Royal Birkdale Golf Club

A magnificent golf course which I was fortunate enough to play a couple of years ago, Birkdale is a grand affair, stretched out between sand dunes and heather.
On arrival we were greeted by an extremely friendly pro who introduced us to the club, showed us around and gave us an updated weather report. Coffee was also provided inclusive of the green fee.
The clubhouse is one of the most warmest and informal of all I've visited - we were treated with nothing but the best in hospitality from the start. I spent a good half an hour just exploring the clubhouse which is a work of art in itself.
The course speaks for itself; each hole a unique challenge with a story attached. I found it didn't matter if I was playing well, the fact that I was playing one of the worlds most famous 18 holes was more important.
Each hole deserves a mention however the following just stuck out more for me;
1st - A great hole, long par 4 that doglegs left slightly. The hole ends with a tough green that requires precision to guarantee par
4th - Long difficult par 3 with a swirling wind to contend with. Grabbing a par here is an achievement in itself.
16th - A difficult par 4, tee shots must be kept straight to maintain a decent score.
The course finishes with the classic 18th, the green directly in front of the clubhouse. The day was finished off with a couple of pints in the splendid clubhouse, this rounding off a very memorable occasion.
A course all golfers should play in their lifetime.

Played on April 7 and enjoyed it very much. Tough opening hole and last 4 can bring both birdies and bogies into play. Relatively flat fairways for an Open Course. Very Fair.

I played here yesterday and was lucky to get fantastic weather with hardly a breath of wind. The first hole is the toughest opening I've seen and this course would be a killer if played in Open conditions. The 17th is a classic par 5, whilst I was disappointed to find the 18th is being played as a par 5 from the competition tees - always a strong par 4 finish during the Opens. A great test of golf and a magnificent clubhouse to enjoy after the round.

Played Birkdale in perfect conditions in April 2003. By common consensus the best course we played on our trip, although Hillside's back nine might (I think) shade either of the nines here. Every hole is very well framed - 17 in particular. Excellent greens. The course speaks for itself. Royal Liverpool I'm afraid suffers by comparison. The club deferred the complimentary soup and sandwiches until after the round, which was a nice touch, and generally went out of their way to make us feel welcome. A great memory!

The first time I played here in a 30 mph wind, the rough by the side of the 1st green came up to my chest. It was an unforgettable introduction to what has now become my favourite course.
After nearly 10 more visits I see the course in a more positive way each time. Beautiful, fair, very hard on the lazy and wayward and simply one of the most complete golf courses anywhere. The ambience and staff make it even more remarkable.
Don't forget to check the Arnold Palmer plague.

This is the 4th of the Open courses that I have played so far, and the best. As a traditional links course you could not ask for anything more, with tight short holes, long par 4's and fantastic par 3's.
The 1st is a slight dog leg left, I play of 6 handicap, and on a calm day hit driver, 5 wood to the green. That then sets you up for what Birkdale has in store. If you ever get the chance and love your golf do not miss the opportunity to play this gem of a golf course.

A superb course. Magnificent in every area. Very tough especially when the wind is blowing ( which is almost all the time ).