tour itineraries.
Course: 18-hole championship links. Address: Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2LX
Planning a round at Royal Birkdale? See our guide to golf in the North West for nearby courses, hotels and tours, or visit the Royal Birkdale website.