No 5 - Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale is an Open venue favourite boasting a great challenge, and a rich history. The design is incredibly challenging with each hole beautifully framed

Royal Birkdale
Neil Tappin
By
published

5 ROYAL BIRKDALE

Architect: Lowe 2006 position: 7 Stats: 6,817 yds; par 72; SSS 75 GF: £120-£195 T: 01704 552030 W: royalbirkdale.com

When the Open visited Royal Birkdale in 2008 we saw just how punishing a tough links can be in strong winds.

Unlike many other Major venues, Birkdale has always been a stern, but fair, test – The R&A didn’t have to add too many teeth to push the world’s best to the limit.

Each hole is beautifully framed, with many high tees affording clear views of the hole (and dangers) ahead.

Often, the natural dunes create the feel of an amphitheatre, separating holes perfectly and allowing you to appreciate each individual challenge in isolation.

This is one devilishly beautiful stretch of land. NT

+ Incredibly challenging design; rich history; good visitor facilities - Expensive; too hard for many; clubhouse design divides opinion Enter your review of Royal Birkdale Down below

Where next?

>>> Top 100 Golf Courses: No. 6 Back to the Top 100 Golf Courses list - An introduction to Golf Monthly's Top 100 Golf Courses by editor, Mike Harris - Who makes up The Top 100 Golf Courses panel? - How do Golf Monthly assess the Top 100 Golf courses?

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Neil Tappin
Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

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