Royal Liverpool

A thinking person’s links. Hoylake is subtle, strategic, and relentless – a flat canvas with hidden depth and Open pedigree.

Slope Rating

143

Par

71

Yardage

7,383

Royal Liverpool, known more commonly as Hoylake, is one of the oldest and most storied clubs in England – home to 13 Open Championships, including Tiger’s masterclass in 2006 and Rory’s wire-to-wire win in 2014. At first glance, it doesn’t look intimidating – flat, exposed, and orderly. But that’s the deception. Hoylake is ruthless if you’re out of position. It demands a precise strategy, especially off the tee. Bunkers are perfectly placed, and the out-of-bounds lines – particularly early on – loom large. The course was recently updated ahead of the 2023 Open, with a brand-new closing hole (a short par-3 17th) that adds drama and risk at the end. Greens are firm, contoured, and fast – especially when the wind is up. The terrain may be understated, but the test is pure. Tiger used irons off nearly every tee in 2006 to win at -18, proving it’s about patience, not power. Hoylake rewards discipline and quietly exposes every flaw in your game.

Designer

George Morris & Robert Chambers (1869); updates by Donald Steel and Martin Ebert

Opened

1869

Tee time availability

Difficult

Special information

Historic club with Open pedigree. Bookings require advance notice. Strict dress code and etiquette.

Tiger’s best round

65 (2006 Open – Round 2)

Rory’s best round

66 (2014 Open – Round 1)

Mens course record

63 – Matthew Jordan (club pro, 2023 practice)

Ladies course record

65 – Ashleigh Buhai (2022 Women’s British Open)

Round duration

4 hours 45 minutes

Caddy guide

Strongly recommended – essential for wind strategy, angles, and avoiding hidden trouble

Buggies

Not permitted – walking only

Discipline is key. Leave driver in the bag if needed. Play for angles and position. The new 17th demands total control late in the round – don’t over-commit.

This course will tempt you into mistakes. Stick to smart lines, play short of danger, and aim centre-green. Focus on getting through the first 6 holes without drama.

It’s a tough walk, but a fair challenge. Play safe, take the long way around hazards, and enjoy the calm beauty of a proper Open venue. You’ll remember it forever.

Green speed

10 – quick, true, and subtly contoured

Wind

Often brutal – no protection. Prevailing westerly shapes nearly every tee shot and adds edge to club selection

Pace of play

Well-managed – high-level etiquette and marshalling

Nerves on the first tee

High – tight fairway, OB right, and the sense of Open history all around you

Clubhouse

Traditional and rich with history – full of artefacts and tournament heritage

The par-3 17th (new for 2023 Open) is a short, elevated green with disaster in every direction – pure theatre. The 1st and 3rd holes have dangerous OB. The 18th is a solid par-5 finish that tempts a bold second. The 15th is a brutal par-5 often playing into the wind.

Typical west coast links – wind, shifting clouds, and cooler air. Summer offers firm fairways and testing breezes. Autumn brings moodier conditions and beautiful light.