1 Night, 2 Rounds
When it comes to links golf in the UK, there's arguably nowhere better than Royal Birkdale. Ryan Fox's dramatic win in The 154th 2026 Open Championship is testament to that, an elite leaderboard making moves across one of the toughest finishes in golf.
Set in Southport on England's North West coast, this 11-time Open host, six-time Women's Open venue and two-time Ryder Cup host sits right in the middle of a region many golfers call Britain's links heartland.
Since being granted Royal golf course status by King George VI, Birkdale has built a reputation for championship golf and it plays exactly like one. In proper links fashion, it's a stringent test of every part of your game, rewarding smart decisions and crisp ball-striking but asking tough questions if you drift out of position. Get offline and the rough and bunkering make saving par a stern test. Fairways are framed by towering dunes rather than trees, so line off the tee matters, and when the wind gets up the same hole can play very differently from one hour to the next.
Approaches need to be flighted, especially on blustery days, and the greens demand a deft touch around the surfaces. The layout has that rare links feeling where each hole sits in its own arena. If the scorecard takes a battering, the views across the dunes and out towards the coast soften the blow.
With Open champions here including Peter Thompson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Jordan Spieth and Ryan Fox, it's no surprise Royal Birkdale is ranked amongst the world's best golf courses. If you're building a UK links break, this is the sort of round that justifies the trip on its own. Those travelling by train from Liverpool are in for a treat with the likes of West Lancs Golf Club, Formby Golf Club and Hillside Golf Club
all dotted along the 40 minute train journey.
Who is this for?
Golfers chasing a bucket-list links round on a genuine Open rota venue.
Who is it best for?
Confident golfers who enjoy a demanding links test, plus anyone who wants to tick off arguably the most examined tournament course in the UK.
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
Despite all its golfing accolades, the course is by no means the hardest links out there meaning that whether you are a low or high handicapper there is both fun and a challenge to be found on the course. Birkdale is as good as links golf in England comes, and is the jewel in Southport's considerable golfing crown.
Royal Birkdale is seen by many as the 3rd best course in the UK and the 32nd best worldwide. Jordan Spieth claimed his 1st Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in winning The 2017 Open Championship. His -12 total was enough for a 3-shot victory over Matt Kuchar. Ireland's Padraig Harrington claimed a back-to-back victory in The 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with a +3 total being enough to fend off a chasing Ian Poulter. Harrington's Eagle on the par-5 17th hole proved critical with his approach shot into the green considered by many to be one of the best played under pressure in Major golf.
However, it is not only the golf course that makes Royal Birkdale so spectacular, the clubhouse contains the perfect balance between representing the esteemed history of the club whilst still containing all the contemporary facilities needed to make sure you can relax and enjoy some wonderful food and drink after a day of golf. Before the round stock up in the pro-shop which only sells you the latest and best equipment. Also if arranged in advance there are also some of the best pros in the country at Royal Birkdale all of whom are willing to help you hone your skills before tackling the glorious golf course. There are buggies available to rent but only to those who have a genuine incapacity to play golf unless they have a buggy to get them round the course.
As far as links golf breaks go, Royal Birkdale is the perfect destination for golfers of all abilities. Even with the North West of England being littered with so many fantastic courses, Royal Birkdale is just that cut above the rest as it offers a unique golfing experience that cannot be found elsewhere due to the sheer number of tournaments it has held. It is also very easy to get to from wherever it is you wish to come from. Royal Birkdale is only 45 minutes away from Liverpool and 1 hour away from Manchester. The nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport again only a 45 minutes drive. If you are travelling via train, there are services running every 15 minutes from Liverpool to Southport, so the golf club is very easily accessible.
Royal Birkdale is ranked as one of the best courses in England
| Par | 70 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Frederick G. Hawtree and J.H. Taylor. |
| Opened for play | 1889 |
| Previously hosted | Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Women’s British Open, The Walker and Curtis Cups |
| White | 7,156 yards | Par 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,381 yards | Par 72 |
| Red | 5,793 yards | Par 75 |
The par 3, 12th is seen as the signature hole at Royal Birkdale. Despite being relatively short the green is well guarded by deep bunkers and thick rough making an accurate shot imperative if you want to any chance of parring the hole. The 12th is considered one of the finest on the course as when the wind blows hitting the green is no easy feat and once you get there it doesn’t exactly get any easier. The subtle contouring of the small putting surface make it difficult to read.
Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open 11 times and was the last English course to be added to The Open rota in 1954, Turnberry being the latest addition in 1977.
| Year | Winner | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ryan Fox | New Zealand | -10 |
| 2017 | Jorden Spieth | USA | -12 |
| 2008 | Padraig Harrington | Ireland | +3 |
| 1998 | Mark O'Meara | USA | Par |
| 1991 | Ian Baker-Finch | Australia | -8 |
| 1983 | Tom Watson | USA | -9 |
| 1976 | Johnny Miller | USA | -9 |
| 1971 | Lee Trevino | USA | -14 |
| 1965 | Peter Thomson | Australia | -7 |
| 1961 | Arnold Palmer | USA | -4 |
| 1954 | Peter Thomson | Australia | -9 |
Royal Birkdale Golf Club is situated between the towns of Southport and Ainsdale off the A565, just half a mile from Hillside train station.
Address: Waterloo Road, Southport, Merseyside, England, PR8 2LX
Christopher
✓8 May 2026
Loved every minute. With the open coming up it was obviously busy on the course which made for a slower than usual round (5:20) but this didn’t matter as we were playing a course that was steeped in history and it was an actual honour to be able to play it… especially during an open year
Michael
✓4 Oct 2025
Great golf course. A true test of golf. Every shot had to be thought about, miss the fairway and it became difficult. Absolutely loved it though and drinks on the veranda outside the 18th were great. One to tell the grandchildren about.
Laurie
✓11 Jul 2025
Paddy
✓10 May 2025
Mark
✓10 May 2025
Brilliant Golf Course - we had a caddy from other party which was helpful - and had a famous Pro and his family playing behind us. Everyone very friendly at Birkdale and a great time.
Christopher
✓5 Oct 2024
It's a splendid course, well protected by its bunkers and the wind. Greens true and in places very tricky. Very good welcome on arrival, and an expert caddie provided. All great fun.
Kevin
✓15 Aug 2024
Just brilliant, everything looks great,great staff who meet you and show you where to go. Everyone super friendly Best course I've played
David
✓4 Aug 2024
wonderful golf course
David
✓25 Jun 2023
Must be one of the best courses in UK. Immaculate condition and the staff very helpful. Great experience, expensive but worth it.
William
✓24 Apr 2023
An incredible experience. It was super hard as so many long par 4s. And a lot of bunkers. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.
Yes
No
£50
No play on Saturday and limited on Sunday
There is complimentary parking
