Royal Birkdale Golf ClubRoyal Birkdale is a classic links course set among very large dunes on the coast near Southport. Founded in 1889 and granted “Royal” status in 1951, the club moved to its present Birkdale Hills site in the 1890s and built a distinctive art deco clubhouse in 1935.
The course is a regular venue on the Open Championship rota and has hosted the Open eleven times between 1954 and 2026, plus other high-profile events including the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup and the Women’s British Open. Three generations of the Hawtree family of architects shaped the routing, which follows valleys between dunes and was extensively modernised and reworked at various times in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Visiting outside tournament weeks offers a close-up view of the dune landscape, bunkering and green contours that test championship players; during majors the site becomes a large spectator arena with temporary infrastructure. Recent alterations made ahead of the 2026 Open include notable changes to several holes and bunker work, so familiar lines and hole numbers have been updated.
- The Championship course: Walk the routed 18 holes that have staged multiple Open Championships and see the links features that challenge elite players.
- Dune landscape and coastal views: The course winds through large coastal dunes with panoramic views over the surrounding Merseyside coast from higher points.
- Art deco clubhouse: The distinctive 1935 clubhouse is an architectural landmark on site and a focal point for the course and event activity.
- Renovated holes and bunkering: Recent changes to several holes, including reworking of fairways, greens and bunkers, are visible on the routing used for modern championships.
Nearby Attractions to Royal Birkdale Golf Club#
Best Time to Visit Royal Birkdale Golf Club#
The area has a temperate maritime climate with cool, often windy conditions and rainfall spread through the year. Summer offers the warmest and driest conditions but weather can change quickly on a links course.
Weather & Climate near Royal Birkdale Golf Club#
Royal Birkdale Golf Club's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (843 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 4° | 78 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | 4° | 53 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 66 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 51 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 49 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 58 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 58 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 73 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 79 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 94 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 96 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 88 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Royal Birkdale Golf Club#
Royal Birkdale sits on the outskirts of Southport; the nearest railway station is Southport railway station and the closest major city is Liverpool, which offers wider transport connections. The region is served by Liverpool John Lennon Airport for scheduled flights, and Blackpool also has an airport with seasonal services.
The last stretch from Southport is usually covered by a short taxi ride or local bus services; during championship weeks there are dedicated shuttles and traffic arrangements, so check local travel information and event notices for details.
Tips for Visiting Royal Birkdale Golf Club#
- Royal Birkdale is a private members’ club and public access can be restricted, so check visitor arrangements with the club before planning a playing visit.
- The course is a true links and can be very windy and changeable; bring warm layers and waterproofs even in summer.
- If you’re visiting during a major event expect large crowds and restricted movement on course roads and paths.
- Respect club rules and stay on designated paths and spectator routes when on site.