Royal Liverpool
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, located in Hoylake, is a masterpiece of links golf that has stood the test of time. Established in 1869, this historic course has hosted The Open Championship multiple times, witnessing iconic victories and some of the game’s most memorable moments. Known for its demanding layout, Royal Liverpool challenges golfers with a mix of strategic bunkers, coastal winds, and firm, fast-running fairways that require both skill and adaptability.
Playing as a par-72 and stretching over 7,218 yards, Royal Liverpool takes advantage of its natural links landscape, with holes weaving seamlessly through flat, open terrain and featuring views of the Dee Estuary and the Welsh hills. This course doesn’t rely on dramatic elevation changes but rather on a subtle, nuanced design that forces golfers to carefully consider every shot.
The par-5 18th, a hole that has crowned many champions, demands both length and accuracy, often played in front of thousands of spectators during championship events. Another standout is the par-4 12th, a deceptively challenging hole with bunkers strategically placed to catch errant shots, highlighting the course’s commitment to testing shot-making and accuracy.
What sets Royal Liverpool apart is its emphasis on traditional links play, demanding creativity, shot shaping, and a strategic mind. The open landscape and notorious winds mean that every round feels fresh, with conditions changing from one hour to the next. The course has an atmosphere that resonates with history, yet it continues to provide a stern challenge to modern players.
Playing Royal Liverpool is more than just a round of golf; it’s an immersion into the storied past and intricate design that make this one of England’s most cherished courses. It’s a must for any golfer looking to experience the heart of links golf in its purest, most historic form.