Royal Birkdale Hosts 154th Open for 11th Time After 2021 Redesign
Updated
Updated · PGA TOUR · Jul 12
Royal Birkdale Hosts 154th Open for 11th Time After 2021 Redesign
3 articles · Updated · PGA TOUR · Jul 12
Summary
Royal Birkdale stages the 154th Open Championship this week, becoming host for the 11th time since first welcoming the event in 1954.
2021 course work by Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert reshaped key holes, including a redesigned 321-yard fifth, a new 241-yard par-3 15th and a tougher 508-yard 18th.
The updated links now plays to par 70 at 7,223 yards, with narrow fescue corridors, deep revetted bunkers and winds often reaching 10 to 20 mph that reward controlled shot-making.
Birkdale's championship pedigree includes winners from Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson to Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth, underscoring why the Southport venue remains a staple of the Open rota.