Royal Birkdale - 2026
Royal Birkdale Golf Club was established in 1889 and has grown into one of the most prestigious links courses in the world, first hosting The Open Championship in 1954.
It has staged The Open on ten previous occasions, producing champions such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth,
Tee Times | Course Guide | Win with Steyn City
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HOLE-BY-HOLE GUIDE
Par 71 | 7 381 YARDS
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Hole 1
Forward | Par 4 | 448 YARDS
A demanding opening hole that requires an accurate drive between fairway bunkers. The approach is played to a raised green where any inaccuracy can leave a difficult opening up-and-down.
Hole 2
Pullman | Par 4 | 421 YARDS
A gently bending dogleg where positioning off the tee is more important than distance. Bunkers pinch the landing area, and the green slopes subtly from back to front.
Hole 3
Plateau | Par 4 | 450 YARDS
One of the tougher holes on the front nine. The fairway narrows in the driving zone and the elevated green can be difficult to hold, particularly in a crosswind.
Hole 4
Hedgerows | Par 3 | 199 YARDS
The first one-shotter on the course. Wind direction is often the deciding factor here, making club selection extremely important.
Hole 5
Vale | Par 4 | 346 YARDS
One of the shorter par fours but far from easy. Players face a strategic decision from the tee, weighing aggression against the risk posed by several fairway bunkers.
Hole 6
Waterloo | Par 4 | 499 YARDS
A long and demanding test that frequently plays into the prevailing wind. Two excellent shots are required to reach the green in regulation.
Hole 7
Dawson | Par 5 | 572 YARDS
The first par five offers a scoring opportunity. The challenge is avoiding the strategically placed bunkers that line the route to the green.
Hole 8
Hutton | Par 4 | 458 YARDS
A classic links hole framed by dunes. Accuracy from the tee is crucial, as approaching the green from the rough is extremely difficult.
Hole 9
Fernley | Par 4 | 411 YARDS
The outward half concludes with a challenging par four featuring a narrow fairway and a green protected by deep bunkers.
Hole 10
Paddock | Par 4 | 412 YARDS
The back nine opens with a straightforward-looking hole that becomes much tougher in strong winds. A well-positioned drive is essential.
Hole 11
Sandhills | Par 3 | 210 YARDS
A picturesque but demanding par three. Surrounded by dunes, it often plays longer than its yardage due to prevailing winds.
Hole 12
Devon | Par 4 | 447 YARDS
Fairway bunkers narrow the target area off the tee. The green sits in a natural dune setting and rewards a precise approach.
Hole 13
Lilley | Par 4 | 499 YARDS
Regularly among the toughest holes on the course. Length, bunkering and exposure to the wind make par an excellent score.
Hole 14
Eliott | Par 3 | 203 YARDS
A beautiful and demanding par three where an accurate iron shot is needed to find a green guarded by bunkers and run-off areas.
Hole 15
Haig | Par 5 | 544 YARDS
The final par five on the course provides a birdie chance late in the round. However, poor positioning from the tee can quickly turn opportunity into trouble.
Hole 16
Batten | Par 4 | 439 YARDS
A strong par four where the fairway tightens significantly. Players entering the closing stretch must balance caution and aggression.
Hole 17
Channel | Par 5 | 572 YARDS
One of the most famous holes in Open history. It was here that Jordan Spieth produced his remarkable recovery during his victorious 2017 championship. Long hitters may try to reach the green in two, but danger lurks throughout.
Hole 18
Dunlop | Par 4 | 473 YARDS
A superb finishing hole playing towards the clubhouse. The fairway is tightly framed by dunes and bunkers, demanding nerves of steel when the Claret Jug is on the line.