Royal Birkdale Golf Club
One of the fairest and most revered Open links in England — a Hawtree and Taylor masterpiece on the Southport coast that stages its eleventh Open in 2026 and still opens its tees to visitors on set days.
Can I play Royal Birkdale Golf Club?
Yes, on set days — Royal Birkdale is a private members' club that also releases a limited number of visitor tee times, typically on selected weekdays. In 2026, the year it stages its eleventh Open Championship, visitor access is unusually restricted to certain Mondays and Thursdays. A handicap certificate is normally required, and booking well ahead is essential.
How to book: Contact the club's golf office to reserve one of the limited visitor slots; booking months in advance is advisable, especially around the 2026 Open. Green fees are around £450 in early season (March–April) and £495 from May to October. Bring proof of a recognised handicap.
About Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Royal Birkdale is widely regarded as the finest of England's Open Championship links, its holes threading fairly through the valleys between towering dunes rather than over them. Founded in 1889 and shaped into its modern form by F.G. Hawtree and J.H. Taylor, with recent refinements by Mackenzie & Ebert, it has crowned champions from Peter Thomson and Arnold Palmer to Jordan Spieth. In 2026 it hosts its eleventh Open Championship, adding to a roll of Ryder Cups and Women's British Opens. It is a members' club, but one that releases visitor tee times on selected days — a rare chance to play a true major venue.
Signature hole
The par-4 18th, a stern closing hole beneath the club's white art-deco clubhouse where Opens have been decided; nearby, a plaque at the 16th marks Arnold Palmer's famous 1961 recovery from thick rough.
What makes it special
Eleven-time Open host
Stages its eleventh Open Championship in 2026, cementing its place in the rota.
Fairest of the links
Holes run through the dune valleys, giving arguably the most honest championship test in England.
Playable major venue
Releases limited visitor tee times on set weekdays for those who book ahead with a handicap.
Tournament pedigree
- The Open Championship (1954, 1961, 1965, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1991, 1998, 2008, 2017, 2026)
- Women's British Open (1982, 1986, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014)
- Ryder Cup (1965, 1969)
Need to know
Best time to play
May to September for the firmest turf and best weather; spring and early autumn are quieter and slightly cheaper. Note the July 2026 Open Championship closes the course to visitors around the event.
Dress code
Traditional golf attire — collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts and golf shoes. No denim, and smart dress is expected in the clubhouse.
Good to know
A recognised handicap certificate is normally required to book. Caddies and trolleys are available; buggies are generally reserved for medical need. Rounds on this classic Hawtree/Taylor links, laid in the valleys between the dunes, take around four to four and a half hours.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Liverpool John Lennon (LPL) ~45 minutes; Manchester (MAN) ~1 hour 15 minutes.
On arrival
From Liverpool Airport it is about 45 minutes north by car via the M57/M58 and A565 to Southport. The links lies just south of the resort town on the Sefton coast, part of England's Golf Coast cluster of championship links.
Stay near the course
Southport's Victorian seafront and Lord Street offer hotels and guesthouses minutes from the course. The town is an ideal base for combining Birkdale with neighbouring Hillside, Formby and Royal Lytham & St Annes.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Birkdale Guesthouse
Southport
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Eight Continents, Southport
Southport
A taste of the luxury stays near Royal Birkdale Golf Club — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Southport — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Southport.
Explore SouthportFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Royal Birkdale?
Yes, on set days. Birkdale is a members' club that releases limited visitor tee times, usually on selected weekdays; access is tighter in the 2026 Open year, and a handicap certificate is normally required.
How much does it cost to play Royal Birkdale?
Visitor green fees in 2026 are around £450 in March–April and £495 from May to October, with caddies available for an extra fee.
Do I need a handicap to play Royal Birkdale?
Yes — visitors are normally asked to provide proof of a recognised handicap when booking and playing.
When is the best time to play Royal Birkdale?
May to September gives the firmest, best-conditioned links; the course is closed to visitors around the July 2026 Open Championship.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Royal Birkdale — Official site
- Royal Birkdale green fees — Golf Monthly
- Royal Birkdale Golf Club — Wikipedia
Guide updated 2026-07-27.