Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Established on July 30, 1889, Royal Birkdale Golf Club has a rich history steeped in tradition. Originally situated in the Shaw Hills behind Bedford Road near Bedford Park, the Club’s inaugural 9-hole course welcomed its first players in October 1889. However, in 1894, a decision was made to relocate the links to the picturesque Birkdale Hills. By 1897, the Club found its permanent home at the present location, where George Lowe, the professional at nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes GC, laid out an 18-hole course.
The clubhouse at Royal Birkdale stands as an iconic symbol, blending history with modern amenities to offer unparalleled facilities for relaxation post-game. Constructed in 1935 in the elegant art deco style, the clubhouse was designed by local architect George E. Tonge, who won a prestigious competition for the project. In 1951, Royal Birkdale was granted Royal status, marking a significant milestone in its illustrious journey. Just three years later, the prestigious Open Championship made its debut at the course, with Peter Thompson clinching victory, a feat he repeated in 1965.
Over the years, Royal Birkdale has been the proud host of numerous prestigious events, including 9 further Open Championships, 7 Women’s Opens, 2 Ryder Cups–one of which witnessed the famous ‘concession’ incident in 1969–along with one Senior Open and various Professional & Amateur Championships.
The Club is thrilled to have been bestowed the honour of hosting the Open Championship once again in 2026. In preparation for this prestigious event, the course is undergoing layout changes, which will be implemented in two phases during the winters of 2024 and 2025.